10 Oct 24. SANDF, US planning for Ex Shared Accord 2025.
The fifth Exercise Shared Accord with the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and the United States military will be staged in South Africa next year on an as yet unspecified date at a venue still to be decided.
September saw a concept development conference for next year’s combined joint inter-departmental, inter-agency and multi-national peace support operation and humanitarian relief exercise take place at SANDF Joint Operations Division headquarters in Centurion.
Shared Accord was top of the agenda for a meeting this week between US Ambassador Reuben Brigety and Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga. “The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining mutually beneficial relations and continuing to strengthen military-to-military cooperation, contributing to both nations’ defence and security goals,” the Ministry said in a statement, adding Shared Accord “plays a pivotal role in fostering military collaboration and readiness between the two countries.”
Shared Accord 2025 will be, according to the SANDF, the fifth exercise where war fighting and humanitarian scenarios take centre stage with an added benefit to people living in areas close to the exercise sites. This will again see SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) personnel work with their American counterparts providing dental, optical, general medical and veterinary services.
The last Shared Accord was staged largely in northern KwaZulu-Natal with the Free State province getting a show-in for airborne operations in and out of Air Force Base (AFB) Bloemspruit, adjacent to Bram Fisher International Airport outside Bloemfontein.
The 2022 exercise was the first in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and followed 2017 at the SA Army Combat Training Centre (CTC) in the Northern Cape province with the Eastern Cape province hosting the 2011 and 2013 events.
In 2022, the tactical component of Shared Accord saw maritime force protection operations against conventional and asymmetric threats at sea and in harbours, and air support operations to peace support operations (PSO) for landward forces, using AFB Bloemspruit.
Umhlathuze local municipality, which includes parts of Empangeni and Richards Bay, was the hub of humanitarian operations in 2022. Eight clinics were used as sites where medical services were available to local residents.
defenceWeb understands Shared Accord 2025 may take place in May next year. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
09 Oct 24. RAAF and RMAF fighters soar over Malaysia during joint training exercise. During Exercise Elangaroo 24, a RAAF F-35A Lightning II takes off from Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth, for an air combat training mission.
Australian and Malaysian jet fighters have concluded training together in the skies over Malaysia during Exercise Elangaroo 24.
Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs flew air combat training missions with Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18D Hornets and Su-30MKM Flankers during the training exercise from 30 September to 4 October.
On the ground, aircrew and maintenance personnel conducted training and engagement activities designed to improve how the two air forces work together.
Wing Commander Paul Simmons, Commanding Officer of No. 77 Squadron, said six F-35As and approximately 140 RAAF aviators deployed for the exercise.
“Malaysia is one of our most important regional partners, and Exercise Elangaroo ensures we’re ready to contribute with our partners to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific,” WGCDR Simmons said.
“Air combat training allows us to integrate people and systems from respective air forces, learn each other’s strengths, and understand how to fight together.
“Malaysian and Australian aviators have trained together for generations, and Exercise Elangaroo 24 built on our long-standing Defence relationship.”
RAAF fighter squadrons have a long history of training and operations in Malaysia, wit
Exercise Elangaroo 24 involved RAAF aviators working from RMAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia and Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore.
The RAAF F-35As are deployed to Singapore to support a string of exercises in the region over September and October.
“Exercise Elangaroo 24 allowed our aviators to practice agile combat employment missions to RMAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia, where F-35As would land mid-mission to refuel,” WGCDR Simmons said.
“Agile combat employment provides greater flexibility in how we employ F-35As on operations, increasing their survivability and resilience against threats.
“This is more complex training than we previously conducted in 2022, when we debuted the F-35A in Malaysia for Exercise Elangaroo 22.”
09 Oct 24. Maritime exercise Sama Sama 2024 begins in Philippines.
The exercise is part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series.
The US Navy, US Marine Corps, the Philippines Armed Forces, and allied forces have started the Sama Sama 2024 maritime exercise in Subic Bay, the Republic of the Philippines.
