750 soldiers and 64 combat platforms at Capo Teulada for the impressive exercise “Serdica 26” of the “Garibaldi” Brigade

The exercise “Serdica 26”, developed and conducted by the 4th Tank Regiment, has concluded at the permanent range of Capo Teulada, following an intense training cycle that saw all components of the “Garibaldi” Bersaglieri Brigade deployed.

An activity far from ordinary: “Serdica 26” indeed represents a key step in view of the Brigade's upcoming deployment in the Forward Land Force Battle Group (FLF BG) operation in Bulgaria, within the NATO framework.

The armored vehicle returns to the center of the maneuver

The heart of the exercise was armored combat, with tanks as the absolute protagonists in conducting the live tactical group.

It's not just training, but a clear doctrinal indication: the tank remains a decisive tool for dominating the battlefield, integrated into a complex system made up of infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineers, and technological supports.

“Serdica 26” demonstrates how, in modern high-intensity scenarios, the maneuver and fire capabilities of armored units are still crucial for breakthroughs, terrain control, and tactical superiority.

An integrated system: men, vehicles, and technology

The contribution of the Forces Preparation Center (CPF) of the 1st Armored Regiment of Teulada was fundamental, allowing the development of highly realistic training activities through the use of advanced simulation systems, fully integrated with the command and control system “Imperio”.

This approach allowed for the combination of live and simulated training, with a detailed analysis of the technical-tactical procedures adopted, providing immediate and concrete feedback to all units involved.

Over 750 soldiers and 64 platforms on the ground

The exercise concluded with the conduct of a live tactical group led by the 4th Tank Regiment, involving a wide range of units:

• 1st Bersaglieri Regiment
• 82nd Infantry Regiment “Torino”
• “Lancieri di Aosta” Regiment (6th)
• 8th Field Artillery Regiment “Pasubio”
• 24th Field Artillery Regiment “Peloritani”
• 21st Engineer Regiment
• 11th Signal Regiment
• 3rd Targeting Support Regiment “Bondone”

These were joined by the reconnaissance and escort helicopters (EES) and tactical transport helicopters (ETT) of the 5th AVES Regiment “Rigel”, confirming full multi-domain integration.

Overall, over 750 soldiers and 64 combat platforms were employed, in a highly dynamic and realistic scenario.

The activity, followed by Lieutenant General Sergio Santamaria, inspector of the Army's capability assets, and Brigadier General Francesco Ferrara, Commander of the “Garibaldi” Bersaglieri Brigade, also represented a fundamental testing ground for the Junior Leaders of the “Garibaldi” Brigade.

At the same time, it promoted the operational integration of recently assigned VFI personnel, accelerating the processes of insertion into operational units.

Conclusions

“Serdica 26” confirms an already evident fact: the return of conventional combat requires prepared, integrated forces capable of operating in complex scenarios.

In this context, the tank not only endures but returns as a protagonist.

The “Garibaldi” Brigade thus demonstrates a high level of readiness and professionalism, essential for facing future operational commitments, in Italy and abroad, under NATO auspices.