08 Aug 24. Pitch Black 24: Logistics and Maintenance As Backbone of a Seamless Military Exercise.
- German, Spanish and French aircraft participated non-stop in the Pitch Black exercise in Australia. It called for teamwork, efficient logistics and meticulous maintenance to keep the aircraft in the air.
More than 13,000 kilometres separate Europe and northern Australia. Over the course of three weeks, 20 nations took part in the Pitch Black exercise – a highly demanding scenario in which aircraft flew every day with the aim of strengthening international relationships, improving regional security and increasing resilience to transnational threats.
Over the course of several months, a great deal of work has been done in the shadows, from a logistical, maintenance and, of course, human point of view.
Going Down Under
With air forces from all over the world taking part in Pitch Black, getting equipment and personnel Down Under was a huge logistical task in itself. The French, Spanish, German and Malaysian air forces all relied on the A400M, mainly to transport spare parts for their fighter jets, as well as personnel. As Felix, an A400M pilot with the German Air Force puts it: “We mainly took care of the logistics in the background. For example, a Eurofighter does not have a cargo hold to transport spare parts, so we brought them in advance or when they were needed.”
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Likewise, the A330 MRTT was used in this context. France, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the German-led Multinational MRTT Unit all counted on the aircraft for logistical support in addition to its primary tanker role.
Eurofighter 100-hour inspection
On the ground it was up to people like Brigadier Fonseca to ensure that the aircraft were up and running. She is a Eurofighter mechanic with the Spanish Air and Space Force and responsible for carrying out inspections on the fighter jet – from the most superficial, once the aircraft reaches 25 hours, to the most detailed, up to 2,000 hours.
“We came mainly to do a 100-hour inspection, which was pretty laborious,” she explains. “We had to lift the plane on jacks and put it in the hangar. It took several people.” The service included the inspection of visual and functional elements that could prevent the aircraft from flying. One of the main difficulties faced by the mechanics was the distance from Europe, with its limitations in terms of personnel and equipment, as well as an unfamiliar climate.
“The work was a bit different because of the long flight times we had, the temperatures and the winds,” says Dennis, an A400M technician from the German Air Force. “There was also a lot of sand in the air.”
Crossed maintenance: reduction of the logistical footprint
Faced with these complexities, Germany and Spain had signed agreements to support each other in case certain equipment was needed or an aircraft broke down.
“This greatly reduced the footprint, both in terms of material and personnel,” explains major Fernando, a Eurofighter pilot with the Spanish Air and Space Force. “For example, German mechanics were authorised to repair an issue on a Spanish Eurofighter with a Spanish mechanic present who checked that the action taken was in accordance with national standards.”
This came to bear before Pitch Black started: In Alaska, a Spanish Eurofighter developed an engine problem and was unable to fly. After the necessary approvals and compatibility checks, it was replaced by a German one and continued its journey to Australia via Japan.
Germany and Spain collaborating, is nothing new. The two countries also joined forces when it came to maintenance during air policing in the Baltics, protecting NATO’s eastern flank.
Franco-Australian A330 MRTT cooperation
Meanwhile, a French A330 MRTT was struck by lightning on a flight to Australia. A thorough analysis revealed that a vital tool for checking the frequency of the in-flight refuelling boom was missing. Arriving at Amberley Air Base in Western Australia, the French mechanics were joined by their Australian counterparts and together they solved the problem.
Meanwhile, a French A330 MRTT was struck by lightning on a flight to Australia. A thorough analysis revealed that a vital tool for checking the frequency of the in-flight refuelling boom was missing. Arriving at Amberley Air Base in Western Australia, the French mechanics were joined by their Australian counterparts and together they solved the problem.“ Everything was ready for us when we arrived in Australia,” says Lieutenant Florence, head of technical support for the French A330 MRTT detachment. “We were immediately able to retrieve our equipment without quarantine and were given a storage area with the other air forces participating in the exercise.”
All this exemplifies the great level of collaboration, combined with excellent logistics and a high level of preparedness that allowed European air forces to anticipate problems and resolve them efficiently when they arose. It played a huge role in making Pitch Black a success, enabling the European participants to strengthen alliances between each other and with the countries of the Pacific. (Source: ASD Network)
02 Aug 24. Germany amplifies combat readiness with new training contracts.
Thales and QinetiQ secure roles in enhancing Germany’s defence capabilities, integrating technology and training systems for aircrews and special forces. The purpose of these simulators is to recreate combat scenarios involving ground-to-air missile threats, allowing pilots to gain the essential experience needed to thrive in contemporary warfare. Source: Thales
As Germany strengthens its military readiness amid rising global tensions, Thales and QinetiQ have been awarded contracts to advance simulation-based training and aerial threat representation, signalling an investment in future-proofing the Bundeswehr’s operational capabilities. The German Armed Forces have agreed with Thales and QinetiQ, two industry players in military technology and training services, to bolster its defence capabilities. These contracts reveal Germany’s intention to equip its forces with the latest simulation technology and aerial training to prepare for complex threat environments.