The eighth iteration of the exercise involves maritime engagements for two weeks. It is aimed at strengthening security ties and enhancing interoperability among regional partners.
Sama Sama 2024, a part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, continues to build upon the collaborative efforts of previous maritime exercises.
The exercise is said to have grown in complexity, transitioning into a sophisticated multinational training environment.
This year’s iteration includes participants from Australia, Japan, Canada, and France, alongside the US and the Philippines.
Philippine Navy Delegation head and vice commander rear admiral Jose Ambrosio Ezpeleta said: “Today we witness the deepening of ties between the Philippine Navy and the US Navy along with our partners from Australia, Canada, France, United Kingdom, and Japan.
“This exercise is a powerful investment for our collective movement and an opportunity to address regional challenges together.”
The exercise will cover a spectrum of disciplines, providing training in medicine, legal operations, engineering, logistics, and public affairs.
It will include naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft, supported by specialised teams such as diving and explosive ordnance disposal units.
Participants will undertake drills in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and maritime domain awareness.
Additionally, US assets participating in the exercise include the USS Howard (DDG 83), a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and personnel from the US 7th Fleet, CTFs 76, 75, 72, DESRON 7, and the Marine Corps’ MRF-SEA.
The Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150); BRP Waray (LC-288); BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC 380); the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter; and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Shin Maywa US-2 amphibious aircraft and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft are also taking part.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
09 Oct 24. Naval Exercise Ibsamar VIII commences in South Africa. The eighth edition of Exercise Ibsamar, the multinational maritime exercise involving the navies of South Africa, Brazil and India, has commenced, marking another milestone in the trilateral collaboration between these maritime nations.
Held every two years, the exercise rotates leadership among the three participating nations, with South Africa serving as the permanent host due to its strategic geographical location.
Exercise Ibsamar provides a platform for the naval forces of these nations to conduct a variety of exercises, both ashore and at sea, aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening maritime security. The exercise consists of an alongside phase at Simon’s Town Harbour (7-9 October) and a sea phase in False Bay and the Cape West coast area (10-16 October).
The South African Navy has deployed the frigate SAS Amatola, supported by a Super Lynx helicopter, an Oryx helicopter and two Hawk jets. Brazil’s contribution includes the Niteroi-class frigate BNS Defensora, equipped with a Super Lynx helicopter and a Special Forces team. India is participating with the frigate INS Talwar, its onboard Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter and an Indian Special Forces team.
Rear Admiral Handsome Matsane, Flag Officer Fleet designate of the South African Navy, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating: “India, Brazil, and South Africa are maritime nations with extensive and strategically important coastlines, making collaboration essential for the credible safeguarding of our waters. Through Exercise Ibsamar 2024, the South African National Defence Force will have an invaluable opportunity to test our skills as well as improve our competence in the joint interdepartmental, inter-agency, and multinational environment.”
Under the guidance of Exercise Director Captain Sifiso Majozi (SA Navy), the primary aim of Ibsamar is to enhance the operational readiness and cooperation between the participating nations. These exercises cover a wide range of serials, including tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations and maritime security drills. Through this collaboration, the navies aim to not only bolster their operational capabilities but also foster greater understanding and interoperability between maritime forces.
Commander Almeida Malos de Carvalho, Officer Commanding the Brazilian Navy Ship Defensora, emphasized the importance of shared knowledge: “The cooperation between Brazil, India, and South Africa reflects our vision of shared security, stability and prosperity for our regions. I expect that this exercise will strengthen our interoperability and effectively prepare us for coordinated responses to maritime challenges.”
Captain Jithu George, Officer Commanding the Indian Naval Ship INS Talwar, echoed similar sentiments: “Multilateral interactions like these are crucial bridges of friendship that increase mutual trust and enhance interoperability among navies of like-minded, littoral nations towards a common goal of a peaceful maritime domain and positive maritime environment.”
