From Monday 4 to Friday 8 November, 61e artillery regiment will organize the large-scale military exercise Argonne 2 in the city center of Chaumont. A unique event for the city-prefecture.
During his wishes on January 25, the commander of the 61e artillery regiment, Colonel Pierre-Yves Le Viavant, had announced his desire to organize an intelligence exercise using drones in the city center of Chaumont.
“We have started discussing this exercise project with the City. This would be a first for the regiment. Ideally, we would like to plan it for fall 2024. If this is not possible during this period, we will adapt,” the colonel explained. This project will soon see the light of day.
Five days of simulated combat in the heart of the city
The 61e artillery regiment will organize the large-scale military exercise Argonne 2 from November 4 to 8, in the heart of the city. This event will mark a special moment: the celebration of the 25 years of presence of the regiment in Chaumont for which a dedicated ceremony will take place on the Place des Arts on November 9 at 5 p.m.
“The town of Chaumont will serve as a training ground for five days of simulated combat. No less than 300 soldiers from the Black Devils (a unit specializing in image intelligence), 60 military vehicles and 20 drones will be mobilized. The forces involved will have to manage complex tactical situations, based on realistic high-intensity urban combat scenarios,” explains the commander of 61e artillery regiment.
This exercise will include reconnaissance missions with the use of drones to identify enemy positions, close combat and coordinated movements of troops and light armored vehicles in critical urban areas. “One of the objectives of Argonne 2 is to strengthen skills in urban areas. Through this exercise, we train our soldiers in new forms of warfare, where the civilian population is often present, and where military actions require great precision. We are testing our new technologies (drones, advanced sensors and latest generation communication systems). »
Part of the exercise accessible to Chaumontais
During the military exercise, security measures will be taken to minimize disruption. Affected areas will be identified and a dedicated security team will provide ongoing liaison with local authorities. “Residents will be able to watch certain parts of the exercise. This opening to the public aims to strengthen the army-nation link. Regular information will be disseminated to allow everyone to follow the progress of the operation,” concludes Colonel Pierre-Yves Le Viavant.
C.G.
