3e REI: 2026 Ariane 64 Rocket Launch | French Foreign Legion Information

On February 12, 2026, legionnaires from the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI), based in Kourou, French Guiana, helped secure the area around the Guiana Space Center (CSG) during Operation Titan. Their mission was to protect the spaceport and the Ariane 64 launch campaign from any external threat, including intrusion or disruption from outside the site.

In the days before the launch, the 3e REI deployed and trained near the space center to ensure the upcoming mission could take place safely. French Army artillery personnel also took part in the operation. The artillery detachment is a permanent part of the Combat Support Company 3e REI, although its personnel rotate every four months.

The protected launch (designated VA267) was conducted by Arianespace from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou. The rocket was Ariane 6 in the Ariane 64 configuration (A64) – the most powerful Ariane 6 version, with four boosters – and it successfully deployed 32 Amazon “Leo” satellites into low Earth orbit (about 290 miles ; 465 km) roughly 2 hours after liftoff.

Operation Titan is the standing security mission that protects the Guiana Space Center and its launches. It has been in place since 2008, with the 3e REI providing a continuous military presence to safeguard this strategic site for France and Europe.

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