Thieving Magpie 2025: COFS tests Special Forces capabilities

Grazzanise (CE), 13 April 2025 – One of the most significant days of the exercise took place today at the base of the 9th Wing of the Italian Air Force. Thieving Magpie 2025 (GL25), the flagship training activity of the Special Forces Operations Command (COFS) for the current year. The event was attended by the Undersecretary of Defense, Hon. Matteo Perego from Cremnago, and the Joint Operations Commander, General of Army Corps John Iannucci, who were able to observe the operations in progress live, appreciating the level of integration and realism.

The exercise, which has been underway since March 31 to April 11, 2025, is aimed at verifying the readiness and efficiency of the COFS in implementing the National Contingency Plan in the event of international crises. The simulated situations are extremely realistic and complex: evacuation of fellow citizens in danger, operations for the liberation of hostages, protection of strategic national interests in unstable areas. This type of training is essential to ensure a rapid and coordinated response by Special Forces in highly critical contexts, where time, precision and inter-force coordination make the difference.

The general scenario of the Thieving Magpie 2025 is based on the strategic-operational level exercise Joint Stars 25, organized by the Joint Operations Command (COVI). In this context, GL25 represents a key event in the so-called 'Road to Crisis', a simulated escalation sequence that could lead, within the NATO framework, to Article 5 statement, that is, the activation of the collective defense clause. This demonstrates how national training is perfectly integrated with multinational and allied planning, enhancing the credibility of the Italian military instrument in the international panorama.

Joint deployment of Special Forces in key strategic areas

The activity takes place in a very large geographical area, which is evidence of the real size inter-force and inter-regional of the exercise. The nerve centers of the operations include Rome, where the main command is located, Pisa, Poggio Renatico (FE) and above all Grazzanise (CE), which acts as the operational hub of the Intervention Forces. The target areas are located in Southern Italy, in particular in Jacotenente (FG) e Martina Franca (TA), while the intermediate advanced bases that can be used are those of Amendola (FG) e Joy of the Hill (BA), essential for logistical and air support.

The Thieving Magpie 25 involves simultaneously all Special Forces departments of the four Italian Armed Forces under the operational control of the COFS. For the Army, the following participate: 9th Parachute Assault Regiment “Col Moschin”, a historic unit of excellence in high-risk operations, the 4th Paratrooper Regiment Alpini “Ranger”, and the 185th Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Regiment “Folgore”, specialized in surveillance and advanced targeting operations. The Navy  is represented by the prestigious Operational Group Incursors (GOI), while theAir Force deploy the 17th Raider Wing, elite units for operations in depth and in non-permissive environments. Carabinieri, finally, participate with the Special Intervention Group (GIS) and the 1st Parachute Regiment “Tuscania”, contributing unique capabilities in countering terrorism and in the close protection of sensitive targets.

Air and logistical support is guaranteed by numerous specialist assets: helicopters CH-47F e NH-90 of 3rd REOS of the Army, HH-101 Caesar of 9th Wing of the Air Force, transport aircraft C-130J e C-27J Spartan of 46th Airborne Brigade, in addition to teams of the 3rd Wing of Villafranca used for delicate refueling operations in operational environments (ALARM). The staff of the 16th Force Protection Wing from Martina Franca, a helicopter SH-90 of the Navy and assets of the 11th Broadcast Regiment, essential to ensure coordination and real-time communications.

COFS: Elite Command for Italian Special Operations

The Special Forces Operations Command (COFS), constituted the December 1, 2004, represents a fundamental element in the modern architecture of the Italian Defence. Placed under the direct control of the Chief of Defence Staff, the COFS is responsible for planning, coordinating and conducting all special operations conducted by the FS units of the four Armed Forces, ensuring maximum interoperability and speed of use.

The visual identity of the COFS recalls the historical and cultural roots of Italy: its symbol, inspired by the famous painting The Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David, depicts the father's hand who delivers the three swords to his sons, symbols of the three operational domains – land, sea and sky – in which the Special Forces operate. The Roman shield that encloses the image represents the absolute commitment to defense of the homeland. The Latin motto, "Etiam si omnes, ego non", which can be translated as “Even if everyone else (gave in), I won’t”, is a statement of moral determination, a reflection on the will to face the toughest challenges, even alone, in the name of duty and responsibility.

In this context, the exercise Thieving Magpie 2025 It is confirmed not only as a moment of technical-tactical verification, but as a concrete demonstration of the ability of the Italian Special Forces to operate jointly, credibly and proactively. A clear message of readiness, synergy and professionalism, which strengthens Italy's role as a reliable actor in international security dynamics.

Source: https://www.difesa.it/smd/news-italia/esercitazione-gazza-ladra-visita-on-matteo-perego-di-cremnago-e-gen-ca-giovanni-iannucci/68695.html