Autumn Wind 2025: the Foreign Legion trains at high intensity

From October 19 to 31, 2025, the 2e Régiment Étranger de Parachutistes (2e REP), elite of the Foreign Legion, conducted the exercise Vent d’Automne 2025 (“Autumn Wind 2025”) in Haute-Corse, one of the most important training sessions of the year for the French forces. Over 700 paratrooper legionnaires were engaged in complex operations, supported by Engineer, Artillery, and Paratrooper Cavalry units, as well as by air assets from the national Navy and a C-130 Hercules.

The objective: to consolidate the inter-arm capability of the 2e REP in a realistic, dynamic, and challenging context. After a detailed planning phase, the exercise began with a nighttime ground insertion via operational drop. Previously, paratrooper commandos had infiltrated with a high-altitude jump and a long progression under canopy, providing essential reconnaissance and securing the area for the arrival of the main units.

Infiltrations, strategic passes, and the battle for Galéria

Once on the ground, the legionnaires reorganized to begin a complex infiltration through the Nebbiu and Balagne hills. The mission involved the coordinated capture of key tactical points such as the Teghime, Salvi, and Marsolino passes. Each movement was conducted discreetly and methodically to preserve the element of surprise and minimize the risk of premature engagement with a simulated adversary of equal capability.

The next phase involved reconnaissance of the Calvi plain, with motorized units engaged against a dynamic enemy. The focus then shifted to Galéria, a strategic point of the operation. The entire area was carefully monitored thanks to the integrated use of the 2e REP's sensors: FPV drones, snipers, the regimental reconnaissance section, and the Paratrooper Commando Group teams. At dawn, the decisive assault was launched, leading to the rapid capture of the location.

The final assault on Calvi and the confirmation of the 2e REP's excellence

After the capture of Galéria, the GTIA prepared the final phase of the exercise: a series of helicopter operations directed towards Calvi, where opposing forces had entrenched themselves. The final assault, conducted against the historic citadel of the city – home of the 2e REP since 1967 – represented the culmination of Vent d’Automne 2025 and marked the success of the entire maneuver.

This training allowed the Foreign Legion Paratroopers to validate the full spectrum of their capabilities: advanced planning, aerial ground insertion, infiltration, complex reconnaissance, coordinated assault, and helicopter redeployment. For its intensity, the difficulty of the terrain, and tactical complexity, Vent d’Automne 2025 confirms the operational excellence level of the 2e REP, which continues to stand out in the most demanding scenarios, faithful to its tradition: More Majorum.