Exercise Ibsamar also focuses on addressing shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing and drug trafficking. By coordinating efforts and sharing best practices, the participating navies are better equipped to defend their waters and uphold international maritime law.
Captain Dieter Jones, Officer Commanding the South African Frigate SAS Amatola, noted the mutual benefits of the exercise: “We are going through a lot of effort to foster existing relationships, to expand on our knowledge base, to exchange customs and naval traditions, and to practice common doctrine. All of this is because we share a common interest, and that is the ocean, the Indian and Atlantic Ocean.”
A key technological highlight of Exercise Ibsamar VIII is the use of the Indian Navy’s NISHAR (Network for Information Sharing) system. This system enables seamless communication and information sharing between the participating naval forces, enhancing their ability to coordinate operations and develop a common operating picture.
NISHAR uses portable terminals that work on plug-and-play architecture, allowing the participating navies to share text, emails and, when satellite bandwidth allows, images and video conferencing. This level of connectivity is crucial during joint exercises, ensuring that all units can communicate effectively over long distances.
Thus, India, Brazil and South Africa can establish a unified communication framework during operations, enhancing their ability to conduct joint maritime exercises and share tactical information.
As Commander Almeida Malos de Carvalho aptly put it, “Ibsamar is one of the pillars of our defence responses, a high-strength collaboration and exchange of knowledge between our nations.” (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
06 Oct 24. 1,000 UK troops show commitment to eastern Europe in NATO exercise. More than 1,000 British troops have begun one of the largest exercises this year in the Balkans, showing the UK’s commitment to the region’s security. More than 1,000 British troops have begun one of the largest exercises this year in the Balkans, showing the UK’s commitment to the region’s security.
The training will develop the UK’s ability to operate alongside NATO allies and underlines Britain’s commitment to eastern Europe.
With 18 activities taking place across three months, one of the standout training exercises under Operation Chelonia involves the UK’s deployment of troops to Kosovo. These troops arrived via amphibious landing on a beach with no established infrastructure, via a world-leading motorised floating platform.
This training exercise takes place close to Pasha Liman Naval Base in Southern Albania.
Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “These exercises show our unwavering commitment to standing united with our allies and working hand in hand to boost our collective security. The UK has always had a major presence in the Western Balkans, and it’s important we demonstrate a united front to ensure regional security. Working closely with our NATO partners, we are demonstrating our combined efforts to safeguard peace, stability, and security in the region.”
The landing was led by the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF), a group of 600 Army personnel held at readiness to deploy at two weeks’ notice should pressures in the region escalate. In 2024, the SRF is led by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
The scenario required the services of the Mexeflote, a world-leading modular motorised floating platform that can dock on the stern ramp of a ship, load with heavy military hardware (including trucks and main battle tanks if required), ferry the cargo to the beach and enable the cargo to be unloaded.
To put into context the scale of the operation, 26,000 linear metres of vehicles and equipment were landed on the beach. All equipment was brought to Albania from the UK aboard the 13,500 tonne Ro-Ro vessel, Hartland Point.
The Royal Air Force have also undertaken training in the region to ensure all personnel have the training they need to keep us secure at home and strong abroad.
The British Army have previously deployed at pace in Kosovo, with 200 personnel from the (1st battalion) of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (PWRR) sent to the country last year under NATO command, following an increase in tensions in the north of the country.
Other nations involved in these key exercises with the UK include Serbia, Romania, Kosovo, Georgia, Croatia, and Moldova.
This exercise reaffirms the UK’s commitment to our allies in the region. Whilst Putin continues his illegal and reckless invasion of Ukraine and aggressive posturing, it is vital that the UK works consistently alongside our NATO allies to display a united front of our collective strength.
From our continued presence in Kosovo, to our counter-disinformation support in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UK remains completely committed to upholding democracy and supporting our allies in the Western Balkans.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)