Solbiate Olona , 5 June 2025 – The ARF Component Commanders’ Conference was held today at the operational headquarters of NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy (NRDC-ITA). The event brought together, both in person and via teleconference, representatives from SHAPE and the commanders of NATO units that till 2027 will make up the components of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF).
Lieutenant General Lorenzo D’Addario, Commander of NRDC-ITA, welcomed the commanders of the Land, Maritime, Air, Special Operations, Space, and Cyber Component Commands, providing operational guidance and receiving updates on the current readiness of each unit. Special attention was given to upcoming training activities, in which NRDC-ITA will act as the ARF Headquarters (HQ).
Among these, the Steadfast Dagger 2025 exercise stands out. Scheduled for November–December in Stavanger, Norway, at the Joint Warfare Centre (JWC), it will certify the full operational capability of the ARF components ahead of their rotation on 1 July 2026. This will be followed by Steadfast Dart 2026, a complex deployment of multinational forces in Germany, planned for January–February 2026.
The ARF, a multinational and multi-domain force under the direct authority of SACEUR, is a fundamental tool for ensuring a rapid and flexible response to emerging threats and crises. In this role, NRDC-ITA has already faced numerous operational challenges, including military exercises, academic studies, and staff training.
The NATO Command in Milan has also expanded its partnerships, broadening its network of allies and partners to foster the exchange of expertise and best practices. The designation of NRDC-ITA as ARF HQ confirms Italy’s strong commitment to the Alliance and reinforces the ARF’s role as a core component of NATO’s new Force Model. This model supports the Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic area (DDA) and aligns with the Regional Plans agreed by Heads of State and Government during the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius.