Spain, year closed with the “Trueno 25”: the "Mangusta" of the Spanish Paratrooper Brigade

The Spanish Paratrooper Brigade BRIPAC – Brigada Almogávares VI concluded 2025 with one of the most important training events of the year: the exercise “Trueno 25”, a complex cycle of maneuvers that saw the complete integration of all the operational capabilities of the brigade, confirming its leading role within the Spanish Army.

Held between December 10 and 17, the exercise simultaneously involved the ranges of CENAD of San Gregorio and CENAD of Chinchilla, where the units operated in a high-intensity realistic scenario, with live fire activities, combined maneuver, and rapid force projection.

During the first phase, BRIPAC employed all its operational components: paratrooper infantry, cavalry, engineering, and artillery. The use of Centauro Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicles (VRCC) of the Cavalry Regiment “Lusitania” 8 was particularly significant, being key players in maneuver and direct fire activities.

The main objective of the exercise was to test the brigade's ability to operate as a rapid intervention force, capable of being deployed quickly in a complex operational theater.

The airborne phase: the soul of BRIPAC

The heart of “Trueno 25” was the preparation of a classic initial entry operation: BRIPAC was activated as a rapid projection force with the objective of securing an airfield through an airdrop, deploying an escalón de asalto of over 200 paratroopers from the various brigade units. The entire setup was brought to the decisive phase, with transfer to Zaragoza Air Base, equipment configuration, safety checks, and boarding on transport aircraft of the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio, before taking off towards the drop zone.

The drop was then canceled at the last moment due to weather, when the planes were already in flight: an outcome that, in reality, increased the training value of the event. In these scenarios, in fact, what matters is not just “jumping”, but demonstrating that the entire brigade can plan, concentrate forces, coordinate air assets, manage safety, and react to a sudden cancellation without losing cohesion, timing, and command capability. A complete test of the operational machine, exactly as would happen in a real operation, where the weather variable can impose drastic decisions even once the mission has started.

Increasingly realistic training

The contribution of the Compañía de Reconocimiento Avanzado (CRAV) was fundamental, which 48 hours before the main action carried out a HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) infiltration from a C-295 to conduct deep reconnaissance missions on the target.

The information gathered allowed the General Staff to assess the timing, methods, and risks of the operation, confirming the importance of tactical intelligence in modern airborne operations.

Particular attention was also paid to the use of FPV drones, used both offensively and defensively, following lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian experience led to testing new thermal protection camouflage nets, designed to reduce visibility to enemy thermal cameras.

A distinctive element of the exercise was the fact that the role of the enemy force was not assigned to external units, but directly interpreted by elements of BRIPAC itself, significantly increasing the level of realism and operational stress.

The exercise also included the simulation of the launch of a Light Gun and a tactical mule intended to serve as a forward command post, demonstrating the integrated approach between infantry, support, and command.

A brigade ready for modern combat

The “Trueno 25” confirmed BRIPAC as one of the most prepared and versatile units of the Spanish Armed Forces, fully integrated into the modern doctrine of high-intensity warfare, strategic mobility, and interoperability.

Training that looks to the future, where rapid deployment, informational dominance, drone integration, and adaptability are the key elements of modern combat.