The exercise, called ORION 26, is organized by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) in conjunction with the Army, and is taking place from April 27 to 30, 2026, at the Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme) and Moulins (Allier) sites of the 13th Base of Support for Army Equipment (13th BSMAT).
As a major preparation exercise for high-intensity engagements, ORION 26 aims to test the temporary mobilization of individuals, businesses, assets, and services from the local civilian economic fabric. This phase marks the first concrete implementation of the defense code provisions regarding requisitions, as revised by the Military Programming Law 2024-2030. These provisions include conducting exercises and tests with the industry to evaluate the administrative, legal, and operational aspects of requisition.
This initiative aligns with the development of a “Combat DGA” capable of supporting the long-term growth of the defense industrial and technological base and the national capacities needed for defense industrial efforts, even in the event of major engagements.
In the context of ORION 26, the Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans is conducting the first requisition exercise from April 27 to 30, 2026, at the Clermont-Ferrand and Moulins sites of the 13th BSMAT, under the Land Industrial Maintenance Service (SMITer).
This exercise is part of a preparation, anticipation, and training process to assess the operational readiness of the defense code tools in case of emergencies or crises.
The Military Programming Law 2024-2030 has modernized the requisition regime for defense and national security needs. When crisis or emergency conditions are met, this regime allows for the temporary mobilization of individuals, entities, assets, or services necessary for defense efforts. These resources can either directly fulfill state requirements or support actors involved in this effort.
In this scenario, the exercise is not a strict requisition but a practice run where participants have been identified and summoned to simulate the process. The goal is to test the administrative and practical steps involved in organizing the coordination of local civilian economic entities, people, assets, and services over a limited period to support the growth of the 13th BSMAT in a scenario projecting a division into a major engagement area.
Such exercises are integral to the transformation envisioned by the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans for a “Combat DGA,” to enhance responsiveness, resilience, and industrial defense efforts. Insights gained will contribute to preparing for the defense industry’s wargame scheduled for June 2026.
Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, highlighted the importance of ORION 26 in preparing military and defense industry capacities in the face of high-intensity warfare in Europe. The exercise aims to anticipate, practice, and validate tools necessary for long-term defense efforts, emphasizing the key role of the defense industry in sustaining military capabilities over time.
