MANTIDE 2026, an exercise conducted by the 185° Reggimento Paracadutisti Ricognizione Acquisizione Obiettivi “Folgore” (RRAO), a Forze Speciali dell’Esercito unit, has concluded.
The activity continued without interruption for two weeks. The scenario covered areas of Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna.
The 185° RRAO trained a Special Operations Land Task Group (SOLTG) and a Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU). The two components planned and conducted activities across the full spectrum of Special Operations.
Planning and missions against sensitive targets
The exercise assessed the planning, coordination, and conduct of intelligence-gathering missions. Activities included Special Reconnaissance and Direct Action against sensitive targets.
Training focused on countering and degrading adversary capabilities. To this end, the different available capabilities were employed in an integrated manner.
The 4° Reggimento Artiglieria Controaerei “Peschiera” also took part in the exercise. The unit provided personnel and SAMP/T weapon systems, used in the role of Opposing Forces (OPFOR).
The contribution increased the realism of the training scenario. It also made it possible to assess the ability to operate in the presence of a structured threat.
The Regiment’s integrated capabilities
During MANTIDE 2026, the Regiment’s main capabilities were employed. Their integration enables the 185° RRAO to contribute to intelligence production for senior military commands.
Within the scope of its assigned mission, the unit can also develop the conditions necessary to engage the target. The activity is conducted with a high degree of operational autonomy, reducing reliance on support from external platforms.
According to the Italian Army, the exercise confirmed the readiness and interoperability achieved by the 185° RRAO. More broadly, the activity concerned the employment of the Forze Speciali dell’Esercito within the national defense establishment.
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