Britain and France practise a 600-paratrooper drop in Germany
British and French forces rehearsed defending NATO territory in Germany, including a joint drop of 600 paratroopers from four transport aircraft. Roughly 2,500 personnel joined the seven-week Rhino Titan exercise. The scenario included drones and electronic warfare, while British commanders described the activity as a test of rapid airborne deployment.
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A joint airborne drill in Germany
British and French forces conducted Exercise Rhino Titan at the Sennelager training area in Germany, with roughly 2,500 personnel taking part. The seven-week exercise rehearsed the defence of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) territory against a potential attack. The British government described the activity on Sunday as including one of the country’s largest airborne operations in two decades.[1], [2]
A total of 600 British and French paratroopers jumped from four A400M Atlas transport aircraft operated by Britain’s Royal Air Force. The parachute drop over German soil formed the airborne element of the wider exercise, bringing together personnel from both countries in the same operation.[1], [2]
A British defence ministry photograph released on 23 October shows paratroopers jumping at Sennelager on 20 October.[2]
Troops face drones and electronic warfare
The scenario put the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade, an airborne combat formation, against an enemy using drones and electronic warfare systems. The simulated opponent reflected tactical capabilities Russia is anticipated to employ. Brigade commander Ed Cartwright described the task of defending NATO territory as a realistic challenge for his soldiers.[1]
Cartwright said the opposing force’s use of drones and electronic warfare represented what the brigade would face on the modern battlefield. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the threats facing Britain required an updated approach to warfare and that the armed forces were preparing accordingly.[1]
Streeting stresses rapid deployment with allies
Streeting said training alongside French and German allies demonstrated an ability to deliver large-scale airborne power rapidly wherever it was needed to defend NATO territory. He presented the combination of troops and specialist equipment as necessary to deter adversaries and keep Britain and its allies safe.[1], [2]
The manoeuvres took place amid European security concerns during Russia’s war against Ukraine. Western countries have accused Moscow of a hybrid campaign involving espionage, sabotage and other disruptions, including damage to subsea cables. Russia has vehemently denied those accusations.[2]
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