Moment hundreds of British troops parachute into Germany in ‘biggest drop since World War II’ as they prepare for Putin
Around 600 British paratroopers jumped into Germany as part of a large Nato-focused exercise, practising how to block an invading force. The seven-week war game reflects military concerns that Russia could threaten Europe and tested how allied troops might respond.
The exercise, called Rhino Titan, involved about 2,400 personnel from 16 Air Assault Brigade, including around 100 French paratroopers, with German forces hosting at Sennelager. British troops jumped from four RAF A400M aircraft at 800 feet and faced a simulated enemy using drones and electronic warfare. A defence source described the drop as among the largest since the Second World War; the last UK battalion-scale combat parachute deployment was during the 1956 Suez crisis.
In short
- Around 600 British paratroopers jumped into Germany for a major exercise.
- Rhino Titan tested responses to an enemy using drones and electronic warfare.
- The exercise involved about 2,400 troops from British, French and German forces.
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The case for
Supporters argue that practising a large allied response in Germany helps deter aggression and ensures troops can operate together if a Nato member is threatened. Given Russia’s war in Ukraine and the risks of drones and electronic disruption, realistic exercises may expose weaknesses before a crisis and reassure allies that Britain is prepared to contribute.
The case against
Critics may argue that prominent exercises framed around preparing for Putin risk heightening tensions and encouraging reciprocal military demonstrations, even when presented as defensive. They may also question whether a costly parachute operation is the most useful preparation for modern conflict, and whether the scale and public messaging could make diplomacy harder.
Explained simply
Nato is a military alliance whose members, including Britain, France and Germany, agree to support one another if attacked. Its forces regularly train together so they can work across national borders in a crisis.
The exercise took place in Germany and involved British and French airborne troops alongside German hosts. Paratroopers are soldiers trained to reach the ground by parachute; the exercise also included simulated drones and electronic interference.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has led European governments to pay closer attention to the risk of conflict spreading or threatening Nato members. Exercises such as this practise how allied forces might respond, without being an actual battle.