14 Aug 24. Rwanda Defence Force continues to train Central African Republic soldiers. The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) continues to train Central African Republic (CAR) soldiers, with more than 600 graduating in the latest batch.
The Rwandan Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the 634 new soldiers, including 55 women, were on 5 August enrolled in the Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA) after completing seven months of basic military training. The new soldiers were trained by the Rwanda Defence Force in collaboration with FACA, after 512 graduated in a first batch in November 2023.
The 5 August pass-out ceremony took place at Camp Kassaï military Barrack, Bangui city, and was presided over by Prof Faustin Archange Touadera, the President of Central African Republic, and was attended by Major General Vicent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff.
Touadera expressed his appreciation for the successful military partnership between Rwanda and the Central African Republic, and thanked Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the RDF for their support.
“This graduation marks the second battalion trained by military instructors from the Rwanda Defence Force, with the ultimate objective of preventing the activities of the enemies of peace,” said the Chief of General Staff of the Central African Armed Forces, Major General Zephlin Mamadou. “I have no doubt that the skills acquired during this course will help in protecting the country and its people.”
During his speech, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, stated that the Basic Military Training programme is the fruit of the initiative of the two Heads of State and aims to train professional soldiers with the skills, techniques, and knowledge required to operate effectively in peacetime and wartime.
The graduation ceremony was marked by demonstrating various skills acquired over the past seven months, which involved firing skills, map reading, and martial arts.
The RDF released photographs showing CAR soldiers wearing the badge and beret of the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) that were first seen in February, when the FACA announced that the new unit had become operational.
The RDF appear to have equipped the troops with ballistic helmet and bulletproof vests as well as Chinese-made Type 81-1 assault rifles.
Rwandan troops first deployed to the CAR in January 2014. Rwanda now has more than 2 000 soldiers serving in the CAR under the United Nations peacekeeping mission. It also maintains more than 1 000 soldiers in the CAR under a separate bilateral agreement since December 2020.
While Rwanda has earned gratitude for supplying the largest contingents of peacekeepers to the United Nations missions in the CAR and South Sudan, some see Rwanda’s military adventures as being about more than bolstering regional security. Alongside the Rwandan blue helmets in the CAR, for instance, another Rwandan detachment is, according to the International Crisis Group and others, ‘helping strengthen CAR’s institutions while securing mining concessions and land for agricultural projects.’ (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
14 Aug 24. SADC readying for regional riverine exercise.
SADC “maritime exercise” planning conference delegates in Namibia.
Preparations, in the form of planning conferences, will see the Southern African Development Community (SADC) stage what is at present called “its first maritime exercise” come October.
The exercise, according to Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Mathebula of the Joint Operations Division of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), will be a riverine operation that will take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and involve Botswana, the DRC, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
It will have five focus points: anti-trafficking; anti-piracy; anti-criminality; anti-pollution; and anti-illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, under the theme “Combined We Combat Maritime Threats.”
Last month (July) Namibia hosted the main planning conference for the as yet unnamed exercise. The Swakopmund conference was attended by representatives from eight SADC member countries, the regional peacekeeping training centre as well as personnel from the SADC Secretariat and the regional bloc development community planning element. The five-day conference followed an initial exercise planning conference in December 2023 in Simon’s Town, South Africa. These efforts stemmed from a decision taken at the Standing Maritime Committee meeting in March 2023.
The Namibian conference, Mathebula reported, achieved objectives as far as establishing working groups, finalising country pledges, logistics and exercise timelines, as well as the appointment of key exercise roles was concerned. Contributions from unnamed member countries will ensure “vessels, patrol boats, medical teams, personnel and communication systems” are available for the exercise. The Mathebula report gives no location or duration for the exercise which, given its riverine orientation, will not necessarily be in a coastal country.
Opening the Swakopmund planning conference, Rear Admiral (JG) Erastus Lazarus, Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Commander Naval Operations, emphasised global concern over the increase in maritime security threats and their potential to disrupt global trade.
“This regional maritime exercise is of paramount importance as it is aimed at enhancing regional maritime security in line with the SADC Integrated Maritime Security Strategy and in support of the African Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050,” he told conference delegates.
