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02 June 21. InVeris Training Solutions delivers advanced mobile training capability to Australian Defence Force. InVeris Training Solutions, the leading provider of integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training systems and services for domestic and international military and law enforcement, has successfully passed on-site acceptance testing for 14 Mobile Weapon Training Simulation Systems (MWTSS) and an additional 73 EF88 weapon simulators for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The MWTSS has the same capability as the fixed WTSS, but in a single (4.2m x 2.4m) screen mobile configuration that will be deployed to remote locations around Australia, overseas and on Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fleet units. An additional four MWTSS have been ordered and the currently fielded trial system will be refurbished to the current build standard then returned for use, providing an initial tranche of 19 systems.
The MWTSS will be provided in multiple configurations designed to cater for the needs of those units and regions receiving the capability. Every system will have purpose-designed TrimcastTM cases for air compressor, air cylinders, binoculars and ancillaries. Operational units and RAN will receive the EF88 weapon simulator, also in Trimcast cases, with other systems being delivered with F88 weapon simulators in the interim. Units deploying overseas or on fleet units will have a complete spare parts kit to cater for any maintenance issues whilst deployed.
The MWTSS replaces the Portable WTSS which commenced trials in 2006 and entered service as an interim solution in 2014. MWTSS will be supported under the WTSS service support contract by InVeris, with instructor courses being conducted from June 2021, commencing at HMAS Penguin. “MWTSS provides the highest levels of realism for marksmanship, judgmental, collective and call-for-fire training,” said Andrea Czop, vice president of strategy, sales and marketing for InVeris Training Solutions. “These mobile systems will provide world-class firearms and tactical training capability anywhere the ADF is deployed.” “InVeris has been a proud supplier of WTSS capability to the ADF since 1999,” said Kevin McNaughton, managing director, InVeris Training Solutions Pty Ltd. “We remain a committed partner supporting the operational readiness of Australia’s soldiers, sailors and airmen with advanced simulation and training systems.”
03 June 21. Kongsberg Digital launches new K-Sim ECDIS cloud-based training solution. Kongsberg Digital’s K-Sim ECDIS solution allows students to engage in IMO/STCW compliant training, anytime and anywhere
Kongsberg Digital (KDI) is pleased to announce the launch of K-Sim ECDIS, the latest in a successful line of cloud simulation solutions the company has produced for the maritime training sector.
K-Sim ECDIS has been designed to provide generic ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display & Information System) training in compliance with the requirements laid out in the IMO/STCW Model Course 1.27. Accessible as an online training solution via the company’s digital platform K-Sim Connect, it enables schools and training centers to efficiently provide their students with high quality ECDIS training anytime and anywhere, without the need for major hardware investment.
Based upon several key elements from Kongsberg Maritime’s real-life K-Nav ECDIS, K-Sim ECDIS accommodates all the relevant and necessary functionality for instructing students in the key operations of electronic charts, route planning and navigation. The system will be delivered as a complete training package and include ready-made simulation exercises. Seamless integration with school-based simulators such as K-Sim Navigation and K-Sim Radar will allow for highly effective blended learning, combining cloud-based and classroom instruction with the benefits of full flexibility and availability for the instructors and students.
K-Sim ECDIS’ route planning application supports import and export of the commonly-used RTZ route format. This enables exchange of routes to any ECDIS system, whether installed at the school for type-approved ECDIS training, or onboard a ship. This means that in addition to its training benefits, the route planning solution can be used to relay voyage plans from ships to management teams on land, who can then recommend and optimize main and alternative routes.
“Having blazed a trail for high-quality, cloud-based simulation applications in the maritime training sector, we’re delighted to add K-Sim ECDIS to our portfolio of solutions,” says Andreas Jagtøyen, EVP Digital Ocean, Kongsberg Digital. “This is a vital supplement to KDI’s ever-expanding catalog of products and services, at a time when flexibility and accessibility are more important than ever to instructors and trainees alike. It will be an invaluable asset, not just for training purposes, but also in decision-support contexts in the future.”
