Saber Strike 26: the paratroopers of the Folgore in the NATO multinational device in Finland

VUOSANKA (FINLAND) – The multinational exercise “Saber Strike 26” officially concluded at the Vuosanka Training Area in Finland. This important activity was developed as a federated event within the broader framework of NATO's training device “Sword 26”, a series of interconnected maneuvers conducted to test and validate operational readiness on the flanks of the Atlantic Alliance.

The central focus of the operation was the strengthening of cooperation, amalgamation, and tactical synergy among the various allied nations, a strategic objective in which Italy participated with the excellent assets of the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore”. In the challenging terrains and harsh climates of Finland, the airborne units demonstrated an extraordinary unity of purpose, confirming that vertical projection represents a common operational language capable of linking the elite units of the continent.

Two field exercises for maximum integration

The multinational training activity was structured into two distinct Field Training Exercises (FTX), designed to test flexibility, resilience, and command and control capability in high-intensity warfare scenarios:

• The "Rock Sisu": a complex maneuver conducted under the guidance of the British Army.
• The "Northern Star": planned and managed directly by the Finnish Army.

Both segments of action allowed the paratrooper units to verify their ability to plan, prepare, and conduct operations in complex and multi-domain environments, characterized by entry into non-permissive environments.

International cooperation represented a fundamental opportunity for the enhancement of intervention capabilities of the Allied countries' troops. It was a valuable occasion to test in the field the effectiveness of operational procedures, materials, and equipment in use, with a particular focus on the development and operational use of remotely piloted systems (UAV).

The Italian device: the assets of the "Folgore"

The Italian Army deployed in the theater a structured and self-sufficient device led by the 186th Paratrooper Regiment “Folgore”. To ensure full maneuver and support capability, specialist assets from the Brigade participated in the contingent:

• The 183rd Paratrooper Regiment “Nembo” (maneuver component);
• The 8th Paratrooper Sapper Regiment (mobility and engineering support);
• The 185th Paratrooper Artillery Regiment “Folgore” (fire support);
• The Logistic Regiment “Folgore” (logistic support and supply chain).

The Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" thus confirms itself as one of the strategic spearheads available to the Armed Forces to ensure the immediate response and intervention capability of the Defense in crisis and emergency situations. A setup designed to project and concentrate forces, in very short times and with little notice, even in operational areas not reachable by other types of forces and at great distances from the Homeland.

The value of international cooperation

The positive conclusion of "Saber Strike 26" not only marks the end of a challenging training cycle in the Arctic environment but also signifies a further and concrete step forward towards the real operational union of European and allied paratroopers.

In a constantly evolving global geopolitical framework, the success of this multinational activity demonstrates that geographical and linguistic boundaries are overcome when the same training rigor and employment doctrine are shared. The union cemented among the ice of Finland between Italian, British, Finnish paratroopers, and other partner countries sends a clear message: in the face of future security challenges, the response of the integrated allied defense will be immediate, coordinated, and cohesive.