TROVÃO 251: Strengthening Fire Support Capabilities for the EUBG 25-2/26-1
As part of the preparation for the European Union Battlegroup 2025-2/2026-1, the 10.5 Towed Field Artillery Group (No. 4 Artillery Regiment) of the Rapid Reaction Brigade has been involved over the last few days in the Training Field Exercise/Live Fire Exercise (FTX/LFX) phases of exercise TROVÃO 251
This exercise had a projected force of nearly 80 soldiers and around 17 vehicles and aims to provide the forces with the capabilities to plan, coordinate and control fire support during joint military ground operations with other military forces or with local forces, in scenarios where it is necessary to restore security and stability to a country affected by a crisis or conflict.
The 10.5 Towed Field Artillery Group is a force that can get into position in around 6 minutes, while remaining far from the front line. After firing, they can be on the move in just 2:30 minutes.
They are equipped with the M119 “Light Gun", a 105 mm light howitzer that has been in service with the Portuguese Army since 1998, with an effective range of 12 km (it can reach 19 km, depending on the use of rocket-assisted charges) and which, due to its weight of approximately 2 tons, is capable of being towed, airlifted by medium helicopters, such as the EH-101 “Merlin” or the UH-60 “Blackhawk”, and transport aircraft, and which can also be parachuted.
In the Live Fire Exercise, the forces in direct contact on the front line are accompanied by two observers, who are the eyes of the artillery battery in the rear. After identifying two targets in open terrain, they initiate the first “Call for Fire”, sending the Fire Direction Centre all the information it needs to calculate the firing elements. Subsequently, the FDC transmits the “ Fire Commands” to the batteries so that they can engage the target. Once the shots have been fired, it is up to the observers to assess their effectiveness and, if necessary, transmit the necessary corrections.
The European Union Battlegroup 25-2/26-1 (EUBG 25-2/26-1) is a Joint Rapid Reaction Force of the European Union, prepared to act in Stabilization Operations in the event of a crisis or conflict, and can be deployed within 5 days in the event of an urgent response and 10 days in the event of an immediate response.
Once the Battlegroup has completed its readiness phase, it will be on standby for the 2nd half of 2025 and the 1st half of 2026.
It is integrating resources from the four components - Maritime, Land, Naval and Special Operations, and from 5 countries - Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Romania, for a total of 1,500 military personnel, which can be expanded to 5,000.
For the first time, an EU Battlegroup will be commanded by a Portuguese General Officer, Brigadier General Afonso Calmeiro, the current Commander of the Santa Margarida Mechanized Brigade.
