Target Acquirers in Training: Exercise 'Moth I' of 185th RRAO 'Folgore' concluded
The complex exercise 'Moth I' 2025, which involved the 185th Parachute Reconnaissance and Objective Acquisition Regiment (RRAO) 'Folgore', an elite unit of the Italian Army, specialised in special operations and tactical intelligence gathering. The training activity involved a wide operational scenario, extending between Livorno, Gioia del Colle, Torre Veneri, Tor di Nebbia and Brindisi.
Multi-domain and inter-force training
The main objective of the 'Falena I' exercise was to consolidate operational capabilities in the five fundamental domains: land, air, water, cyber and space. The Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) command post was deployed in Livorno, while the Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU) operated from the 36th Fighter Wing of the Italian Air Force, located in Gioia del Colle.
The simulated missions involved information gathering and kinetic operations, in hybrid warfare scenarios in both urban and rural environments. Among the most significant tactical acts was the insertion of operators using the Freefall Technique (TCL) from an NH-90 helicopter of the 3rd Special Operations Helicopter Regiment (REOS) of the Army Aviation.
Amphibious operations and new mobility systems
One of the most advanced phases of the training involved amphibious insertion, with coastal takeover conducted by an Operations Detachment of the 185th RRAO, using special boats. The unit also tested new means of land mobility, including electric motorbikes and LTATVs (Light Tactical All Terrain Vehicles), expanding operational possibilities in hostile and diverse environments.
A highly realistic exercise
Moth I' lasted for two consecutive weeks, involving over 100 men and women, both for direct training and for logistical and operational support. Maximum realism was ensured by the presence of numerous role players, who simulated dynamic threats along the main and secondary arteries of the urban exercise areas.
The entire operation was characterised by its 'joint' nature, with the contribution of various Armed Forces departments:
- Italian ArmyThe 9th Cybernetic Security Regiment 'Rombo', the Cavalry School in Lecce, the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment and the 21st Engineer Guastatori Regiment;
- Air Forceuse of C-130Js from the 46th Air Brigade in Pisa for transport and tactical deployment of personnel, Eurofighter fighters from the 36th Wing for Close Air Support, Beechcraft Super King Air 350ER Spydr from the 14th Wing for ISR missions, as well as F-35s and MQ-9 Predator B drones from the 32nd Wing in Amendola;
- Specialised departmentsRESTOGE (Reparto Tecnico Operativo Supporto alla Guerra Elettronica) and the Interforce Intelligence Centre (CII) operated within the SOTG intelligence cell.
Authorities' visit and inter-agency synergy
During the exercise, the Army Chief of Staff, Army General Carmine Masiello, paid a visit to the 36th Fighter Wing in Gioia del Colle, accompanied by high military and civil authorities. The Commander of the 36th Wing stressed the perfect synergy between the participating forces, in an operational context that guarantees national air defence and NATO's Quick Reaction Alert service, active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The 'Falena I' exercise once again confirms the high level of preparedness of Italian special forces, capable of operating in complex and multidimensional scenarios, with a projection and rapid response capability that makes them a key asset for national and international security.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