“Our first cloud-based training solutions provided via K-Sim Connect have indeed been received with great success, and the new model will surely accelerate the value of cloud-based training for our customers,” comments Gullik Jensen, Product Director Digital Services, Kongsberg Digital.
K-Sim ECDIS’ route planning and validation application, K-Sim Planning Station, will be available as a stand-alone system in June this year, followed by a roll-out of the complete K-Sim ECDIS solution by fall 2021. Both cloud services will be available at www.ksimconnect.com.
02 June 21. A.I. used at sea for first time off coast of Scotland.
The Royal Navy are using Artificial Intelligence as part of an exercise taking place in waters off the Hebrides.
- Royal Navy uses Artificial Intelligence as part of Exercise Formidable Shield
- A.I. technology trialled against a supersonic missile threat
- Research led by Defence scientists
For the first time, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is being used by the Royal Navy at sea as part of Exercise Formidable Shield, which is currently taking place off the coast of Scotland.
This Operational Experiment (OpEx) on the Type 45 Destroyer (HMS Dragon) and Type 23 Frigate (HMS Lancaster), is using the A.I. applications, Startle and Sycoiea, which were tested against a supersonic missile threat.
As part of the Above Water Systems programme, led by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) scientists, the A.I. improves the early detection of lethal threat, accelerates engagement timelines and provides Royal Navy Commanders with a rapid hazard assessment to select the optimum weapon or measure to counter and destroy the target.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said, “It’s vital that our brave and highly skilled Armed Forces stay ahead of the game for the security of the United Kingdom and our allies. The Royal Navy’s use of A.I. for the first time at sea is an important development in ensuring readiness to tackle threats we may face. I’m proud to see that two Scottish built Royal Navy vessels are at the heart of this exercise in the waters off the Hebrides.”
Dstl has worked closely with industry partners Roke (Startle App), CGI (Sycoiea App) and BAE Systems to ensure the new A.I. based applications work alongside existing radar and combat management systems.
- The Startle A.I. system is designed to help ease the load on sailors monitoring the ‘Air Picture’ in the Operations Room, providing live recommendations and alerts.
- The Sycoiea system builds upon this with Threat Evaluation and Weapon assignment identifying the nearest threat and how best to deal with it.
Dstl’s Programme Manager, Alasdair Gilchrist MBE said, “Dstl has invested heavily in the systems that are installed at the moment, but it’s imperative that we continue to invest to make sure that the Royal Navy remains relevant now and in the future.
Being able to bring A.I. onto the ships is a massive achievement, and while we can prove the A.I. works in the labs, actually getting Navy personnel hands on is brilliant.”
As outlined in the recent Defence Command Paper, the MOD is committed to investing in A.I. and increased automation to transform capabilities as the Armed Forces adapt to meet future threats, which will be supported by the £24bn uplift in defence spending over the next four years.
HMS Lancaster and HMS Dragon are currently trialling the use of A.I. as part of a glimpse into the future of air defence at sea.
HMS Lancaster’s Weapon Engineer Officer, Lieutenant Commander Adam Leveridge said:
Observing Startle and Sycoiea augment the human warfighter in real time against a live supersonic missile threat was truly impressive – a glimpse into our highly-autonomous future.
Exercise Formidable Shield is Europe’s biggest and most complex air and missile exercise. Designed to improve allied interoperability and capabilities, it is a three-week exercise that carries out live-fire Integrated Air & Missile Defence activity with more than 15 ships, 10 aircraft and around 3,300 military personnel from around the world taking part.
Using NATO command and control reporting structures, ten nations are taking part in the Exercise including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Held every two years, Formidable Shield will run until 3 June and is led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO on behalf of the US Sixth Fleet. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
02 June 21. British military train Somali Army in Baidoa. The UK government has reinforced its support to the Somali National Army through 3 different training programmes in Baidoa.
