Two major French National Police special units were performing for the first time today at the Eurosatory 2018’s press live demonstration: the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) and the Search, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence (RAID).

A BRI's PVP light armoured vehicle assaulting during the Eurosatory 2018 live demonstration

While the RAID only showcased its sole modified Titus 6x6 armored personnal carrier, the BRI simulated a scenario of terrorist attack with hostage rescue in public transport environment. The unit deployed an array of Panhard PVP light armoured vehicle, Nerva LG drone, a Renault armored personnal carrier and a Volkswagen 4x4 tactical vehicle used for C2.

The BRI and RAID are both urban police units that depend on the French Ministry of the Interior (Ministere de l’Interieur). BRI can work in conjunction with RAID in joint operations where mutual assistance is desired. Both units share responsibility for the French territory, through local antennas spread

Such as the RAID, recent major engagements of the BRI were the 2015 Charlie Hebdo shooting and the November 2015 Paris attacks, where the unit has again proven the importance of its know-how in fighting terrorism threat.

There are now more than 15 BRI units, located in France's major cities. The oldest one is the Paris-based BRI PP, created in early 1960s. Their main tasks include judiciary police work with an emphasis on flagrante delicto cases as well as crisis response in hostage and terrorism cases.

Their extensive SWAT training places them in an intermediate position between the regular police forces, preserving day-to-day public law and order and the RAID units.

Based in Bièvres (southwest of Paris) the RAID is the National Police counterpart of the National Gendarmerie's GIGN.