6th Light Armoured Brigade (France)

The 6th Light Armoured Brigade (French: 6e Brigade Légère Blindée, 6e BLB) is a unit of the French Army. Based in Nîmes, it is one of the army's light armoured brigades, specializing in rapid deployment and operations in varied terrains, particularly arid and semi-arid environments.

The brigade traces its lineage back to various historical units. Its current structure was formalized in 1999. It is designed to be versatile and capable of undertaking a wide range of missions, including peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations.

The 6e BLB typically consists of a mix of armoured cavalry, infantry, artillery, and engineer regiments. Key components often include:

• Armoured cavalry regiments equipped with wheeled armoured vehicles (e.g., AMX 10 RC, EBRC Jaguar).
• Infantry regiments, often motorized or mechanized.
• Artillery units providing fire support.
• Combat engineer units for mobility support and obstacle breaching.
• Support units for logistics, communications, and maintenance.

The brigade maintains a high level of readiness and participates regularly in exercises both domestically and internationally. It has been deployed on numerous operations, including those in Africa (e.g., Operation Serval in Mali, Operation Barkhane in the Sahel), the Middle East, and other regions where France has security commitments.

The 6th Light Armoured Brigade is distinguished by its adaptability and its focus on operating in austere environments, making it a valuable asset within the French Army's force structure. Its emblem and traditions reflect its history and its mission of projecting power and providing security in diverse operational theaters.