Colonel Francesco Monetti

Force Generation Officer Special Operations Air Brigade - Italian Air Force

Col. Francesco Monetti is a senior Italian Air Force officer and experienced helicopter pilot with a distinguished career in operational, command, and staff roles. After completing studies in the United States and Italy, he graduated from the Italian Air Force Academy and went on to earn a degree in Political Science and two Master’s degrees in leadership, strategic analysis, and international military studies. He received his pilot wings in Canada and served with the 9th Wing, achieving combat readiness on the HH‑212 and deploying multiple times to Afghanistan in both flying and staff roles, including with Task Force 45 under Special Forces command. He later commanded the 21st Squadron “Tigre,” served as Chief of Operations at the 9th Wing, and led the Special Operations Air Task Group, contributing to national missions such as emergency response and COVID‑19 biocontainment transport. Now serving in the 1st Special Operations Air Brigade, he oversees force generation. He is qualified on numerous aircraft and is decorated with several national honours.