Thales enhances mobile threat simulation
Through its partnership with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), Thales has secured a three-year contract to maintain and enhance the mobile threat simulators (Mobs) for training German aircrews. These simulators are designed to replicate ground-to-air missile threats in realistic combat scenarios, providing pilots with the experience necessary to survive and succeed in modern warfare.
The contract continues a 15-year collaboration under the Polygone programme, a tri-national initiative involving Germany, France, and the United States to improve air defence training. Thales’ role involves maintaining existing systems and integrating new technologies.
“Mastering modern aircraft in complex threat scenarios requires high quality training. We are thrilled to be able to continue supporting the German Armed Forces in the Polygone programme.” said Christoph Ruffner, CEO of Thales Germany.
QinetiQ secures largest training contract in history
Meanwhile, QinetiQ has been awarded the Aerial Training Services (ATS) contract, valued at €284m, marking the largest and longest contract in its Global Threat Representation business history. Over the next decade, QinetiQ will deliver training services to all branches of the German military, including the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Special Forces.
The contract includes Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training, Red Air operations, close air support, maritime air operations, and more, utilising a fleet of eleven PC-9 and four PC-12 aircraft. These training exercises are designed to replicate the full spectrum of aerial threats, ensuring that German forces are prepared for any scenario.
Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ, emphasised the importance of this contract in the current global security climate. “In the current heightened threat environment, the award of the Aerial Training Services contract demonstrates QinetiQ’s commitment to ensuring the German Armed Forces are always operationally ready for their missions.”
A new era of military preparedness
Awarding these contracts to Thales and QinetiQ highlights Germany’s proactive approach to military preparedness.
By investing in simulation and aerial training services, the Bundeswehr is enhancing its current capabilities and laying the groundwork for a more adaptable military force. (Source: army-technology.com)
02 Aug 24. Royal Marines operate deep in Australia’s outback on major Indo-Pacific exercise.
- More than 400 UK Commandos complete major exercise in Australia.
- The elite troops operated 400 miles ‘behind enemy lines’ on raiding and reconnaissance missions.
- The six-week deployment proved the UK, Australia, the United States and other regional partners can operate effectively together in the Indo-Pacific.
Royal Marines deployed more than 400 miles into the outback of Australia’s Northern Territory as they spearheaded allied forces taking part in a major show of strength in the Indo-Pacific.
More than 400 UK Commandos have been deployed for the last six weeks near Darwin for military drills alongside hosts Australia, the United States and the Philippines – aimed at increasing their ability to fight and win together.
Operating ‘deep behind enemy lines’, the Commandos worked ahead of the main forces in small teams along the vast Indian Ocean coastline and bushland of the Northern Territory, carrying out carefully planned raids on critical infrastructure to pave the way for allies to hit adversary strongpoints alongside 1 Brigade of the Australian Army.
The Commandos deployed under the cover of darkness by helicopter and raiding craft from the coast, where support ships RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay have been operating as part of a Royal Navy task force – known as Littoral Response Group (South), which is designed to react to world events and crises east of the Suez Canal and into the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise – named Predators Run – explored how the UK’s Commandos could operate in advance of the main allied force, operating far from established supply chains, in small raiding teams designed to cause maximum disruption to the enemy.
Commander of the Land Force of Littoral Response Group (South), Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Denning RM, said: “Predators Run has presented a fantastic opportunity for us to operate in the Pacific region at a greater scale than we have achieved previously.
“Working closely with key regional partners and sharing lessons as we learn, it has been impressive to see how quickly we have been able to achieve genuine interoperability between our nations in a short period of time.”
RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus were the launchpad for amphibious and helicopter raids, with three Commando Merlin aircraft from Yeovilton-based Commando Helicopter Force’s 845 Naval Air Squadron flying marines into the action.
Two Commando company groups – Charlie and Bravo – of Taunton-based 40 Commando provided the main punch supported by experts from across the UK Commando Force, including engineers of 24 Commando, fire support from 29 Commando, logisticians of the Commando Logistic Regiment, medics and reconnaissance specialists from 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group.
“This has been a unique experience,” said the officer in charge of Bravo Company, Major Jack South Royal Marines.
“It’s provided an opportunity to test the limits of our capabilities and push beyond our own boundaries.
“Treating Predators Run as a rehearsal Commando Force operations in a warfighting context has been exceptionally useful.
“This has been a step change in the way we operate… working in the deep battlespace with disaggregated teams at reach and in highly contested environments.
“The people of Bravo Company have delivered in spades, once again highlighting the quality and capacity of our people within UK Commando Forces.
“For me personally, this exercise has hammered home the reality of what we are trying (and succeeding) to achieve.
“This is about our people operating in a completely different context; the mindset remains the same, but the impact of what we deliver now has far wider reaching consequences.
