In late August and early September 2025, heavy mortars from the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13e DBLE) conducted three weeks of intensive training at the CEITO military range at Camp Larzac, the regiment’s home base.
After deploying their mortars to the USA and Norway as part of the Jeanne d’Arc mission (a multi-month naval deployment involving two French ships sailing around the world, with stops across multiple continents, including the Americas, Asia, and Africa, carrying an infantry detachment on board), the 120 mm Mortar Support Platoon (SAM 120) moved to the CEITO to carry out the Complementary Qualifying Training (FACQ). The platoon fired 72 rounds under real-world conditions, perfecting their skills.
Formed in 2024, the SAM 120 was the first heavy mortar platoon reactivated within the French Foreign Legion in over 25 years. This decision was driven by lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, underscoring artillery’s important role on modern battlefields.
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