Folgore from the sky: simultaneous launch from C-130J and C-27J

It was held at the Altopascio Launch Zone, in the province of Lucca, a complex inter-force training activity that involved more than 130 parachutists of the Thunderbolt Brigade, flown simultaneously by three Air Force transport aircraft. The operation, conducted in joint formation of two C-130J Hercules and one C-27J Spartan of 46th Airborne Brigadeis a concrete example of interoperability between the operational components of the Army and the Air Force. Taken off from Pisa airbase, the aircraft flew over the launch area in a coordinated attitude, enabling the execution of a mass synchronised airdropamong the most complex in the Italian and international aviation industry.

The activity is part of the inter-agency cooperation programme aimed at ensuring a constant level of operational readiness, speed of use and ability to strategic projection of the Italian Armed Forces. Operations of this kind represent a crucial test bed for the refinement of shared procedures, tactical cohesion between departments and the efficiency of the logistic and operational system. The training also made it possible to validate the capabilities of the flight crews and airborne teams, confirming the high level of professionalism and training achieved by both departments involved, both domestically and in the context of complex multinational scenarios.

Simultaneous aviation: operational excellence and joint integration

La 46th Airborne Brigadebased in Pisa, is a strategic Air Force department equipped with the transport aircraft C-130J e C-27Jdeployable in multiple support missions: air-landing, airdropping of personnel and material, transport of means, equipment and tactical operations. It is operational every day of the year, with assets and personnel ready to intervene on a global scale, even in emergency or highly critical international scenarios. The crews of the 46th are specialised in formation flying and in supporting complex operations, which require absolute precision, operational flexibility and multi-domain coordination, indispensable elements for the success of airborne missions.

La Folgore Parachute Brigade, historically the spearhead of the Italian Army, is a Large Unit with capabilities airborne specialist. Capable of conducting high-intensity offensive and defensive operations, the Folgore acts in seamless inter-army and inter-force integration. Its capabilities also extend to multinational operations, in full compliance with the operational doctrines of theAtlantic Alliance. The Altopascio activity provided an opportunity to confirm the flexibility, rapidity of deployment and responsiveness of the Folgore, demonstrating the value of a structure ready to intervene in any operational scenario, with timeliness, effectiveness and decision-making capacity.

Towards Swift Response 2025: interoperability in a NATO context

The exercise is part of a broader context of preparation for Swift Response 2025one of NATO's major multinational exercises, scheduled from11 to 31 May 2025. Italy will participate with its own assets and personnel, including Brigade Folgore, contributing to the conduct of operations coordinated with allied forces. Swift Response 25 envisages five simultaneous airdropsHIRAIN (High Readiness Insertion) training, field hospital exercises and real fire activities in Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and Finlandin areas selected for their strategic value.

The aim of the initiative is to test and demonstrate the multinational power projection capacity in the fieldwith a focus on the Arctic and Baltic dimensions. The integration of air and ground forces, the coordinated use of advanced technologies and the standardisation of operational procedures represent the pillars of NATO's deterrence and defence strategy. The Italian participation, and in particular the synergic deployment of the Folgore Brigade and the 46th Airborne Brigade, confirms the active and credible role of national defence within the Alliance and its ability to operate in cohesive contexts.

The airdrop conducted at Altopascio therefore represents not only a high-profile training moment, but also a clear signal of the readiness, versatility and determination of the Italian Armed Forces to operate in inter-force and multinational contexts, with respect to contemporary strategic requirements and the future operational challenges that will characterise the next decade.