The multinational exercises “Scorpions Legacy 2026” and “Dacia Lancer 2026” have concluded in Romania, two of the most important training events of the year for the land forces of the Atlantic Alliance in southeastern Europe. Among the protagonists of the operational activities were the units of the Folgore Parachute Brigade, which participated in the exercises at the Joint National Training Center (JNTC) in Cincu and at the headquarters of the Multinational Division South East (MND-SE) in Bucharest.
The training event, planned by the Romanian Ministry of Defense, involved units from numerous allied and partner countries with the aim of consolidating operational capabilities, refining technical-tactical procedures, and verifying the level of multinational interoperability in scenarios characterized by high operational complexity.
For Italy, the “Savoia Cavalleria” Regiment (3rd) and a component of the 185th Paratrooper Artillery Regiment “Folgore” participated, confirming the central role of Italian units in NATO's multinational devices. The participation of the Folgore is part of the broader commitment of the Italian Army aimed at ensuring a qualified presence in deterrence, collective defense, and international cooperation activities that characterize the eastern flank of the Alliance.
From trenches to urban scenarios: realistic training for Italian paratroopers
The exercise developed in a simulated high-intensity combat scenario, reproducing many of the operational conditions observed in contemporary conflicts. The paratrooper cavalrymen of the “Savoia Cavalleria” operated alongside military personnel from France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, conducting offensive and defensive activities in particularly complex environments.
The Cincu training area is today one of NATO's most advanced hubs for land training and offers the possibility to simulate combat in urban scenarios, operations in trench systems, mechanized maneuvers, and multidomain combat missions. These characteristics allowed the participating units to experiment with procedures and techniques used in the most modern operational theaters.
Particular attention was given to combined arms operations, where infantry, cavalry, artillery, armored vehicles, and advanced technological systems operate in an integrated manner. In this context, the use of remotely piloted systems was fundamental, now an integral part of observation, target acquisition, and maneuver support activities.
One of the most significant moments of the exercise was the Field Training Exercise (FTX), during which two multinational battalions engaged in a complex continuous operation lasting 96 hours. The activity was conducted using the MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) simulation system, a technology that allows for highly realistic reproduction of combat effects, increasing the training value and safety of the personnel involved.
The constant interaction between units from different nations also allowed for the verification of common procedures, command and control systems, and tactical cooperation methods, essential elements to ensure the effectiveness of future multinational operations.
Firepower, command, and integration, confirming the “full spectrum” capabilities of the Folgore
The final phase of “Scorpions Legacy 2026” was characterized by a spectacular Live Fire Exercise (LFX), during which the units demonstrated their operational capabilities through the coordinated use of numerous weapon systems.
The heavy armored squadron of the “Savoia Cavalleria” and the section of the 185th Paratrooper Artillery Regiment “Folgore” operated alongside allies in a complex joint defensive maneuver. The activity saw the use of Italian Centauro armored vehicles, French Leclerc tanks, Romanian Piranha combat vehicles, Spanish Vamtac, and Polish Rosomak, concretely demonstrating the level of integration achieved among the Alliance's forces.
Parallel to the activities on the ground, a component of the “Savoia Cavalleria” Regiment took part in the “Dacia Lancer 2026” exercise, participating in a Command Post Exercise (CPX) focused on the planning and conduct of high-intensity offensive operations. In this context, the command posts of the Multinational Division South East and the Multinational Brigade South East were employed, testing decision-making processes, coordination, and command capabilities in a particularly dynamic operational environment.
The activities carried out in Romania represented an important opportunity to confirm the preparedness of the Folgore Parachute Brigade, a major combat unit of the Italian Army capable of expressing versatile, integrated, and “full spectrum” operational capabilities. The experience gained during “Scorpions Legacy 2026” and “Dacia Lancer 2026” confirms how full inter-arm, inter-force, and multinational integration is today one of the fundamental elements to face international security challenges and ensure the operational credibility of the Atlantic Alliance.
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