The large-scale military exercise Orion, which took place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, was hailed by Emmanuel Macron, who attended it as evidence of France and its European allies’ ability to defend themselves. This exercise, involving several European countries, was launched in February to train the French army and NATO for new high-intensity wars.
“It showed us the credibility that Europeans have in being able to deploy an operation of this magnitude together. And France is seen as a key nation in this context,” stated the President of the Republic and Chief of the Armed Forces in Suippes, Marne. “It is a very clear message sent to our Ukrainian partners, who are waiting for us in this regard, and to all our European brothers in arms,” he added.
During the day, the president visited the division’s command post, responsible for directing the actions of all units involved in reclaiming the terrain from a fictional enemy. He also witnessed shots from Caesar cannons, new mortars introduced in recent years, and infantry machine gun firing from a trench.
He was briefed on the latest equipment of the Army, made possible by the budgets outlined in the military planning laws of recent years. “What I saw today is an army that is progressing, transforming, modernizing, and ready to face the contemporary challenges that we have,” stated Emmanuel Macron. “And that is why this exercise is so important, and you can be proud to have contributed to it,” to make France “a recognized power by its allies, feared by its enemies,” he emphasized.
The exercise was divided into four phases since October, from operational planning to troop deployment in a coalition. Approximately 12,500 troops were engaged in this final phase with 1,800 tactical vehicles, 30 helicopters, and 800 combat drones. Six other countries participated: Belgium, Italy, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
