Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the Chief of Defence for Italy, paid a visit to Allied Command Transformation today. This strategic NATO headquarters oversees the development and shaping of the Alliance’s future military capabilities. Admiral Cavo Dragone was greeted by the newly appointed Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, Admiral Pierre Vandier. The visit held particular significance as Admiral Cavo Dragone is set to become the next Chair of the NATO Military Committee.
As the principal military advisor to the Secretary General, the North Atlantic Council, and other senior NATO bodies, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee represents the collective views of all NATO Chiefs of Defence. The Chair guides the Military Committee’s agenda and discussions, ensuring that all member states’ perspectives are considered. They work tirelessly to reconcile differing national positions and policies, ultimately crafting advice that all NATO members can agree upon.
During his visit, Admiral Cavo Dragone received in-depth briefings on several key areas of focus for Allied Command Transformation:
- Multi-Domain Operations: This concept recognizes that modern warfare is no longer confined to a single domain, such as land, maritime, or air. Instead, it involves a complex interplay of all domains, as well as cyberspace and outer space. Allied Command Transformation is working to develop strategies and capabilities to effectively operate in this multi-dimensional environment. Through this Command’s development of the Multi-Domain Operations Concept, actions are synchronized with non-military activities and enable the Alliance to create desired outcomes at the right time and place. This will enable NATO’s Military Instrument of Power to prepare, plan, orchestrate and execute coordinated activities in collaboration with other stakeholders and actors associated with the Alliance. In doing so, this concept will deliver tailored options that build an advantage in shaping, contesting and fighting and presents dilemmas that decisively influence the attitudes and behaviours of adversaries.
- NATO Defence Planning Process: This is the framework through which NATO member states plan their military forces and capabilities. It ensures that the Alliance has the necessary resources to meet its collective security commitments. Allied Command Transformation contributes to all aspects of the NATO Defence Planning Process by leveraging its expertise in Warfare Development to provide critical insights and develop key products at various stages of the Process. Allied Command Transformation, and Allied Command Operations, are deeply immersed in efforts to translate the guidance from the Allies into the Capability Requirements that will enable the Alliance to achieve its revised Level of Ambition.
- Centres of Excellence: NATO Centres of Excellence are specialized institutions that contribute to the Alliance’s modernization and adaptation to emerging security challenges. These centres offer expertise in various areas, such as space, cyber defence, and climate change, and are essential for strengthening NATO’s collective defence capabilities. They provide in-depth knowledge, support concept development and experimentation, contribute to doctrine development and standardization, and offer education, training, and analysis services. Centres of Excellence operate at no cost to NATO, adhere to Alliance standards, and build relationships with national and multinational partners. They play a crucial role in enhancing NATO’s capabilities and adapting to the evolving security landscape.
- JATEC: The Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre (JATEC) is a new joint NATO-Ukraine organization designed to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces and foster long-term interoperability with NATO. It will focus on developing Ukraine’s defence capabilities, analyzing lessons learned from the ongoing war, and supporting NATO’s future strategies. JATEC is a key element of NATO’s commitment to Ukraine, as reaffirmed in the Washington Summit Declaration. Its establishment marks a significant milestone in the NATO-Ukraine relationship and will play a crucial role in enhancing collective security.
Why is it important for Chiefs of Defence to visit Allied Command Transformation?
Visits by senior national military leaders like Chiefs of Defence are essential for strengthening the relationship between NATO and its member states. By visiting Allied Command Transformation, these leaders gain a deeper understanding of the Alliance’s strategic priorities and the challenges it faces. This knowledge can help them to ensure that their national military forces are aligned with NATO’s goals and contribute effectively to collective security.
As the highest-ranking military officer in Italy, Admiral Cavo Dragone is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Italian armed forces. He oversees the planning and execution of military operations, as well as the development of military capabilities. Admiral Cavo Dragone’s visit to Allied Command Transformation underscores not only Italy’s commitment to NATO, but the important role the Command plays within the Alliance as he prepares to assume to the role of Chair of NATO’s Military Committee in the near future.
