British and French paratroopers are conducting exercises in France to prepare for deployment “anywhere in the world,” following statements about a potential role in leading a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. The nine-day exercises include airborne maneuvers and troop drops over the Coetquidan base in Brittany.
The Telegraph and Euronews reported on the drills.
Training details
At the French Air Force base Orléans-Bricy, the “Orion-26” exercises are taking place. These are the largest French military maneuvers since the Cold War. Around 1,500 paratroopers from the United Kingdom and France are participating.
The exercises focus on modern conflict readiness: speed, endurance, and autonomy. Paratroopers must be able to operate for 48 to 72 hours using their own drones, batteries, and ammunition. Colonel Colomban de Poncharra, commander of the 3rd Marine Parachute Regiment of France, explained this objective.
In addition, France and 24 other countries are conducting large-scale three-month exercises to prepare for high-intensity conflicts, involving 12,500 troops, 25 ships, and 140 aircraft.
Previously, France and the United Kingdom announced their readiness to send troops to ensure compliance with a ceasefire in Ukraine once it is established.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the country is “ready and willing” to deploy British forces in Ukraine. According to The Telegraph, the operation could involve soldiers from the 16th Air Assault Brigade, part of the UK’s rapid reaction forces capable of acting alongside NATO units.
Context
On 6 January 2026, Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom signed a declaration of intent to deploy multinational forces in Ukraine following a ceasefire.
Following the declaration, British Defence Secretary John Healey said the United Kingdom would spend £200 million (about $268 million) to prepare its military contingent for possible deployment in Ukraine.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war, Australia and the United Kingdom expressed support for Ukraine. Australia imposed its largest sanctions against Russia since 2022, while the United Kingdom provided financial assistance to Ukraine.
