French military vehicles and equipment, which will be engaged in the annual EUFOR exercise “Quick Response 2026”, were unloaded this morning from the train near the Railway Station in Sarajevo.
The French contingent engaged in the exercise consists of about 200 soldiers and 60 vehicles, said Major Étienne, deputy commander of the French unit for the “Quick Response 2026” exercise and a member of the French mountain units.
He explained that 60 military vehicles were delivered to Bosnia and Herzegovina by rail, while members of the contingent and sensitive equipment, including weapons, ammunition, radio equipment and medical equipment, were transported by French military planes.
“Our French unit consists of 200 soldiers and 60 vehicles. For this exercise, vehicles were delivered by rail, while personnel and sensitive equipment were transported by French military planes,” said Étienne.
The French contingent is made up of combat units and support elements, and has different types of armored and transport vehicles.
Étienne stated that the combat element includes three armored reconnaissance platoons, two of which use VBL light armored vehicles. As he explained, it is a typical French light armored vehicle intended primarily for reconnaissance tasks.
“It is a fast vehicle because it is very light, and due to its small dimensions, it can act discreetly,” he said.
The unit also includes artillery, infantry and engineering elements. The artillery platoon uses PVP vehicles, while VAB armored vehicles are used to transport the infantry, which can transport a group of ten soldiers.
VAB vehicles are also used to bring engineering units closer to the area of operation, including teams trained to place and remove mines.
According to the French officer, the various combat elements together form a combined battle group capable of carrying out company-level tasks.
The contingent also has a logistical support element that uses GBC vehicles to transport soldiers and equipment, including movement on roads and more demanding terrain.
“We are extremely glad that we are here in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that we have the opportunity to train and work with our European partners – said Étienne.
French reservists started arriving in BiH earlier this week. On August 21, EUFOR announced that part of the French personnel had arrived via Sarajevo International Airport and that the reserve forces for the exercise would arrive by air, road, sea and rail.
The annual EUFOR exercise “Quick Response 2026” takes place from August 22 to September 3 throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Members of EUFOR from 24 countries are participating in it, along with reserve forces from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Romania, and the exercise is supported by the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and law enforcement agencies.
The aim of the exercise is to verify EUFOR’s ability to quickly engage and integrate reserve forces, improve interoperability and confirm operational readiness to support the maintenance of a safe and stable environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Fena writes.
