A new underground military training facility has been established in Italy to prepare special forces for combat scenarios that replicate the conditions of urban warfare, particularly in subterranean environments. The site, known as La Carona, is located near Parma and is designed to simulate the challenges faced in modern conflicts, as highlighted by the recent experiences of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
The facility is built within a former fuel depot used by Benito Mussolini and consists of a network of five concrete tanks and over two kilometers of tunnels. Its primary advantage is the complete isolation from external communication, which allows military personnel to train without reliance on traditional navigation and communication technologies.
Training in Extreme Conditions
La Carona offers a unique environment where soldiers can practice under conditions of total darkness and without GPS. The absence of satellite signals forces participants to utilize new portable spatial scanners for navigation. Additionally, the thick concrete walls and layers of earth effectively block standard radio communications, prompting the exploration of alternative communication technologies capable of transmitting data through solid materials.
The facility is operated from a centralized technological hub, enabling engineers to adjust lighting, fill tunnels with smoke, and simulate sounds and vibrations akin to real explosions, thereby enhancing the realism of training exercises.
Robotics and Autonomous Drones
Due to the inherent dangers of sending personnel into dark tunnels, La Carona has become a testing ground for advanced military robots and drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are designed to operate without satellite assistance, employing computer vision and artificial intelligence to navigate the tunnels autonomously, avoid obstacles, and create real-time three-dimensional maps of their surroundings.
In addition to aerial drones, robotic dogs are utilized to enter the tunnels first. Equipped with thermal imaging and laser sensors, these robotic units can detect ambushes, tripwires, or other hazards, relaying three-dimensional models of the environment back to the assault teams.
International Participation
Currently, special forces from 17 countries are training at the La Carona facility. Regular participants include elite units such as the U.S. Green Berets, as well as special operations forces from France, Germany, Belgium, Poland, and Italy’s own specialized underground battalion.
Military analysts indicate that as urban populations continue to grow, future conflicts are likely to shift increasingly towards metropolitan areas. The ability to navigate and map underground infrastructures, such as subways and basements, will be crucial for effective urban defense strategies.
Italy's La Carona facility trains military personnel in subterranean combat scenarios, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts. The site emphasizes the importance of advanced navigation and communication technologies in urban warfare.