Dalle colline toscane al deserto del Golfo: tre prove di interoperabilità, precisione e dimostrazione della capacità militare italiana

In the mosaic of training activities of the Italian Army, the 2025 edition of the exercise “Muflone” appears as a carefully engraved piece, where the plot of the Special Forces intertwines with that of the conventional component. From November 10 to 28, among the folds of the Sienese and Grosseto territories, the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) led a federated activity with “Mangusta 2025” of the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore” and with the “CAEX II” of the Airmobile Brigade “Friuli”.

The goal was to measure on the ground the ability to interoperate in a hostile scenario, simulating a confrontation with a peer adversary. Operating in this operational arena were the Special Operation Task Unit (SOTU) of the 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment “Col Moschin”, the 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment “Ranger”, and the 1st Carabinieri Regiment “Tuscania”.

The units of the 9th and 4th Regiment conducted offensive actions on high-value targets, contributing to the development of the overall maneuver. Their action was preceded by an insertion of the 3rd Special Operations Helicopter Regiment (REOS) and followed by a reunion with friendly units, in a dense work of coordination on the ground.

The SOTU of the 1st Carabinieri Regiment operated after an amphibious infiltration, gathering crucial information and preparing the ground for a direct action against enemy forces. Overall, the exercise further consolidated the collaboration between Special Forces, “Folgore”, “Friuli”, and other involved units, confirming an increasingly shared operational identity.

From the Tuscan hills to the Gulf desert: three tests of interoperability, precision, and cooperation in Italian military capability — Night flight exercise “Muflone” - Copyright Italian Army

The Silent Excellence: The Shooters of the 7th Alpini

The marksmen of the 7th Alpini Regiment of Belluno write their narrative with a fingertip, behind a shutter that slides like a whisper. At the European Best Sniper Team Competition in Grafenwoehr, a pair from the “Julia” Brigade secured the fifth overall place, confirming themselves for the second consecutive year among the top ten teams.

The competition involved 35 teams from 22 nations, engaged in sixteen increasingly difficult trials. Here, not only shooting skills are evaluated, but also technical knowledge, physical preparation, and tactical procedures applied with precision.

The performance of the Italian military is a signal that goes beyond the sporting result: the alpine units continue to interpret excellence in precision shooting, built with discipline, rigor, and attention to detail. A strategic capability that, while remaining silent, acquires an increasing specific weight in contemporary operations.

Ferocious Falcon 6: Italy in the Warm Wind of the Gulf

In the Qatari desert, the multinational exercise “Ferocious Falcon 6” offered a different stage but united by the common thread of international cooperation. At the Al Qalayil range, assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Carabinieri operated alongside France, Great Britain, Qatar, the United States, and Turkey.

Organized by the Ministry of Defense of Qatar and the Joint Operational Command (COVI) for the Italian component, the exercise was structured in a Command Post Exercise (CPX), a Field Training Exercise (FTX) with live-fire activities, and a seminar on major contemporary military challenges. Italy contributed by illustrating its capabilities in the field of Electronic Warfare.

The culmination of the FTX saw the Mechanized Brigade “Aosta” engaged in a warfighting scenario in a desert environment, employing land platforms, fire support, engineering, and target acquisition capabilities. In the sky, the Air Force operated with Eurofighter and KC-767A for aerial refueling.

The final day was attended by the Ministry of Defense of Qatar, the leaders of the Qatari Armed Forces, and delegations from the participating countries. For Italy, the Deputy Commander of COVI, Rear Admiral Giacinto Sciandra, was present.

The visit of the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, who met with the Italian personnel involved in the activity, highlighted the professionalism and contribution to bilateral cooperation guaranteed by our Armed Forces.

The three exercises — MUFLONE 2025, the European Best Sniper Team Competition, and Ferocious Falcon 6 — offer a choral image of the Italian Armed Forces, engaged on different but complementary levels. From interoperability on national soil to technical excellence in international competition, to multilateral cooperation in the Gulf, a capability emerges that is continuously evolving, capable of blending tradition, innovation, and global projection. A trajectory that leads towards a more integrated, competent defense ready to face present challenges.