Radio Communications for Security: Politecnico di Milano Hosts Discussion on Mission-Critical Networks and Future Scenarios
The ninth edition of the conference “Radio Communications for Security,” titled “Mission-Critical Radio Networks and Beyond” and organized by the Department of Energy, was held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Bovisa Campus of the Politecnico di Milano.
The initiative once again proved to be a key reference point for the national security communications system, bringing together institutions, industry players, and public and private stakeholders to discuss strategies, investments, and operational models in a rapidly evolving technological and geopolitical landscape.
A Strategic Dialogue Between Institutions and Industry
Following the institutional greetings by the Prefect of Milan, Avv. Claudio Sgaraglia, the Councillor for Public Works, Territorial Care and Civil Protection of the Municipality of Milan, dott. Marco Granelli, and the keynote speech by the Undersecretary for Technological Innovation, Sen. Alessio Butti, the proceedings were introduced by Prof. Sonia Leva (Politecnico di Milano), a member of the scientific committee, who, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary, retraced the main technological and application trajectories analyzed over the years and outlined those addressed during the day.
An overview of national programs for security-focused radio communications was then provided by Eligio Iafrate (Ministry of the Interior) and General Giovanni Gagliano (Ministry of Defence, Italian Army), who highlighted the current state of progress, critical issues, and investment priorities in this crucial phase of the sector’s evolution.
Emerging Technologies and Operational Applications
A significant focus was placed on application scenarios and already operational solutions. In particular, Eng. Milco Fabiani (Leonardo) presented the performance of mission-critical communications developed for Milano-Cortina 2026, highlighting the strategic role of these infrastructures in managing large international events.
The topic of technological innovation was addressed by Eng. Lorenzo Spadoni (Motorola Solutions / Silvus Technologies), who illustrated the new frontiers of radio communications, while the evolution of 5G standards for critical applications was analyzed by Eng. Riccardo Mascolo (Ericsson) and Eng. Guillaume Declerck (Nokia).
In the field of operational scenarios, Eng. Fabio Graglia (RaiWay) and Eng. Christian Mazzucco (Polus Tech) explored the growing use of drones in emergency and security contexts, emphasizing their synergies with communication networks. Completing the picture, Eng. Valter Chiovini (TIM Enterprise) outlined the role of digital infrastructures in supporting emergency management.
Across all contributions, a common theme emerged: the shift away from a siloed technological approach toward the integration of professional mobile radio (PMR) networks, broadband technologies (LTE and 5G), and interoperable hybrid solutions capable of supporting real-time voice, data, and video communications.
An International Perspective
The discussion was enriched by a European perspective, with a contribution from Engineer Lionello Ginelli (Airbus), who presented the French project Réseau Radio du Futur, now one of the main benchmarks for the evolution of mission-critical networks.
International experience highlighted how Italy is at a decisive stage of transition, where the technological and regulatory choices of the coming years will be crucial to ensuring interoperability, resilience, and security of systems.
The role of the Politecnico di Milano.
Promoted by the Department of Energy and led by the scientific committee composed of Professors Marco Beghi, Francesco Grimaccia, Sonia Leva, and Engineer Martino De Marco, the conference confirms the role of the Politecnico di Milano as a platform for dialogue between research, institutions, and industry on strategic topics for the country.
In a context characterized by growing complexity and technological interdependence, initiatives such as this contribute to building a shared vision and to guiding decisions toward more advanced, integrated, and resilient communication models.
The conference was held under the patronage of RESTART and AEIT and with the support of Airbus, Leonardo, TIM Enterprise, Motorola Solutions, and GEG Telecomunicazioni.
For more information about the conference: www.retiradio.polimi.it
