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Essex troops train in electronic warfare in Canada

Crown Copyright 2026 Two soldiers in camouflaged green clothing sitting on some grass. There is netting behind them, in the foreground. They are turned to look at the camera.Crown Copyright 2026
Airborne soldiers from Colchester have started training on the Canadian prairies to prepare for battlefields driven by electronic warfare

Soldiers from Essex have begun training on the Canadian prairies to prepare for battlefields that could be dictated by drones and electronic warfare.

The 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) and the 16 Air Assault Brigade, from the Colchester barracks, have been taking part in Exercise Rhino Bizz.

About 350 British and Canadian soldiers are carrying out the two-week exercise at British Army Training Unit Suffield in Alberta.

"We are learning from current battlefields around the world," said 2 PARA commanding officer Lt Col Craig Shephard.

Crown Copyright 2026 A soldier in green uniform and protective gear faces the camera, standing or kneeling among green bushes. Behind him are two men in green and brown camouflaged uniform facing the other way. A large expanse of green fields can be seen in the background. A black tripod has been placed nearby.Crown Copyright 2026
16 Air Assault Brigade is the British Army's global response force, specially trained and equipped to deploy by parachute

"[We are] adopting the latest technology in partnership with industry and adapting how we will fight."

The soldiers are practising to fly drones long distances, jam electronic signals and carry out live explosive strikes.

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