In the coming days, soldiers, armored vehicles, and helicopters will be visible in the Aube region. These movements are part of the ORION 2026 military exercise, aimed at preparing the French armies for complex war situations.
Military convoys, helicopters, and drones could be seen in the Aube and part of the Grand Est region in the next few days. There is no cause for concern: these movements are part of the ORION (Large-scale Operation for Resilient, Interoperable, High-intensity Combat-oriented and Innovative Armies) 2026 exercise, a national-scale military training currently underway.
This major exercise aims to prepare the French armies for the most demanding modern conflicts. Inter-service and multinational, it is based on a fictional but realistic scenario inspired by NATO standards and involves no less than 12,500 troops in its final phase.
ORION 2026 replicates the conditions of high-intensity engagement, incorporating all current forms of combat: land, air, as well as cyber or information warfare. Currently in its final phase, the exercise tests the ability of the French forces to integrate into an operation conducted with their NATO allies.
As part of this, the military are not only staying in camps: they are also deploying in “free terrain,” close to the population. “The population will come into contact with soldiers (both friends and foes), all played by soldiers,” explains Lieutenant Carla.
Specifically, it is possible to see military vehicle convoys, infantry or cavalry regiments, as well as armored vehicles in motion. Some soldiers may also be discreet, even invisible. “They can hide in a forest, camouflage themselves, truly blend into their environment.”
Several highlights are scheduled in the coming days, with activities that may be visible or audible to residents. On the evening of Wednesday, April 22, crossing operations are organized around Lake Orient (Aube) and Lake Amance (Aube), as well as on the Aube River. Military divers must survey the banks before setting up devices for the passage of armored vehicles.
On Thursday, April 23, the activity will be particularly noticeable in the sky of Chaumont (Haute-Marne). Helicopters and drones will be mobilized for exercises in coordination between air and ground forces. “One should not be surprised to see quite a few in the air,” warns Lieutenant Carla.
On April 24 and 25, the simulated combat phases take place. Offensive operations will be carried out with ground troops, armored vehicles, and air assets, specifically around Mailly-le-Camp (Aube), Vitry-le-François (Marne), and Bar-le-Duc (Meuse). These sequences also include managing casualties and conquering strategic objectives.
With ORION 2026, the French armies seek to prepare for complex engagements in an uncertain international context. The exercise tests coordination between units, trains soldiers in realistic conditions, and enhances their ability to act alongside their allies.
For residents, the instruction is simple: do not worry about these unusual movements, as they are strictly regulated.
