German Army and Air Force Collaborate in "Blauer Greif 2025" Exercise
Air Transport Wing 62 from Wunstorf and the Paratroopers of the 31st Paratrooper Regimentfrom Seedorf conducted the joint military drill "Blauer Greif" 2025 on the Greek island of Crete.
Last week, Germany’s Air Transport Wing 62 from Wunstorf and the Paratroopers of the 31st Paratrooper Regimentfrom Seedorf participated in the joint military exercise Blauer Greif 2025 on the Greek island of Crete. According to the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), the exercise was designed to prepare Germany’s crisis response forces for military evacuation operations.
Establishing a Forward Base in Crete
A key focus of the exercise was setting up and operating a Forward Mounting Base in Chania, Crete. Additionally, paratroopers carried out airborne operations on the European mainland near Athens. Transport aircraft of the Luftwaffe, specifically the A400M, were used to deploy troops and equipment. These aircraft are designed for carrying large troop contingents and heavy loads, ensuring smooth coordination between the crews and the paratroopers during flight.
Testing Different Deployment Methods
Two different parachute deployment techniques were tested. In the first, transport planes flew in a set formation and altitude, allowing paratroopers to jump at predetermined intervals for an organized landing. In the second, a Combat Control Team was deployed ahead of the main force to assess landing conditions, such as wind speed on the ground. This information was relayed to the A400M aircraft via radio or visual signals, enabling precise landings even in difficult or unfamiliar terrain.
Ongoing Support After Landing
The transport aircraft continued to support the paratroopers after landing by providing supplies, medical aid, and additional equipment. Technical landing masters worked closely with the logistics teams to ensure smooth operations. The Blauer Greif 2025 exercise demonstrated how the Luftwaffe can effectively deploy and support paratroopers in combat scenarios. Key challenges included precise coordination between air transport crews and ground forces, as well as adapting to unpredictable conditions in the field—requiring high levels of flexibility and responsiveness.
Sources: Bundeswehr, Behörden Spiegel
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