Italian Carabinieri hold first drone workshop in Rieti

From 28 to 30 July, the Carabinieri conducted their inaugural 1st Operational Workshop on the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (APR) at the new APR Training Section of the 16th Helicopter Unit in Rieti, Italy. The event was organized by the Carabinieri General Command’s Department of Air and Naval and supported logistically by the Carabinieri Forest School.

The workshop showcased live drone operations by 20 experienced military personnel and highlighted the recent creation of the first APR nucleus at Rome Urbe, establishing a doctrinal hub for police drone activities. Senior officers, Vice‑Commander General Massimo Mennitti and Chief of Staff General Andrea Taurelli Salimbeni, attended, underscoring the strategic importance of integrating APR technology across all Carabinieri units. The initiative follows the Inter‑ministerial decree of 13 June 2022 and a protocol with ENAC, aiming to improve operational coordination and compliance within the force.

The new Rieti training centre is positioned as a “think tank” for drone expertise, intended to become the primary reference point for pilot and operator training and to drive doctrinal development for police‑related drone missions.