ARLINGTON, VA | June 24, 2021
AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies hosted Italian Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Lt Gen Luca Goretti and Italian Air Defense Attaché Maj Gen Stefano Cont to share their views and priorities regarding resourcing the Italian Air Force (IAF) on June 24.
As a NATO member and international partner with the United States on the F-35 fighter program, the Italian Air Force is a critical U.S. ally. Generals Goretti and Cont shared their near-term goals and perspectives on airpower, Italy’s fifth-generation aircraft program, and future opportunities to share and exercise allied aerospace power. The Italian Air Force leaders also shared views on geopolitical competition with Russia and China.
The high-level visit and open discussion highlight the continued constructive dialogue among America’s critical partners and the benefits derived from airpower advocacy, such as that advanced by the Mitchell Institute.
“The visit of Lt Gen Goretti and Maj Gen Cont resulted in a valuable exchange of information on issues of concern between the Italian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, as well as aerospace allies in general. We look forward to maintaining a close relationship with our ItAF friends as we develop solutions to our mutual security challenges of the future.” said Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute.
AFA President Lt Gen Bruce “Orville” Wright, USAF (Ret.), who joined in the visit, shared, “The planned participation of Italian Air Force members in the upcoming Sep ‘21 AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference offers a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our friendships and international air and space forces’ mutual support.”