The complex exercise "Falena I" 2025 has concluded, featuring the 185th Paratrooper Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Regiment (RRAO) "Folgore", an elite unit of the Italian Army, specialized in special operations and tactical intelligence gathering. The training activity involved a wide operational scenario, extending between Livorno, Gioia del Colle, Torre Veneri, Tor di Nebbia, and Brindisi.
A multidomain and joint training
The "Falena I" exercise aimed primarily at consolidating operational capabilities in the five fundamental domains: land, air, water, cyber, and space. In Livorno, the command post of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) was deployed, while the Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU) operated from the airfield of the 36th Fighter Wing of the Italian Air Force, located in Gioia del Colle.
The simulated missions involved intelligence gathering and kinetic operations, in hybrid warfare scenarios, both in urban and rural environments. Among the most significant tactical acts was the insertion of operators using the Free Fall Technique (TCL) from an NH-90 helicopter of the 3rd Special Operations Helicopter Regiment (REOS) of the Army Aviation.
Amphibious operations and new mobility systems
One of the most advanced phases of the training involved amphibious insertion, with the beachhead taken by an Operational Detachment of the 185th RRAO, using special boats. The unit also tested new means for land mobility, including electric motorcycles and light all-terrain vehicles LTATV (Light Tactical All Terrain Vehicle), expanding operational possibilities in hostile and diverse environments.
A highly realistic exercise
The "Falena I" lasted two consecutive weeks, involving over 100 men and women, both for direct training and logistical and operational support. Maximum realism was ensured by the presence of numerous role players, who simulated dynamic threats along the main and secondary arteries of the urban exercise areas.
The entire operation was characterized by its "joint" nature, with contributions from various Armed Forces units:
- Italian Army: the 9th Cyber Security Regiment "Rombo", the Cavalry School of Lecce, the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment, and the 21st Engineer Regiment;
- Italian Air Force: use of C-130J from the 46th Air Brigade of Pisa for personnel transport and tactical deployment, Eurofighter jets from the 36th Wing for Close Air Support, Beechcraft Super King Air 350ER Spydr from the 14th Wing for ISR missions, as well as F-35 and MQ-9 Predator B drones from the 32nd Wing of Amendola;
- Specialized units: the RESTOGE (Technical Operational Support Unit for Electronic Warfare) and the Joint Intelligence Center (CII) operated within the intelligence cell of the SOTG.
Visit of authorities and joint synergy
During the exercise, the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello, visited the 36th Fighter Wing in Gioia del Colle, accompanied by high military and civilian authorities. The Commander of the 36th Wing emphasized the perfect synergy among the participating forces, in an operational context that ensures national air defense and the NATO Quick Reaction Alert service, active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The "Falena I" exercise once again confirms the high readiness of the Italian special forces, capable of operating in complex and multidimensional scenarios, with a rapid projection and response capability that makes them a fundamental asset for national and international security.
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