SADC has in its ranks four island countries, six with coastal boundaries and six landlocked countries. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
13 Aug 24. New agreement: RAAF to train German Air Force pilots from 2025.
The Royal Australian Air Force has signed an agreement to train pilots from the German Air Force in 2025.
The agreement, a letter of intent, signed by Chief of Air Force Australia Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Chief of the German Air Force Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, was announced on 10 August.
“I am excited to announce today that the Royal Australian Air Force will be training Luftwaffe pilots from next year,” said AIRMSHL Chappell.
“This announcement follows the recent signing of a letter of intent by myself and Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz.
“This collaboration goes beyond training; it symbolises the mutual benefits and strong ties between our nations. By working together, we enhance our capabilities and emphasises our commitment to global security.”
Lieutenant General Gerhartz, in a published statement by Team Luftwaffe, said the agreement is a brilliant signal for the future.
“It‘s about partnerships around the world,” said Lieutenant General Gerhartz.
“(German) Air Force student pilots will start their pilot training in Australia next year. This is what our Air Chief agreed upon with the (Australian) Air Chief.
“I wish I would have had that amazing opportunity as a young pilot myself.
“This training is a brilliant signal for the future and a strong symbol of our growing partnership.”
The RAAF has already hosted German military aircraft and personnel during the recent air combat training activity, Exercise Pitch Black, in the Northern Territory.
Approximately 140 aircraft and more than 4,000 personnel from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand participated in that exercise hosted from 12 July to 2 August this year.
Aircraft operated from RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with additional tanker and transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
In addition, the Royal Australian Air Force has also recently announced it would host six F-22 Raptor aircraft from the United States Air Force 19th Fighter Squadron throughout this month during flying operations out of RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW.
It’s understood that two of the six F-22 Raptor aircraft will also participate in the Pacific Airshow from 16 to 18 August on the Gold Coast in Queensland. (Source: Defence Connect)
14 Aug 24. Royal Air Force takes to Indian skies to participate in exercise Tarang Shakti. The Royal Air Force (RAF) will join the Indian Air Force (IAF) and counterparts from Germany, Spain, and France in the first phase of the IAF’s maiden multilateral exercise Tarang Shakti today (6 August).
The RAF contingent comprising 130 personnel, six Eurofighter Typhoons, two A330 Voyager air to air refuellers and an A-400M military transport aircraft arrived at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu.
The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for the RAF to work closely with the IAF alongside other nations in a more challenging multilateral environment, significantly enhancing interoperability and sharing best practice.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:
I congratulate the Indian Air Force on organising its first multilateral air exercise, Tarang Shakti, and am delighted that the Royal Air Force is one of the key participants.
Our cooperation in security and defence extends across the seas, land, and air. It is crucial that our armed forces work together to preserve stability and enhance prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Group Captain Neil Jones, Air Adviser, British High Commission, said:
Exercise Tarang Shakti adds to a significant milestone in the ongoing relationship between the air forces of our two countries. Training in a multilateral environment provides a unique exposure to new challenges as well as integration of our tactics and skills across all specialisations.
For the Royal Air Force, it also demonstrates our ability to deploy and sustain air operations over great distances and maintain an effective presence in the Indo-Pacific, whilst working with partner nations; it is a pleasure for us to be here.
Further information
- the six Typhoons from XI (Fighter) Squadron, from RAF Coningsby arrived in India after participating in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia, where they operated alongside the IAF
- the RAF and Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft flew together for the first-time during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) in July 2024. Both nations deployed the P8I maritime patrol aircraft to Hawaii for the largest maritime training exercise in the region
- in March 2023, the IAF debuted at RAF’s multilateral Exercise Cobra Warrior, organised at Waddington Air Base in the UK (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
13 Aug 24. ECOWAS carries out maritime security exercise. Efforts by the East African regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) to strengthen maritime safety off its Atlantic Ocean coast saw the third iteration of Operation Safe Domain take place from 5 to 9 August.
