UK and French paratroopers train side by side during Macron's UK state visit

British and French paratroopers are training side by side at RAF Brize Norton, as part of a longstanding military partnership between the two countries.

The exercise brings together troops from the British Army's 16 Air Assault Brigade and France's 11e Brigade Parachutiste (11e BP).

British instructors are training 20 French personnel on UK parachuting equipment and procedures.

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Both brigades serve as their armies' rapid reaction forces, trained to deploy together under the Airborne Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (ACJEF) – a bilateral agreement designed to strengthen joint operational readiness in response to global crises.

Exercises like this one are intended to ensure both units can deploy together with compatible equipment, procedures and command structures.

The training coincides with French president Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK.

On Tuesday, President Macron was formally welcomed at Windsor Castle by the King and Queen, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Earlier that morning, the President and Mrs Macron arrived at RAF Northolt, where they were met by King Charles and Queen Camilla and greeted with a Guard of Honour from the King's Colour Squadron.

In total, around 1,000 British military personnel are supporting the three-day visit, including troops from all three services and 70 horses taking part in a ceremonial carriage procession through Windsor.

The joint parachute training reflects the close military relationship between the UK and France, formalised in the 2010 Lancaster House Treaties.

The treaties are being rebooted during this week's state visit as both countries look to refresh defence cooperation.