Mangusta 2024 Concluded, Historic Training Event for the Folgore

The Mangusta 2024 Exercise, the main annual training event of the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore”, successfully concluded, involving over 600 soldiers in the areas of Pisa, Livorno, Siena, and Grosseto. The impressive operational exercise tested the airborne units' ability to plan and conduct operations in a realistic and highly dynamic scenario.

Objectives and Particularities

The Mangusta Exercise stands out for its approach: training events are generated directly in the field by interactions between opposing forces. This approach challenges Commanders to exercise Mission Command, the ability to make quick and adaptive decisions in a complex context.

The training focused on tactical operations such as:

• Area interdiction and counter-interdiction
• Extended control of the Area of Operations
• Protection of Key Terrain and Entry Points
• Disruption of adversary devices

Of fundamental importance was the simulation of operations following airdrops, conducted in a degraded electromagnetic environment and with a high pace of activity, all in prohibitive weather and terrain conditions. This scenario allowed testing not only the technical capabilities but also the psycho-physical endurance of the Paratroopers, in combat and survival on the battlefield.

Technologies and Interforce Cooperation

During the exercise's conduct phase, specialized personnel from Fincantieri, in close collaboration with the technicians of the Transmission Company of the 184° Reparto Comando e Supporti Tattici “Nembo”, conducted familiarization sessions of the Command and Control System “Imperio”.

Participation and Means Involved

The Exercise saw the participation of all units of the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore”, alongside specialized units and personnel from the Armed Forces:

• A V-Shorad section of the 121° reggimento art. c/a “Ravenna”
• A platoon of the 66° reggimento fanteria “Trieste”
• A platoon of the 33° reggimento supporto logistico “Ambrosiano”
• Units of the Brigata Informazioni Tattiche

The Army Aviation (AVES) provided support with CH-47F, NH-90, and A-129 helicopters, used for airdrops, airlifts, and reconnaissance and escort missions.

The Air Force, with its C-130J aircraft from the 46^ Brigata Aerea di Pisa, ensured transport for the airdrops, while the 4° Stormo Caccia di Grosseto provided the necessary logistical support for joint operations, consolidating the synergy between the Armed Forces.

Conclusions

The Mangusta 2024 has confirmed itself as an essential event to test and improve the operational capabilities of the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore”. Thanks to the use of realistic scenarios, advanced technologies, and close interforce collaboration, the exercise once again demonstrated the effectiveness of the Italian airborne troops in responding to complex situations in high-intensity operational contexts.

Training that represents not only a moment of verification but also a fundamental step to ensure the operational readiness and excellence of the “Folgore” in the national and international military landscape.