French and British paratroopers have converged in Germany for a major exercise assessing their combined ability to deploy rapidly and defend NATO territory against adversaries equipped with drones and electronic warfare capabilities.
Approximately 600 French and British paratroopers descended from four Royal Air Force A400M Atlas transport aircraft during the operation, which the UK government characterized as one of Britain’s largest airborne deployments in twenty years.
The parachute drop formed part of Rhino Titan, a seven-week exercise involving approximately 2,500 troops at the Sennelager military training centre in Germany.
For French forces, the operation provided a chance to practise large-scale airborne deployment alongside their British allies, as European nations prioritize military readiness amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Training for modern threats
The exercise pitted British troops against a simulated enemy employing drones and electronic warfare, capabilities that present growing challenges for armed forces operating on a modern battlefield.
The joint parachute drop brought French and British personnel together, demonstrating the airborne power available to reinforce NATO territory.
“The threats we face in the 21st century require an updated, modern approach to warfare – and our adaptable armed forces are preparing accordingly,” the UK government said in a statement.
“Alongside our French and German allies, this large-scale training exercise demonstrates the ability to deliver rapid, large-scale airborne power anywhere it is needed to defend NATO territory.”
The exercise combined troops and specialized equipment to rehearse a response to a modern-day attack, with rapid deployment central to the training.
“This combination of troops and specialized equipment is what is required to deter our adversaries and keep Britain and our allies safe,” the statement added.
European security concerns
The manoeuvres come as France and its European allies face concerns regarding conventional military threats and activities intended to disrupt nations without open warfare.
Western nations have accused Russia in recent years of conducting a “hybrid” campaign involving espionage, sabotage, and other disruptions, including damage to subsea cables.
Moscow has vehemently denied those accusations.
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