It followed Safe Domain I in November 2021 and Safe Domain II in September last year to meet what a statement called “the challenges of maritime security”. A number of ECOWAS’ 15 member states front the Gulf of Guinea, named as a world piracy hotspot by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Under the guidance and leadership of the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Co-Ordination Centre (MMCC) for the bloc’s Zone E which includes Benin, Nigeria and Togo, the five-day exercise saw research, information exchange, maritime and aerial surveillance and operational unit/s intervention where necessary on the to do list.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah said at the start of Safe Domain Three “full operationalisation” of the regional bloc’s maritime security architecture was part of its strategic objectives as regards strengthening regional peace and security. He further told those present the world’s oceans are a major economic and environmental resource where “some 90% of international trade is conducted”.
ECOWAS “development partners” including the European Union (EU) by way of the GoGIN (Gulf of Guinea Inter-Regional Network) project, implemented by Expertise France, were thanked for ongoing contributions. Others named were UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), Denmark, Germany and the United States (US).
Nigerian Commodore Aniedi Ibok, Director of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E, said ECOWAS maritime challenges include piracy, sea robbery, and various forms of trafficking, which hinder economic development and impact local communities.
He highlighted the adoption of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) in 2014, which established a comprehensive maritime security architecture, including MMCCs in Cotonou, Accra, and Praia.
He mentioned a significant reduction in maritime crime incidents, from 49 reported piracy cases in 2018 to two in 2023, attributing this success to coordinated efforts by ECOWAS, member states, and international partners.
Ibok said that over the five days of this year’s exercise, a coordinated deployment of four ships, one Defender boat, and one helicopter conducted extensive maritime patrols and drills within Zone E, targeting threats such as sea robbery, piracy, illegal fishing, and various forms of trafficking.
“Our response through Operation Safe Domain III reflects our unwavering commitment to neutralizing these threats and creating a secure maritime environment conducive to commerce and trade.”
Operation Safe Domain IV is scheduled to take place in March 2025, building on the successes of this year’s operation.
“The continued collaboration of our member states is essential to protecting our shared maritime heritage and ensuring the free flow of global trade,” Ibok said. “Our collective efforts today are paving the way for a safer, more secure maritime future in Zone E.”
ECOWAS is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, and represents Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Atalanta training for Somali maritime forces
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, three days of shipboard training earlier this month saw two European Union (EU) missions collaborating to up the skills of Somali maritime forces.
As an adjunct to the exercise, a high level delegation met aboard the Spanish frigate ESPS Numancia (F83) to discuss strategic issues around maritime security off the African east coast and furthering collaboration between the EU missions and the wider Somali Armed Forces (SAF). Hosted by Operation Atalanta Force Commander, Rear Admiral Manuel Alvargonzález, the meeting was attended by EU Ambassador to Somalia Karin Johansson, Chief of Staff of the Somali President Abdihakim Mohamed Yusuf and EUCAP (EU Capacity Building Mission) Somalia Head Kęstutis Lančinskas.
From the Somali side the August onboard training saw coast guard elements from the Somali Navy and Police Force as well as the Puntland Police Force on hand for theory and practical applications. Exercises were based on tactical situations with trainees, among others, practicing boarding as well as personnel identification and detention procedures.
Atalanta has maintained a visible presence in the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa for 15 plus years executing a mandate which started with providing protection to World Food Programme (WFP) ships carrying nutrition for drought and starvation affected Somalis. Additionally, it is now an anti-piracy tasking and is rated by the EU as “a key maritime security provider”. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
12 Aug 24. South Korea, US to stage annual drills over North’s missile, cyber threats. South Korea and the United States will begin annual summertime military drills next week to ramp up their capability to counter North Korea’s weapons and cyber threats, officials said on Monday.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, set to run from Aug. 19 to 29, come as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and missile programmes and tries to launch reconnaissance satellites.
The drills will reflect “realistic threats” across all domains, including the North’s missile threats but also GPS jamming, cyberattacks and other lessons learned from recent incidents, the two countries’ militaries said in a statement.
