Drones, an essential weapon of war
The war in Ukraine has changed the game with the massive use of drones. The 3rd RIMa has seized this tactical means, more than tripling its drone allocation in a year. “We now have over a hundred, with specially trained military personnel whose exclusive task it is. We have both observation drones and armed drones, in preparation for aggression,” said Colonel Zeiger, commander of the Vannes regiment. The 3rd RIMa has established a specialized training center at the Meucon camp, but also equipped with simulators in the Vannes garrison.
Increase in exercises in open terrain
The 3rd RIMa has increased training in open areas in recent months. This is a response to the “sensitive international context, which leads the army to prepare for tougher conflicts,” observed the commander. The Russian threat is clearly in the sights of the armed forces. Trec’h in September 2025, Barr Avel two months later, and the joint inter-arms exercise Orion in February 2026, these large-scale outdoor exercises allow maneuvers to be carried out as close to reality as possible. “We must toughen our preparation,” commented Colonel Zeiger.
What about external operations?
In October 2026, 150 to 200 soldiers from Vannes will participate in Operation Lynx under NATO command. They will be deployed in Latvia. “The objective is to deter Russia from attacking the Baltic countries,” emphasized Colonel Zeiger. Operations outside France, known as Opex in military jargon, are routine for the 3rd RIMa. Currently, 260 Marines are deployed outside the mainland. Some sections are operating in Reunion, others on the “Jeanne d’Arc” off the coast of Brazil. This summer, soldiers from Vannes will be on a mission in Mayotte. Additionally, around sixty soldiers are in Normandy as part of Operation Sentinel.
Reservists on the field from May 8 to 10
A new operation, named Konan, will take place in an open environment. Its particularity is that this time it will involve reservists from the Vannes regiment. From May 8 to 10, 110 of them will train in Vannes, Ploeren, and Arradon. As part of their maneuvers, blank shots will be fired.
30 national service volunteers integrated into the regiment in October
National service is making a comeback, this time on a voluntary basis. The 3rd RIMa has started the recruitment process for 30 young people aged 18 to 25 who will be integrated into the regiment starting in October 2026.
Support for injured soldiers on May 8 at the port
An operation to support injured army soldiers will take place on the port esplanade on Friday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be sports workshops open to the public, who can make donations. On June 6, the Vannes regiment will open its doors from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with combat demonstrations, drone flights, equipment presentations, etc.
