France gears up for massive military drills: 12,000+ troops, drones, planes, and aircraft carrier
French soldiers (Photo: Getty Images)
France is preparing for large-scale military maneuvers called Orion-26, which will be among the largest in recent years, according to BFMTV.
The exercises will last nearly three months and will bring together military personnel from around 20 countries.
The active phase will begin on February 8 on the Atlantic coast and will continue until the end of April.
The exercises will involve around 12,500 French military personnel, more than 20 ships, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, and approximately 140 aircraft and helicopters. Unmanned systems will also play a significant role, with roughly 1,200 drones of various types planned for use.
In addition to France, troops from 24 other countries will participate. These are mostly European nations, as well as the US, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
The French army last conducted exercises of this scale in 2023. Organizers emphasize that this time the scenarios are designed to closely resemble real combat conditions and cover the full spectrum of modern threats - from hybrid actions to full-scale confrontations.
Exercise scenario
The exercises will begin with naval and airborne operations. According to the scenario, international forces are assisting the fictional country of Arlanda, which is facing an aggressive neighbor to the east.
In the second half of April, the maneuvers will move to training grounds in the Champagne region, where full integration of European armies into NATO structures will be practiced.
During Orion-26, special attention will be given to the interaction between civilian and military structures. Twelve French ministries will participate in simulations of state responses to hybrid threats, including those that could arise in the event of a confrontation with Russia on NATO’s eastern flank.
In addition, French forces plan to test the latest developments in drones, electronic warfare, and tools for impacting satellite systems.
France initiates exercises in Greenland
The administration of French President Emmanuel Macron initiated military exercises in Greenland amid rising tensions over the island.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the idea, saying that France’s budget is in a pitiful state. He advised Macron to focus on other things that matter to the French people.