The alliance “will further strengthen its capability and posture to deter and defend against weapons of mass destruction,” Colonel Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a briefing.
Lee said the South Korean military would also support the simultaneous government-led Ulchi civil defence drills, one set in the scenario of a nuclear attack by the North.
About 19,000 South Korean troops, similar to last year, will take part in 48 rounds of combined field training, including field manoeuvre, live fire and amphibious exercises, he said.
Colonel Ryan Donald, spokesperson of U.S Forces Korea, said the annual exercises were among the largest exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, and will be joined by member states of the United Nations Command.
Pyongyang has long denounced the allies for stoking tensions with military drills, calling them rehearsals for a nuclear war.
Seoul and Washington say the exercises are defensive and a response to the North’s threats. (Source: Reuters)
09 Aug 24. UK shows commitment to Indo-Pacific following major exercises.
The UK has demonstrated it’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific as a series of major multinational military exercises conclude.
- The Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines have taken part in a series of major exercises in the Indo-Pacific region
- Deployments saw UK personnel operate alongside nearly thirty international partners in exercises taking place in Australia, India, and Hawaii
- Exercises demonstrate the UK’s enduring commitment to supporting security and stability in the region, which is critical for the UK economy
Hundreds of UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed in the Indo-Pacific region this summer to participate in a series of major multi-national exercises across air, land, and sea in support of collective security and stability.
The Indo-Pacific is crucial to the UK’s economy due to the significant trade volume associated with the region and the UK works closely with partners and allies to promote its stability.
Activity throughout the last month has seen Royal Air Force fighter jets fly more than 9,000 miles to train in a series of exercises alongside aircraft from more than 20 different nations, while the Royal Marines landed on the northern shores of Australia as part of a series of amphibious assault exercises.
The deployments provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the UK Armed Forces to conduct global deployments and work closely with partners and allies to integrate and operate alongside each other more effectively.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This Government is determined to build on our Indo-Pacific commitments. Euro-Atlantic security is inextricably linked to stability in the Indo-Pacific. These deployments of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines strengthen our bonds and interoperability with our important partners. Our deployment of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales next year will further deliver on our commitment to strengthening UK relationships in the region.”
Flying more than 9,000 miles from the UK to Australia, six Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft joined more than 140 aircraft from 20 different nations for Exercise Pitch Black during July.
The journey to Australia, called Griffin Strike, was carried out jointly with the French Air and Space Force, further emphasising our deep defence ties during the 120th year of the Entente Cordiale.
In week one, the RAF practiced air-to-air combat engagements against another nation, while in weeks two and three the aircrew focused on intercept scenarios in a complex air environment, meaning participants were divided into either ‘red team’ or ‘blue team’, flying from separate locations attacking one another in varying scenarios. The overarching aim was to practice offensive counter-air and defensive counter-air combat in an airspace that is larger than the UK.
Meanwhile, landing on the beaches of Northern Australia, the Royal Marine Commandos conducted amphibious warfighting exercises with Australia, the US and the Philippines. Exercise Predators Run enabled the Commandos to practice deploying from small boats onto the shore, where they could form the spearhead of an assault onto land.
Patrolling the skies around Hawaii, two RAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft also joined 28 other nations at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises for their longest and furthest range exercise ever. The P-8A is a state-of-the-art multi-role maritime patrol aircraft that excels at anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and search and rescue missions.
And starting this week, an RAF contingent of 130 personnel, six Typhoons, two Voyagers, and an A400M transport aircraft arrived in India to take part in India’s largest multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti. The RAF will fly alongside aircraft from the US, Germany, France, and other nations in the coming weeks.
International alliances are a crucial component of a secure Britain, and domestically the Government will ensure that defence and security are at the heart of economic growth and the prosperity of the UK. In 2023 the defence industry supported more than 200,000 UK jobs to make and sustain the critical equipment used globally by our Armed Forces.
The UK remains committed to upholding the stability of the Indo-Pacific as demonstrated through the Royal Navy’s maintenance of a persistent presence through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, and in 2025 the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group will deploy to region to exercise with partners and allies to help promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)