Impressive show of strength by the Folgore: embarked in Italy and launched in Sweden in NATO's Swift Response 24 exercise

The Italian Paratroopers of the Folgore Brigade recently participated in a significant multinational exercise in Sweden, once again demonstrating their exceptional level of preparation and operational capability. The training event, named "Swift Response 2024", took place in the areas of Skillingaryd, Hagshult, and Kvarn, and is an integral part of NATO's multi-domain exercise Steadfast Defender 24 which involved about 90,000 soldiers in a series of large-scale real training exercises, conducted in various locations under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SAUCER).

The Swift Response 24 exercise was designed to test the readiness, interoperability, and capability of participating units to conduct airborne operations. Additionally, it aimed to strengthen the ties between units of allied countries belonging to the airborne community. The Folgore participated with an operational company and an RLS (Real Life Support) team from the 183rd Paratrooper Regiment “Nembo”, a unit from the Logistic Regiment “Folgore”, and a team from the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade Command.

The focal point of the exercise was the conduct of a JFEO (Joint Forcible Entry Operation) which saw the participation of about 800 American, Spanish, Italian, and Hungarian paratroopers. Departing from the Aviano air base (PN) aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17, the Italian Paratroopers jumped onto the Hagshult drop zone in Sweden, where they carried out area control and securing operations. Subsequently, they received further tasks that included an air assault and a minor complex attack.

Thanks to the high level of technical-professional preparation and the psychophysical characteristics of its personnel, the Folgore continues to be one of the main tools available to the Italian Army to ensure a rapid and effective response in crisis and emergency situations. The ability to project operational units in all areas of confrontation in a short time confirms the strategic importance of the Brigade.

Participation in the Swift Response 24 exercise also strengthened ties between allied nations, confirming the importance of international cooperation for global security.