Professionalism and Readiness: The 'Candelo 1/25' Exercise of the Nizza Cavalleria Regiment

The “Candelo 1/25” exercise, aimed at verifying the readiness and efficiency of the regiment, recently concluded at the location of Candelo Massazza and represented an important training opportunity for the “Nizza Cavalleria” (1st) Regiment of Bellinzago Novarese. The planning, organization, and conduct of the activities spanned two weeks, during which the focus was on strengthening the capabilities of planning, organizing, and conducting tactical operations at the squad and platoon level. The exercise involved three platoons of reconnaissance armored vehicles, two belonging to the Nizza Cavalleria Regiment and one to the Piemonte Cavalleria Regiment, as well as two platoons of sappers from the 32nd Engineer Regiment of the “Taurinense” Brigade and the 2nd Engineer of the “Julia” Brigade.

The training activities ranged from individual shooting lessons with portable and unit weapons to exercises with the Centauro Armored Car, one of the symbolic vehicles of the Italian Cavalry. The exercises were conducted in various modes: blank, live fire, and with opposing formations. A particularly significant aspect was the use of the SIAT (Integrated Systems for Land Training) simulation system, which allowed testing the reaction capability and coordination between units, improving operational readiness.

The importance of interoperability and professionalism

In addition to testing the readiness of the units, the exercise also gave space to technological innovation. A crucial aspect was the training of remote piloted aircraft (RPA) operators, who used the new reconnaissance equipment. These constantly evolving devices have become a fundamental tool for gathering field information, allowing accurate and timely monitoring of operations.

The sappers had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new active systems for obstacle breaching, thus acquiring advanced skills for overcoming difficulties that may be encountered in complex operational scenarios. This integration between new technologies and traditional operational capabilities represented a testing ground for interoperability between the various units and the different armed forces involved. The synergy between Cavalry and Engineer vehicles, in fact, has become fundamental in adapting technical and tactical procedures to the use of innovative tools. This approach has strengthened the overall operational capability of the forces, increasing effectiveness in facing complex situations.

The Centauro Armored Car: symbol of efficiency and mobility

One of the most representative assets of the exercise was the “Centauro” armored vehicle. Used by the cavalry units of the Italian Army, the Centauro played a central role in the operations. Produced since 1990, the Centauro was designed to renew the line of armored vehicles in service, meeting the mobility and protection needs of cavalry units.

Available in three versions, the Centauro Armored Car stands out for its ability to operate in different contexts and conditions, thanks to an excellent power-to-weight ratio and a firing capability that allows it to shoot even while moving. The auto-stabilized aiming system and the 105 mm gun make it one of the most advanced platforms, capable of ensuring tactical superiority on the field.

The Centauro is an extremely versatile vehicle: in addition to having excellent mobility on and off-road, it is characterized by an autonomy that allows it to operate in prolonged situations. It has been used in various international missions, including those in Somalia, Kosovo, and Iraq, in the context of Operation Ancient Babylon. Currently, the Centauro Armored Car is employed in numerous international operations, such as Operation Enhanced Vigilance Activities (eVA) in Bulgaria, Operation Leonte in Lebanon, and Operation Baltic Guardian in Latvia.

The ongoing training has thus highlighted not only the importance of operational efficiency but also the adaptability of the units to new technologies and strategies, ensuring that the Italian Army is always ready to respond to future challenges effectively and in a coordinated manner. The “Nizza Cavalleria” Regiment, with its solid tradition and constant updating of its capabilities, confirms itself as one of the pillars of the national armed force. Moreover, the exercise demonstrated how the Army is evolving to respond to the increasingly complex challenges of modern conflicts.