Royal Marines have joined forces with their French counterparts to stage a mock invasion of a beach in Corsica.
The operation Corsican Lion, part of the three-month Cougar 2012 exercise, involved Royal Marines from Plymouth-headquartered 3 Commando Brigade and French Marines.
The main training objective was to prove the two countries can work side by side and can also integrate their equipment and communications.
The aim is to develop a combined joint expeditionary force – a specialist amphibious fighting unit that can take part in a range of land operations.
Royal Marine Captain Joel Durbridge said the two groups had worked well together: "It is a brilliant opportunity to train alongside our French colleagues. Some of our equipment is different but the tactics and mindset are very similar. These opportunities bode well for a strong future operating with the French."