NYJIP26 in Japan: the Folgore Paratroopers Brigade with the Deputy Commander at the start-of-year jump

Narashino, Chiba. It is the event that symbolically opens the operational year for paratroopers in Japan: 令和8年 降下訓練始め (Kōka Kunren Hajime), this year also presented with the international name NYJIP26 – New Year Jump in Indo-Pacific 2026. The date and location are those set by official documents: January 11, 2026, Narashino Garrison and Narashino Training Area.

Within this framework—more and more “Indo-Pacific” and less just a “unit event”—Italy appears recognizably with the Italian representation of the “Folgore” Paratroopers Brigade, and among the authorities/guests the Deputy Commander, Col. Gianni Copponi.

A ritual that has become a strategic message

The “promise” of this day is written in black and white in the communications of the Japanese Army: to pray for the safety of parachuting activities in the year and, at the same time, to strengthen relations with the airborne units of allied and partner countries.

In 2026, the list is that of a major multilateral event: 14 countries participating besides Japan, including Italy, the United States, and a broad European and Indo-Pacific bloc (Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA).

And when on the ground, at the end of the demonstration, the “flag tableau” is composed, the message is very clear: this is no longer just an internal tradition—it is a political and military snapshot of the cooperation network that Tokyo wants to make visible.

The novelty of 2026: the “robot-dog” enters the operational scene

Among the things that have made this edition talked about is an unprecedented presence: a robotic quadruped, referred to in the press and industry as Vision 60 (Ghost Robotics). The Japanese press described it without mincing words: “the robot-dog appeared” (“ロボット犬が登場”), incorporating it into the event narrative.

The international industry press adds the tactical detail that explains why this appearance matters: during a phase with insertion from CH-47J helicopters, two quadrupeds were reportedly used as advanced reconnaissance support in front of the team, with the term “reconnaissance by UGV” associated with the footage.

In a rapid maneuver, the question is always the same: what lies beyond the first horizon? Putting “something that sees” in front of the first men—a sacrificable, sensor-equipped asset capable of advancing on uneven terrain—means gaining seconds and meters of awareness, reducing the initial exposure of personnel. And it is exactly the type of advantage that airborne units seek to capitalize on as soon as they touch down.

In summary, NYJIP26 2026 was a unique “New Year”—alongside the debut of the robot-dog and the multinational framework—the Italian presence stands out: the “Folgore” Paratroopers Brigade, with the Deputy Commander, within the frame of Indo-Pacific cooperation that Tokyo wants to make increasingly concrete.