From February 8 to April 30, France will conduct large-scale military exercises Orion 26. Within them, 12,500 French troops will participate, 25 ships, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, 140 aircraft and helicopters, and 1,200 drones. Military personnel from 24 countries will join the exercises. According to French media, information about the event comes from various channels.
The exercises will practice all phases of a modern conflict – from hybrid warfare to high-intensity combat. The scenario is based on NATO’s concepts.
Parameters and the Orion 26 Scenario
“This allows France to demonstrate its ability to be the first to enter the theater of operations and to lead an international coalition”
– Vice Admiral Xavier de Verdier, responsible for organizing the exercises at the General Staff
On February 8, the first phase will begin – deployment of forces along the Atlantic coast through amphibious and air operations. The exercise envisages supporting the fictional partner state Arland against its expansionist eastern neighbor Mercury. This phase will last until March 1.
From April 7 to 30, the exercises will come under NATO command at ranges in Champagne in eastern France.
During the exercises, 12 ministries will test the coordination of civilian and military services in response to hybrid attacks on the country’s territory.
The military will also test innovations in the fields of drones, satellite jamming, and electronic warfare.