Giant military operation in Orne: 700 soldiers deployed, the population impacted

A life-size exercise. 700 soldiers are mobilized for training which will spread across several departments in the north-west of France including Manche, Calvados, Mayenne, Sarthe, Ille-et-Vilaine and Orne du June 2 to 4, 2026.
This operation aims to prepare for a potential intervention in a populated area. Clearly, these interventions will take place in the middle of the population.
“This allows us to understand the terrain, to become aware of the civilian environment” “in the event of engagement”, indicates the army.
Here is everything you need to know about this intervention “carried out in a particular context”.

What does this military maneuver consist of?

The current exercise is a so-called “open field” exercise – taking place outside a military field/camp – carried out as part of the operational control of the soldiers of the 3rd Combat Helicopter Regiment.

This regiment stationed in Étain (Meuse) is specialized in airmobile combat.

 The current activity is intended to validate its full operational capacity, in a combined arms framework, integrating several components including infantry (maneuver and troop transport), artillery (troop transport and 3d coordination) ; and according to a scénario dit de haute intensité (engagement massif) », learned the armée.

Exercise phases also take place on military grounds.

How many helicopters and vehicles are involved?

This exercise mobilizes around 700 soldiers from the Army, from four different formations: 3rd RHC, 2nd RIMa (Le Mans); 35th Infantry Regiment (Belfort) ; 11th RAMa of La Lande d’Ouée (Ille-et-Vilaine). sixty land vehiclestactics and logistics. There will be no armored or tracked vehicles.

Around thirty attack (Tiger and Gazelle) or maneuver (Caïman) helicopters.

What are the consequences for residents?

This simulation is an exercise as others may be carried out during the year. However, this is marked by a very tense international context.

 In the international context that we knowit is important to be able to train in more than realistic conditions. »

Training in open terrain, outside the maneuver camps and among the population, allows you to understand the terrain and become aware of the “civilian” environment in the event of engagement.

 This physical presence in the heart of our territories also allows us to get back in touch with the population and strengthen ties with the French ”, continue the soldiers.

Residents of Orne should expect see and hear more helicopters qu’à l’accoutumée.

« Possible phases of combat »

In order to do work together all the authorities of the armya presence on the ground, in the form of a convoy or temporary parking, will be ensured. Combat phases are possible…; practice ammunition will be used.

Everything is done for reduce nuisance as much as possible : noise (flights, gunfire,…), pollution (gunshot waste, etc.), privilege the dense phases in military terrainfavor daytime flight phases as much as possible.

 We are attentive to the situation and let’s stay in contact with the authorities (prefectures, municipalities) in the event of damage,” warn the communications teams.

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