2e REP: Exercise Libecciu 2025 | French Foreign Legion Information

In May 2025, the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) carried out “LIBECCIU 2025” – a major military exercise across Corsica, from the Balagne region to Bonifacio. This demanding two-week training operation was designed to prepare French Foreign Legion paratroopers for the most challenging combat scenarios.

For 11 consecutive days, nearly 500 legionnaires (including the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Companies and GCP commandos) maneuvered through Corsica’s rugged terrain, simulating operations in a contested theater with minimal logistical and medical support, disrupted communications, and the need for autonomous decision-making.

The exercise began in the Balagne mountains in northern Corsica with nighttime infiltrations, reconnaissance, and tactical maneuvers designed to reduce visibility and surprise adversaries. Drone integration was used throughout the operation, now a standard reflex within the 2e REP’s tactical playbook.

As the exercise progressed southward, airborne insertions using NH90 “Caïman” helicopters from the 1st Combat Helicopter Regiment (1er RHC) allowed for rapid redeployment, including the precision insertion of a combat diver team from the regiment’s 3rd “Amphibious” Company for maritime reconnaissance and extraction tasks. In coordination with supporting units, including combat engineers from the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment (17e RGP), the 2e REP companies conducted assault operations and established control zones under realistic battlefield conditions.

The final objective was Bonifacio, a fortified urban stronghold known as the southernmost commune in Metropolitan France and a former Foreign Legion garrison. On Wednesday, May 21, the 1st Company – specialized in urban warfare – seized the old town’s citadel in a simulated operation conducted among local residents and tourists. Military vehicles, watercraft, helicopters, and blank ammunition contributed to a realistic, full-scale combat scenario.

“Bonifacio is a fortress – that’s why it was built. The terrain forces us to master coordination and precise positioning to achieve tactical surprise,” said Colonel De Dainville, commanding officer of the 2e REP.

Later that day, the public was invited to view military equipment and speak with legionnaires on the town’s Quai d’Honneur.

The exercise concluded the following morning with a formal ceremony at the Bir Hakeim monument, honoring the connection between the regiment and the local community.

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