“With that, comes increased responsibility that, unsurprisingly, our people have taken to without falter.”
Together the Commandos provided reconnaissance but also struck high-value enemy targets, including command and control nodes and air defence assets, to allow larger follow-on forces to make amphibious landings.
The Commandos concealed themselves using carefully planned counter surveillance and physical camouflage techniques.
The exercise also included a live firing phase, which saw 8 Battery from 29 Commando Royal Artillery using their L118 105mm guns to support allied forces, while Mortar Troop from 40 Commando formed mixed UK/Australian mortar teams to fire on enemy positions while supported by a Puma drone system to locate targets.
The Commandos operated closely with US Apache attack helicopters, calling in close air support when required to achieve crucial objectives in the Bradshaw Field Training Area.
The British element bolted onto Battle Group Tiger, made up largely of the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, with elements from the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, and 1st Health Battalion, as well as soldiers from the United States Marine Corps’ Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
All of this tied together six weeks of intensive activity as the Littoral Response Group (South) completed its first major activity in the Indo-Pacific. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
02 Aug 24. Joint military exercise between China, Mozambique and Tanzania underway. The Chinese, Mozambican and Tanzanian militaries are currently holding the Peace Unity 2024 joint exercise in Tanzania, focussing on counter-terror military operations.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defence, said the exercise will be carried out on land and at sea and aims to enhance the participating troops’ capabilities in joint counter-terrorism operations, and deepen military mutual trust and practical cooperation.
Chinese troops had arrived in Tanzania by 27 July, allowing the opening ceremony to officially kick off the exercise on 29 July at the Comprehensive Training Centre (CTC) in Mapinga near Dar es Salaam. Sea drills will conclude on 5 August and land drills on the 11th.
The Chinese forces in the Peace Unity 2024 exercise consist of two groups: ground units sent by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Central Theatre Command and a naval flotilla sent by the PLA Southern Theatre Command.
Ground units consist of troops from the 82nd Group Army, an information and communication regiment, and a military hospital. The troops specialise in assault, reconnaissance, intelligence, special operations, information support and logistics. They bring with them armoured vehicles, self-propelled guns and other heavy equipment.
According to CCTV, PLA forces arrived in Tanzania by sea and air, with the PLA Navy sending two Type 071 landing ships, the Wuzhishan and Qilianshan, and a Type 052D guided missile destroyer, the Hefei, and the PLA Air Force sending Y-20 strategic transport aircraft. It is believed that this marked the first use of the new Y-20 transport aircraft to bring troops and equipment to East Africa.
Gao Jian, part of the PLA contingent, said, “with a high morale, strong military performance, and coordinated joint operations, we will work shoulder to shoulder with the Tanzanian military. We will fully demonstrate Chinese military’s resolution and capability in safeguarding regional stability and security.”
Sea drills are to include port defence, counter-terrorism tactics, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), anti-piracy, and joint maritime patrols. During the exercise, the flotilla will also organise cultural exchanges, deck receptions, and vessel open days.
“We anticipate that these exercises will strengthen our military capabilities and foster closer ties with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army,” said Commander of the Tanzania Navy, Ameir Ramadhan Hassan.
“Our cooperation has expanded from military training to equipment sharing. The three naval ship missions in Tanzania are a testament to it. We will always work together as we set out new heights,” said Chinese defence attache to Tanzania Wang Haijun.
The exercise coincides with 60th anniversary celebrations of bilateral relations between China and Tanzania and a visit by the PLAN Peace Ark hospital ship. Under Mission Harmony 2024, the vessel is providing humanitarian medical services to a number of countries.
During Peace Ark’s stay in Seychelles, the ship’s staff treated nearly 1 200 people a day. While anchored in Tanzania for a week from 16 July, a baby weighing 3 kg was born on the ship, being the first “peace baby” for this year’s mission. Some 8 000 Tanzanian patients were treated. The vessel is now heading to Madagascar.
Apart from providing free diagnoses and treatment to local people, the hospital ship also sent medical teams to local hospitals, communities and schools to provide medical services, and conduct academic exchanges and cultural activities.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, said, “The Peace Ark has so far visited 46 countries and regions, providing medical services to over 290 000 people, explicitly demonstrating China’s foreign policy in promoting peace and economic development. Tanzania occupies a very special place in the mission history of the Peace Ark. It is one of the five countries visited by the Peace Ark in its inaugural mission in 2010 after its commission in 2008. This is the third visit of the Peace Ark to Tanzania.”
Peace Unity 2024 marks the fourth joint military exercise between Tanzania and China, after exercises in 2014, 2019/20, and September 2023 when the two countries held the Transcend 2023 Marine Corps joint training exercise in Dar es Salaam.
Regarding Mozambique, in 2016, China and Mozambique signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Co-operation Agreement, aimed at strengthening contacts between the two countries’ army, police and intelligence services. China also agreed to strengthen Mozambique’s defence capacity. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)