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France began its largest military exercise since the Cold War on Sunday, deploying 12,500 troops in a three-month drill designed to prepare for high-intensity warfare in Europe.
The Orion 26 exercise, which runs until 30 April, will involve 25 ships including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, 140 aircraft, 1,200 drones and forces from 24 countries.
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces described Orion 26 as “a major event in the French operational preparation for high-intensity scenarios” aimed at preparing forces for “complex situations in multiple, varied, and contested environments”.
The drill is based on a fictional scenario involving two countries called Arnland and Mercury, directly inspired by the Russian threat in Europe.
In the scenario, Mercury, an expansionist state, opposes its neighbour Arnland, which Mercury seeks to destabilise to prevent its rapprochement with the European Union.
France leads an international coalition to defend Arnland against increasing hybrid actions and support from Mercury-backed militias.
Simulated landings and counter-attacks
The exercise will begin with a simulated amphibious and air landing in Brittany, with around 700 soldiers and 100 vehicles deployed near Quiberon in the Morbihan region on 20 and 21 February.
From April, the exercise will come under NATO command to test the ability of European armies to work together.
The exercise fields three brigades, 2,150 tactical vehicles and 40 helicopters, along with cyber and space warfare components.
French and NATO forces will simulate deployments in open terrain, launch counter-attacks and cross natural obstacles including the Seine and Aube rivers with live fire.
The drill aims to test France’s ability to lead a multinational coalition and ensure transmission and logistics chains work effectively in high-intensity combat.
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces said the exercise was particularly important “in a context where involvement in a high-intensity conflict could become a reality”.
The exercise also includes training for French reservists from all armed forces, alongside cyber warfare exercises on virtual networks and in space.
Japan, Switzerland, Morocco and the US are among France’s allied nations taking part in the drills.
The exercise comes as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Russia could attack the alliance within five years.
“We are Russia’s next target,” Rutte said, as hybrid warfare operations attributed to Russia multiply across Europe while the full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year.