Macron to watch final assault in "Orion 26" war games

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to attend the final phase of the multinational military exercise “Orion 26” on April 30.

The large-scale drills, which began on February 8 along France’s Atlantic coast, involve around 24 countries, predominantly European, alongside participants from the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The exercise is conducted under French leadership and is designed to test modern combat scenarios and joint operational capabilities.

The concluding phase will take place in the municipalities of Mailly-le-Camp and Suippes, where Macron is expected to observe a simulated “final assault” as part of the exercise scenario.

His programme will begin with an aerial observation of operations from a NHI NH90 military helicopter, followed by a demonstration of artillery fire. He will then visit a training area showcasing trench construction techniques, incorporating lessons drawn from Ukraine’s battlefield experience.

The day will conclude with displays of coordinated air strikes and live fire exercises involving Mirage 2000 fighter jets, Caesar artillery systems, as well as Leopard tanks and other armoured vehicles.

Emmanuel Macron is expected to use the visit to underscore France’s focus on high-intensity warfare readiness and multinational military cooperation.

Orion 26 military exercise is one of France’s most extensive recent drills, reflecting growing emphasis among European allies on large-scale, multi-domain operations.