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Belgian Army Leads Yellow Guardian with 600 Troops and 180 Vehicles from 4 Nations for 10 Days of Training.
A military exercise, named "Yellow Guardian," is currently mobilizing 600 soldiers and 180 vehicles from four European nations: Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Organized by the Belgian Battalion of Chasseurs à Cheval, this training operation, running from November 20 to 29 between Neufchâteau and Elsenborn, aims to enhance the interoperability of reconnaissance, intelligence, and electronic warfare units while refining tactical and logistical procedures. It also seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange and evaluate logistical practices among participating nations.
The Belgian contribution to "Yellow Guardian" also includes the Falcon Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV), a versatile and modern platform designed for reconnaissance, patrol, and logistical support. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The exercise spans ten days and is divided into three main phases. The first phase, lasting two days, involves infiltration maneuvers. From the Neufchâteau area, multiple squadrons are conducting reconnaissance missions heading northeast towards the Elsenborn camp. This phase, critical for intelligence gathering, will conclude on November 25, followed by simulated counteroffensive scenarios involving fictional enemy forces.
A variety of specialized equipment is deployed, reflecting each nation’s expertise in reconnaissance and intelligence operations. These advanced tools enable effective exploration, surveillance, and real-time data collection essential for intelligence missions.
The Belgian Pandur, a wheeled armored vehicle, is designed for troop transport, reconnaissance missions, and fire support. It is armed with a 20 mm or 30 mm cannon, supplemented by 7.62 mm machine guns or automatic grenade launchers. With modular armor that provides protection against small arms fire and mines, the Pandur also offers high off-road mobility and can carry up to eight soldiers. The French Panhard VBL PVR is a light armored vehicle suitable for rapid reconnaissance and patrol missions. Agile and discreet, it can be equipped with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns, or even anti-tank missiles in certain configurations. Its armor protects against small arms fire and shrapnel.
The Belgian contribution to "Yellow Guardian" also includes the Falcon Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV), a versatile and modern platform designed for reconnaissance, patrol, and logistical support. This vehicle features advanced mobility, making it highly effective in off-road environments. The Falcon LMV is equipped with a modular protection system, offering resistance against small arms fire, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and mines. Depending on mission requirements, it can be armed with a remotely operated weapon station, typically mounting a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, providing both defensive and offensive capabilities. Its compact size and adaptability make it ideal for a variety of tactical scenarios.
Also part of the Belgian fleet is the Dingo, a heavily protected armored vehicle designed for reconnaissance, convoy escort, and troop transport. Known for its high level of survivability, the Dingo features advanced mine and blast protection, as well as a reinforced hull to withstand IEDs and roadside ambushes. It is typically armed with a roof-mounted machine gun or grenade launcher and can accommodate up to eight personnel, offering flexibility for different mission profiles. Its robust construction and superior protection make it a vital asset for operations in high-risk environments.
The Dutch Fennek armored reconnaissance vehicle is equipped with long-range observation systems and advanced communication tools for real-time data transmission. It is armed with either a 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and is designed for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and target designation. It offers high autonomy and effective protection against mines.
In addition to ground vehicles, drones play a vital role in intelligence collection. The Reader Skyre and FB drones are equipped with optical and infrared sensors, enabling them to conduct effective surveillance and provide real-time data transmission. Though unarmed, these drones enhance the reconnaissance and intelligence capabilities of the deployed units.
The Dutch Fennek armored reconnaissance vehicle is equipped with long-range observation systems and advanced communication tools for real-time data transmission (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Battalion of Chasseurs à Cheval, also known as ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance), serves a pivotal role in the exercise. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Jean-François Verheust, the unit focuses on gathering and analyzing raw data to produce actionable intelligence. These tasks include monitoring strategic crossing points, identifying enemy positions, and transmitting data to fire-support units such as artillery and air forces.
French units bring their expertise to the exercise with specialized contributions from the 2nd Hussar Regiment (2e RH), the 54th Transmission Regiment (54e RT), the 1st Spahi Regiment (1er RS), and the 61st Artillery Regiment (61e RA). These units collaborate with their Belgian, Dutch, and Luxembourg counterparts to maximize coordination and operational efficiency. The onset of snowfall during the exercise adds a layer of complexity, testing the troops’ ability to perform in a winter environment.
This intensive training demonstrates the commitment of European armed forces to enhancing interoperability in key areas such as reconnaissance, intelligence, and logistics. By testing unit capabilities and fostering the exchange of knowledge, "Yellow Guardian" strengthens cohesion among international partners while preparing armies to address modern defense challenges. The scale of the operation, involving 600 soldiers and 180 vehicles, as well as the variety of deployed equipment, underscores the importance of this exercise in the context of European military collaboration.