Seventy-seven British Army paratroopers from 16 Air Assault Brigade have proudly represented the United Kingdom during Exercise Falcon Leap 2025, a major multinational airborne training operation held in the Netherlands from 8 to 20 September.
Under the close supervision of Royal Air Force Parachute Jump Instructors (RAF PJI), the paratroopers executed a series of static-line parachute descents from an Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft of 70 Squadron RAF, flown by an experienced 30 Squadron crew from RAF Brize Norton.
Operating out of Eindhoven Air Base, the UK contingent demonstrated Britain’s continued excellence in airborne soldiering and its commitment to NATO partners.
Exercise Falcon Leap, hosted annually by the Royal Netherlands Army’s 11 Air Mobile Brigade, brings together elite airborne troops from across Europe and beyond. This year, participants included forces from the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, all training shoulder-to-shoulder to hone their skills in rapid deployment and air mobility operations.
The exercise focused on a wide spectrum of airborne tasks: from parachuting troops and heavy equipment, to coordinating multinational airlift operations. Aircraft including the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Airbus A400M Atlas, and CASA C-295/CN-235 flew repeated missions to designated drop zones such as Ginkelse Heide and Marnewaard, echoing the historic airborne drops of the Second World War.
For British paratroopers, the exercise was both a test of skill and a demonstration of readiness. The 16 Air Assault Brigade, Britain’s elite rapid response force, remains at the forefront of the Army’s ability to project combat power by air anywhere in the world. Their professionalism was evident as they worked seamlessly with allies, reinforcing the UK’s vital role in European defence and collective security.
Eindhoven Air Base provided the logistical hub for this vast international endeavour. From refuelling and loading aircraft to staging troops and equipment, the base showcased the scale of cooperation required to sustain modern multinational airborne operations.
Speaking at the conclusion of the British jumps, a senior RAF Parachute Jump Instructor praised the troops’ performance:
“The professionalism and determination of the paratroopers has been outstanding. Training alongside our NATO allies ensures we remain ready to deliver airborne forces wherever the nation requires.”
Exercise Falcon Leap 2025 not only strengthened international bonds but also honoured the proud traditions of airborne forces, linking the paratroopers of today with the historic drops of Arnhem and Normandy. With Britain’s red berets once again taking to the skies over the Netherlands, the exercise underlined the enduring importance of airborne forces in safeguarding freedom and projecting strength on the world stage.
Images: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
