The Thunderbolt trains on the deployment of an Advanced Command Post following airstrikes in enemy territory

In un contesto internazionale sempre più teso, con venti di guerra che soffiano prepotentemente alle porte d’Europa (e non solo), la necessità di mantenere Forze Armate pronte a rispondere a crisi su larga scala è più urgente che mai. In questo scenario, la Folgore Parachute Brigade continues to refine its operational capabilities, especially for missions requiring operations behind enemy lines.

The constant training of the Folgore is not only aimed at ensuring the ability to operate in highly complex situations, but is even more important in light of the recent transition of the Brigade under the Land Operations Forces Command (COMFOTER). Questa nuova configurazione rafforza il ruolo della “Folgore” come strumento essenziale per l’intervento immediato in scenari di conflitto, proiettando rapidamente le proprie unità in contesti operativi critici.

And it is precisely in this context that recently, at the Altopascio launch site, la Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore ha condotto l’esercitazione “Sagitta 2024”aimed at testing the Large Unit's ability to deploy the Advanced Command Post (ACP) after an airdrop over hostile territory.

The activity, coordinated by the 184th Tactical Command and Support Unit (RCST) 'Nembo'It tested the ACP's support and protection procedures, which are essential for the Command and Control of units in the initial stages of an airborne operation. The exercise focused on ensuring its high mobility, through continuous movement ('jumps') after grounding, necessary to ensure its survival and the uninterrupted operation of communication systems, an essential element for operational coordination.

In modern reference scenarios, characterised by the need to control large contested spaces, including through the conquest and maintenance of vital points and areas, the ability to exercise Command and Control in a close, timely and effective manner over airborne units is fundamental to guaranteeing the manoeuvre, right from its initial stages, and therefore the success of the mission.

Due to its high level of professional technical preparation and the psychophysical characteristics of its personnel, the Folgore Parachute Brigade, as from 2 September 2024 under the direct authority of the Land Operations Forces Commandis among the tools at the Army's disposal to ensure the Defence's ability to respond and intervene immediately in crisis and emergency situations, which require the deployment, within a short timeframe, of important devices capable of operating in all areas of confrontation.

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/ex_sagitta.aspx