British paratroopers have been landing in France as part of Exercise ORION 26, joining their French counterparts in a large-scale airborne operation designed to test rapid reaction forces under NATO scenarios.
Around 2,000 troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade and France’s 11e Brigade Parachutiste took part in the nine-day exercise, operating together as the long-standing Airborne Combined Joint Force. The scenario centred on supporting a NATO ally facing insurgency and the threat of invasion, with the force required to deploy at short notice and seize key ground.
According to the British Army, the exercise began with a joint headquarters established near Paris, before specialist reconnaissance elements from both nations inserted by free-fall parachute into the St Cyr-Coëtquidan training area in Brittany. Their task was to neutralise simulated enemy air defences and prepare a drop zone for the main force.
The 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment Battlegroup flew from RAF Brize Norton aboard A400M Atlas aircraft, while French units deployed from Orléans-Bricy. An Italian platoon from Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore also joined the jump, marking the first time an Italian airborne element has integrated into this framework during ORION.
Commander General Renaud Rondet of 11e Brigade Parachutiste said the deployment demonstrated the readiness of the joint force. “The deployment, by parachute, of the Airborne Combined Joint Force on Exercise Orion 26 demonstrates the responsiveness and capability of this initial entry force, ready to fight in the most extreme conditions and complex environments.” He added that the exercise also aimed to integrate other European airborne units.
Vehicles, stores and 18 tonnes of supplies were dropped by parachute, including rations and ammunition delivered by RAF A400M aircraft. Once on the ground, troops dispersed to conduct offensive actions against simulated insurgent forces and establish defensive positions along a notional invasion route.
