British and French paratroopers in largest airborne drill for decades amid Russia fears

Thousands of service members from Britain and France have joined forces in a military wargame intended to demonstrate the defence of Nato territory against potential foreign aggression.

The drills featured a major airborne operation, among the largest conducted in two decades, with British and French paratroopers leaping from RAF transport aircraft over German soil.

The joint drills come amid heightened security fears across Europe driven by Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, as Russian troops probe Nato frontiers and the Kremlin faces accusations of directing arson, sabotage, and assassinations within European countries.

Conducted at the Sennelager military training area in Germany, Exercise Rhino Titan pushed the UK’s 16 Air Assault Brigade to respond to adversaries armed with electronic warfare systems and drone fleets, reflecting the tactical capabilities Russia is anticipated to employ.

Overall, roughly 2,500 personnel took part, which included 600 French and British paratroopers dropping from four RAF A400M Atlas aircraft.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "The threats we face in the 21st century require an updated, modern approach to warfare – and our adaptable armed forces are preparing accordingly.

"Alongside our French and German allies, this large-scale training exercise shows we can deliver rapid, large-scale airborne power anywhere it’s needed to defend Nato territory.

"This combination of troops and specialised equipment is what is required to deter our adversaries and keep Britain and our allies safe."

Brigadier Ed Cartwright, commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: "We have been given a realistic challenge to defend Nato territory and pitted against an enemy using drones and electronic warfare, which is what we would face on the modern battlefield."