Designed as a major sequence of operational preparation, the exercise made it possible to train the regimental staff and several combat companies to conduct airborne, motorized and dismounted combat operations in a complex environment.
Major operational preparation
The device regrouped at La Courtine camp in order to finalize the preparations before the deployment of the maneuverallowing units to drive the last tactical rehearsals and to coordinate the different phases of the operation with the combined arms reinforcements engaged.
The exercise mobilized several complementary capabilities: tactical transport aircraft, drone MQ-9 Reaper, chasse aircraftmaneuver helicopters, as well as specialized units of the regiment, notably the paratrooper commando group (GCP) and the group of army divers (GPAT).
An airport insertion at night
In the night, the parachutist legionnaires jump into openingsince C-130 in the Féniers area, in Creuse. After regrouping on the ground, the units infiltrate towards their first objectives.
At daybreak, the companies carried out offensive actions against several trench networks held by an opposing force playing the role of pro-BRIQUE militias. This first phase allowed the GTIA to begin its progression towards the north.
Motorized combat and urban combat
On the side of the enemy force, composed of the company of 2e régiment étranger d’infanterie (2e REI) and its véhicules blindés griffonla défense s’organise.Â
In parallel, the support section 120 mm mortars of the regiment was put in place after an airdrop of equipment by A400Mwith the support of 1is parachute train regiment (1is RTP). The mortars then supported the friendly force’s operations in the depths. Of the Parachute commando groups also carried out several targeted actions behind opposing lines, including infiltration and hostage release missions (the mayor and two elected officials from La Souterraine)
Recognition and crossing
The maneuver continued through Haute-Vienne and Vienne as part of an offensive reconnaissance phase. The exercise made it possible to implement different drone capabilities: FPV drones (First Point View) dedicated to tactical strikes, drones Parrot Anafi for local intelligence and explosive dropping as well as Reaper (of the Air and Space Force) for in-depth intelligence.
The group of Army divers conducted a mission to recognize crossing points on the Vienne after a helicopter insertion from a helicopter NH-90 of 1is combat helicopter regiment (1is RHC).Â
In Pouzay, another helicopter operation allowed the installation of assault elements before crossing the river and the conquest of a tactical objective including a bridge and an urbanized area.
The final assault
The last phase of Libeccio 2026 took place at the Ruchard camp, in Indre-et-Loire. The 700 paratrooper legionnaires of the 2e REP led the final assault against a strongly defended position in order to conclude the maneuver.
This sequence took place the day after the commemorations of Operation Bonite where so many legionnaires had jumped on Kolwezi 48 years ago.
Through a dense maneuver, after 300 kilometers of offensive reconnaissance, the Libecciu exercise made it possible to strengthen interoperability between the different components involved and consolidate the know-how of the regiment in terms of projection, motorized combat and joint coordination.
Presentations of equipment, a ceremony and actions for the benefit of the defense class of the Nouâtre college were organized in several towns crossed. Conducted over the duration of the exercise, these exchanges contributed to strengthening the link between the armies and the local population.
