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SOFINS 2025: French Special Forces Highlight Full-Spectrum Operational Capabilities During Live Demonstration.
On April 3, 2025, during the final day of the SOFINS exhibition held at the Souge camp near Bordeaux, French Special Forces carried out a coordinated tactical demonstration simulating a full-spectrum operation involving infiltration, target neutralization, and exfiltration. This demonstration served as a highlight of the event, bringing together a wide array of land, air, and digital assets. An exclusive video of the exercise is available below.
With this demonstration at SOFINS 2025, the French Special Forces reaffirmed their capacity to operate in contested, multi-domain environments (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The scenario began with the identification and location of a hostile element engaged in missile launch operations. Once the objective was confirmed, a direct action was launched to apprehend the target. This phase was preceded by aerial fire support delivered by a Tigre attack helicopter equipped with a 30 mm cannon, Hellfire missiles, and 68 mm rockets. A Gazelle helicopter, used for offensive reconnaissance, deployed an FPV drone from the air to destroy a hostile vehicle.
Caracal EC725 and Cougar AS532 transport helicopters were deployed to insert, supply, and extract troops. The Caracal, operated by the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS), is specifically designed for infiltration and extraction in high-threat environments. It features hoisting capabilities, B6-level armor, and avionics tailored for special operations. The Cougar supported troop transport and casualty recovery thanks to its flexible configuration.
On the ground, M-RZR vehicles (military variant of the Polaris RAZOR) were used to quickly deploy sniper teams. These lightweight, all-terrain vehicles are suited for discrete missions in challenging environments. The armored Masstech T6 vehicle was also employed to evacuate a wounded soldier, demonstrating its medical evacuation role under threat, with protection rated to VR7 ballistic standards.
A tactical flyover by an Airbus A400M Atlas further illustrated its dual role in in-flight refueling and strategic airlift. The aircraft operated at low altitude, highlighting its ability to deploy both personnel and heavy equipment directly into operational zones. A Rafale fighter jet was subsequently engaged to deliver a precision strike on a high-value target, reinforcing the joint coordination between air and ground units.
Several innovative capabilities were also integrated into the exercise. Hexadrone Tundra V2 “mothership” UAVs were deployed to launch Gekko FPV drones equipped with explosive payloads, allowing for targeted strikes on enemy vehicles and combatants. Additional drones were also used to deliver equipment and supplies. This integration of loitering munitions and airborne robotic platforms into tactical ground operations demonstrates the growing role of unmanned systems in modern French special operations.
With this demonstration at SOFINS 2025, French Special Forces reaffirmed their capacity to operate in contested, multi-domain environments. The coordination between helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, armored vehicles, drones, and ground units illustrates a comprehensive and flexible response capability, aligned with the evolving demands of modern warfare.