SOFINS 2019: French Special forces able to conduct rescue and counter-terrorism operations.

During the first day of the SOFINS 2019, Special Operations forces innovation network and exhibition which takes place in the French military camp of Souge near Bordeaux, French Special Forces have performed a live demonstration to showcase their abilities to conduct rescue and counter-terrorism operations.

Live demonstration of French Special Forces at SOFINS 2019, Special Operations forces innovation network and exhibition at the military camp of Souge, near Bordeaux, France. (Picture source Army Recognition)

At the same time, exhibitors of SOFINS have presented the latest military products specially developed for Special Forces units including, combat vehicles, drones, armored vehicles, weapons and combat helicopters.

For the edition 209 of SOFINFS French and International manufacturers present their newest products, which will be tested under real conditions by special forces and special units at Camp de Souge.

The Commandement des Opérations Spéciales (COS; Special Operations Command) is the organisation which coordinates the use of the French special forces of all military branches (Army, Navy, and Air Force). Similar to USSOCOM, NLD SOCOM or UKSF, COS was created on 24 June 1992, following the Gulf War.

The French Special Operations Forces (SOF) have become the de facto military instrument of choice for the broader global counter-terrorism campaign. SOF direct and indirect missions in the era of the global war on terror have been extremely successful.

Coupled with remotely piloted aircraft for ISR and precision strikes at distance, SOF forces are the political weapon of choice today to implement small footprint counterterrorism (CT) and counterinsurgency operations in complex security environments. SOF prevails in today’s counterterrorism policy environment for two main reasons: first, the cost-effective nature of the use of SOF; and, second, the covert nature of SOF operations allows decision makers a more discreet option to consider for the selective use of force, rather than larger complex, personnel heavy operations, which can be politically sensitive.

In France, the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales (Special Operations Command, COS) was established in 1992 following the blueprint of the USSOCOM. Since its inception, as of 2017, the ministry of defence had recognised 25 operations conducted by French Special Forces, but it is likely many more were conducted in secret. The COS established a prominent role in the French defence strategy, as it managed to secure a considerable budget to invest on new technological capabilities.