British and French airborne forces have jumped into action this week to show that they are ready to respond to international crises together.
Exercise Orion brings together 2,000 soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade (16 Air Asslt Bde) and 11e Brigade Parachutiste (11e BP) for demanding training in France. The troops – lifted by Royal Air Force and Armee de l’Air et de l’Espace transport aircraft – are being tested on a mission to support a NATO ally tackling an insurgency and the threat of invasion.
16 Air Asslt BCT and 11e BP both serve as their armies’ rapid reaction forces. As the Airborne Combined Joint Force (A-CJF), the two brigades have been trained and ready to deploy together in response to global crises since 2013.
The nine-day (23 Feb-3 Mar) wargame started with the A-CJF being alerted for an operation. British planning officers travelled from their base in Colchester to Orleans-Bricy airbase, near Paris, to set up a joint headquarters with their French counterparts.
Paratroopers jump into action
As planning took place, the reconnaissance experts of Pathfinders and Groupe Commando Parachutiste discreetly landed on the St Cyr-Coëtquidan training area in Brittany under freefall parachutes. They destroyed enemy air defence systems and marked a drop zone for the main force.
2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment Battlegroup took off from RAF Brize Norton in two A400M Atlas transport aircraft and the A-CJF HQ and two French battlegroups lifted from Orleans-Bricy to parachute in. A platoon from the Italian Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore also jumped in from Italy.
Vehicles and stores were also dropped by parachute, including 18 tonnes of rations, ammunition and equipment delivered by an RAF A400M.
The paratroopers then spread out across the training area to target insurgent forces and establish defensive positions on the enemy’s expected invasion route.
Training for a realistic mission
Command of the A-CJF alternates every two years and is currently held by 11e BP, whose Commander General Renaud Rondet said: “The deployment, by parachute, of the Airborne Combined Joint Force on Exercise Orion 26 demonstrates the responsiveness and capability of this initial entry force, ready to fight in the most extreme conditions and complex environments.
“This Franco-British airborne force, commanded for this exercise by the 11e Brigade Parachutiste, aims to integrate other European parachute units. Thus, for the first time, this exercise includes an Italian unit.
“This exercise also allows us to test new structures and equipment, particularly in the areas of hybrid communication networks and drone integration. The ability to innovate and adapt quickly is now a key factor in retaining superiority on the battlefield.”
Major Dan Lauder is the senior 16 Air Asslt Bde officer in the A-CJF headquarters.
“The scenario of Orion is a realistic and relevant mission that the Airborne Combined Joint Force could be expected to deliver, and the more we train together the more ready we are to operate together,” he said.
“The partnership between British and French airborne forces is natural, capable, and historic. As airborne soldiers we share a mindset that allows us to work together in a way that is both unique and highly effective.”
Exercise Orion shows that Air and Land integration goes far beyond fast jets providing close air support. Air mobility is a core part of air power, shown in practice by RAF A400Ms delivering paratroopers and essential stores by parachute over long distances.
Lead pilot Squadron Leader Luke said: “Exercise Orion illustrates the effectiveness of the RAF and French partnership. Our A400M crews delivered long‑range, precision air mobility at pace, moving paratroopers, equipment and essential stores exactly where they were needed.
“Demanding conditions is where the UK-France partnership excels. Every mission builds on our advanced capability, strengthens our shared readiness and the trust that allows us to deploy together at short notice in support of European security.”
The A-CJF is at the forefront of Franco-British military and security co-operation started by the 2010 Lancaster House Treaties, which were updated in 2025.
Images: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
