British and French rapid reaction forces call in the big guns

Airborne forces from Britain and France conduct a joint artillery and air support exercise in Castlemartin in Wales - Gallic Marauder photo UK MoD

08.07.2014 British Army

Airborne forces from Britain and France have conducted a joint artillery and air support exercise in Castlemartin in Wales.

Troops from the Colchester-based 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA) have fired artillery guns and called in fast jets alongside their counterparts from the 8th Parachute Marine Infantry Regiment (8 Regiment Parachutiste d’Infanterie Marine, 8 RPIMa) and 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment (35th Regiment Artillerie Parachutist, 35 RAP), both based near Toulouse.

The soldiers, who have recently returned from an interoperability exercise in the south of France, are taking part in the two-week live firing exercise to strengthen ties between French and British units.

The 260 troops fired a combination of artillery guns and mortars as well as receiving air support from jets on the French aircraft carrier, Charles De Gaulle.

Commanding Officer of 7 Para RHA, Lt Col Will Lynch, said. "This opportunity is perfect for us to continue to improve the way in which our two Armies operate.

"Exercise Gallic Marauder has been a fast moving artillery and air support exercise that has allowed us to operate in an all arms environment and asses each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We have learnt a lot from this exercise and we look forward to the continued co-operation between our sister regiments."

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