7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA), known as the "Airborne Gunners," is the British Army’s specialist artillery unit tasked with supporting the high-readiness 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team. Based at Merville Barracks in Colchester, they operate the L118 105mm Light Gun, a versatile weapon capable of being helicopter-underslung or air-dropped by parachute into battle. Unlike other artillery regiments, 7 Para RHA soldiers are required to pass the arduous All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection (P Company) to earn their maroon berets and military parachute wings. This elite status ensures they can deploy at speed alongside the Parachute Regiment, providing critical offensive fire support in the early stages of an airborne operation before heavier forces arrive.
