Lieutenant Colonel Marie Dubois hasn’t slept well in weeks. Every morning, she checks the news from Eastern Europe, watches the cyber attacks hitting infrastructure across the continent, and wonders if her daughter will grow up in the same peaceful France she knew as a child. She’s not alone in these worries.
Millions of Europeans share her concerns about rising tensions and hybrid threats that seem to blur the lines between peace and conflict. That’s exactly why France is about to launch something unprecedented on its own soil—a massive military exercise that will test everything from combat readiness to civilian resilience.
Welcome to ORION 26, France’s biggest military exercise in over three decades, designed to prepare the nation for conflicts it hopes will never come.
France Prepares for Tomorrow’s Wars Today
The Orion 26 military exercise represents a dramatic shift in French military thinking. For years, the country focused on quick overseas interventions with small, specialized forces. Now, military planners are asking a much harder question: what if France had to fight a prolonged, high-intensity conflict while protecting its homeland?
Running from February through April 2026, this massive war game will mobilize 12,500 troops across French territory, from the Atlantic coast to the plains of Champagne. But unlike traditional military exercises, ORION 26 isn’t just about moving tanks and flying jets.
“We’re testing our entire national ecosystem under stress,” explains Defense Minister Jean-Baptiste Leclerc. “This includes everything from supply chains to hospital capacity, from cyber defense to keeping the lights on during a crisis.”
The exercise simulates what military experts call “hybrid warfare”—a new kind of conflict where cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and electronic interference can cripple a nation before conventional forces even cross the border. It’s the kind of warfare we’ve witnessed in Ukraine, where power grids become targets and social media becomes a battlefield.
Breaking Down France’s Biggest Military Test
The Orion 26 military exercise unfolds in four distinct phases, each designed to test different aspects of France’s defense capabilities. Here’s what makes this exercise so comprehensive:
| Phase | Duration | Focus Area | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tension Building | Feb 8-21 | Early Warning Systems | Intelligence gathering, diplomatic crisis simulation |
| Hybrid Operations | Feb 22-Mar 14 | Non-conventional Threats | Cyber defense, information warfare, infrastructure protection |
| High-Intensity Combat | Mar 15-Apr 15 | Traditional Warfare | Large-scale troop movements, air-sea operations |
| National Resilience | Apr 16-30 | Civilian Coordination | Emergency services, supply chains, public order |
The exercise involves an impressive array of military assets:
- 12,500 active duty personnel from all service branches
- Multiple naval vessels including frigates and submarines
- Advanced fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft
- Cutting-edge drone technology and electronic warfare systems
- Cyber warfare specialists and intelligence units
- NATO partner forces for interoperability testing
“What sets ORION 26 apart is its scope,” notes military analyst Dr. Catherine Moreau. “Previous exercises focused on specific scenarios or regions. This one tests France’s ability to fight abroad while maintaining homeland security—simultaneously.”
The exercise scenarios include defending NATO’s eastern flank while dealing with cyber attacks on French infrastructure, managing mass casualty events, and coordinating with civilian authorities during prolonged crisis situations.
Why This Exercise Matters for Every French Citizen
While ORION 26 might sound like military business as usual, its implications reach far beyond army barracks and naval bases. This exercise is testing systems that every French citizen relies on during emergencies.
Hospitals will practice surge capacity protocols, learning how to treat mass casualties while maintaining regular medical services. Emergency responders will coordinate with military units, testing communication systems that must work even when regular networks fail.
The exercise also involves testing France’s strategic reserves—everything from fuel stockpiles to medical supplies. Officials want to know if the country can sustain itself during a prolonged crisis without relying on potentially disrupted international supply chains.
“We’re not just preparing the military,” emphasizes General Philippe Martins, ORION 26’s exercise director. “We’re preparing the nation. Every ministry, every emergency service, every critical infrastructure operator has a role to play.”
Citizens in exercise areas might notice increased military activity, temporary road closures, or emergency service drills. Local authorities are coordinating with military planners to minimize disruption while maximizing the exercise’s realism.
The timing isn’t coincidental. With ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, increased cyber threats, and growing concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities, France wants to identify weaknesses before they become critical problems.
Economic implications are significant too. The exercise costs an estimated €150 million, but French officials argue this investment is minimal compared to the potential costs of being unprepared for a real crisis.
“Think of it as insurance,” explains budget analyst Marie-Claire Rousseau. “You pay premiums hoping you’ll never need the coverage, but you sleep better knowing it’s there.”
The exercise results will inform French defense spending priorities for the next decade, potentially influencing everything from military procurement to civilian infrastructure hardening.
International observers from NATO allies will monitor ORION 26 closely, looking for lessons they can apply to their own defense planning. The exercise demonstrates France’s commitment to collective defense while showcasing capabilities that reassure nervous allies.
For ordinary citizens, ORION 26 represents both preparation and deterrence. By demonstrating readiness for complex threats, France aims to make potential adversaries think twice about testing French resolve.
FAQs
Will ORION 26 disrupt civilian life?
Military planners are coordinating with local authorities to minimize disruptions, though some areas may experience temporary road closures or increased military activity.
How often does France conduct exercises of this scale?
This is France’s largest military exercise in over 30 years, representing a significant escalation in training scope and complexity.
Are other countries participating in ORION 26?
Yes, several NATO allies are sending observers and some units to test interoperability and joint response capabilities.
What threats is ORION 26 specifically designed to address?
The exercise focuses on hybrid warfare threats including cyber attacks, information campaigns, and conventional military operations occurring simultaneously.
How will success be measured?
Military analysts will evaluate response times, coordination effectiveness, resource management, and the ability to maintain operations under sustained pressure.
Could this exercise be extended if needed?
While scheduled to end in April 2026, officials have built flexibility into the timeline to address unexpected learning opportunities or challenges.
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