Admiral Di Paola was appointed Defence Minister in Monti Cabinet (November 2011 – April 2013). Previously, he served as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee (June 2008- November 2011), the highest military position in the organization together with the Supreme Allied Commander. He was the second Italian to have this role after Guido Venturoni.

From 2004 to 2008 he was Chief of Defense Staff of Italy.