French Military to Deploy 15,000 Soldiers for Paris Olympics Security Operation
France’s military is gearing up to deploy 15,000 soldiers to bolster security measures for the upcoming Paris Olympics, according to General Christophe Abad, the military governor of Paris. The bulk of the military personnel, nearly 10,000 troops, will be stationed in the Paris region where most Olympic events will take place. In addition, military forces will be present in Tahiti, located over 15,000 kilometers away, to safeguard the Olympic surfing venue.
To ensure close proximity to the city’s Olympic sites, a temporary military camp accommodating 5,000 troops will be set up in a park in the south-east of the capital. This security operation, spanning from July 26 to August 11, is unprecedented in scale for France and is aimed at safeguarding the event and its attendees.
Apart from the military deployment, tens of thousands of police officers and private security personnel will also be stationed at various locations. Additionally, new legislation has been enacted to allow the temporary use of cameras combined with artificial intelligence software, a move that has sparked concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
In terms of aerial surveillance, the French military plans to employ Reaper surveillance drones, AWACS airspace-monitoring planes, fighter jets, airborne refuelling planes, and helicopters capable of carrying sharpshooters and equipment needed to neutralize drones.
The nationwide military force of 15,000 will include 7,000 troops already engaged in anti-terrorism patrols at transportation hubs and other busy or sensitive areas, such as places of worship. Moreover, the military is ready to provide additional troops if the Paris Games organizers face any shortage in recruitment for private security staff.
To ensure preparedness, the military has conducted training exercises that simulate potential crises during the Games. General Abad and other officials have tested their capabilities in dealing with various scenarios, including a terrorist threat, plane crash, drone attack, severe heat wave, and chemical spill.
The security team remains confident in their preparations. For the opening ceremony, there is a specific protocol with the state and the Paris City Hall. We’re confident that we’re on track, that we will reach our goals, said Bruno Le Ray, Paris 2024 Security director, during a press conference.
The security budget, currently set at 320 million euros ($532.24 million), remains unchanged. In addition to the ever-present threat of terrorism, the organizers are keeping a close eye on cyber threats and the potential for unauthorized drone activity. Measures to address these issues have been in place since 2019.
The security operation for the Paris Olympics aims to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators alike. As France prepares to host this prestigious international event, their robust security measures reflect the ongoing efforts to combat contemporary security challenges and safeguard the Olympic Games.
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