The 3 training programmes offered by the UK government in Baidoa are aimed at delivering effective operations and promoting long-term stability.
The British military in Somalia, deployed on operation TANGHAM, has been running several new training programmes for the Somali National Army in Baidoa, the capital of the Southwest State in Somalia.
This includes the Collective Training programme, where over 100 Somali National Army personnel will undergo intensive training on defensive operations, basic command and control, shooting, tactics, communications, first aid, human rights, all to enhance their efforts in fighting Al Shabaab.
The UK military deployed under operation TANGHAM are also running a joint a key counter C-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) course, which remains a major challenge in Somalia. Working in partnership with SNA and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), the training featured skills on route sweeping in search of IEDs and detonation.
Twenty Somali National Army soldiers in the South West will also be undergoing two-week staff officers course on logistics, planning and executing operations. The course will culminate with the students planning a major operation with assistance and advice from the Mentoring team.
The British Ambassador to Somalia, Kate Foster, said, “The UK is helping to develop a strong professional army to help promote long-term peace and conduct effective operations in the region to counter Al-Shabaab. We are proud to be supporting Somalia to strengthen its effort in this collective fight.”
In January 2021, the British Army trained its 500th Somali soldier in essential infantry skills, underlining the UK’s commitment to Somalia’s long-term security, with plans to train five more companies comprising around 600 troops in 2021.
The UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge MP, visited Somalia earlier in the year, announcing £1.6m to counter the threat from roadside bombs, and a further £3.37m for the Somali Security Forces engaged in joint operations with the AMISOM. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
28 May 21. Tomahawk Strike Team Conducts Training Exercise Aboard USS Rafael Peralta. The U.S. Navy conducted a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) strike scenario in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations as part of a fleet-level training exercise, May 20 and 25. The TLAM is an all-weather, long range, subsonic cruise missile used for deep land attack warfare, and launches from U.S. surface ships and submarines. The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) participated in the training scenario. Tomahawk strike teams routinely conduct fleet-level training scenarios to maintain tactical and technical proficiency and integrate updated fleet tactics, in order to safely employ Tomahawk cruise missiles in support of theater operations.
“The ever-changing dynamic in the 7th Fleet area of operations dictates that we must maintain the highest mission readiness and capability when it comes to the safe employment of tactical Tomahawk cruise missiles,” said Ensign Michael Castro, strike officer aboard USS Rafael Peralta. “We must be ready at all times to answer the Fleet’s expanding demands and changing needs.”
Fleet-level training enables real-world proficiency in sustaining forces through detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air and on land in response to a range of mission areas. This exercise demonstrates Rafael Peralta’s ability to track, target, and engage threats to protect peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Each exercise builds on lessons learned from previous training to enhance capabilities and develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The TLAM is designed to fly at extremely low altitudes at high subsonic speeds, and are piloted over an evasive route by several mission-tailored guidance systems. The first operational use was during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. In 2018, the US Navy launched a total of 60 Tomahawk land attack missiles (TLAMS) against Syria to cripple their ability to develop, deploy, and use chemical weapons. USS Higgins (DDG76) fired 23 TLAMS from the North Arabian Gulf against the targeted capabilities to stop the regime from using the banned weapons. The missile has since been employed successfully in several other conflicts.
Rafael Peralta is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force interacting with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict in the Indo-Pacific. (Source: ASD Network)
01 June 21. Australian Army tests new CBRND gear. The 1 Recruit Training Battalion has delivered a CBRND basic course to personnel, using newly procured protective equipment. The Australian Army’s first chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRND) basic course has been delivered by 1 Recruit Training Battalion (1RTB), leveraging newly commissioned hardware. The Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force have also commenced similar training at their respective entry-level establishments.
Major Arlo Meany, from the Land Combat Support Program in Army Headquarters reflected on the importance of CBRND training, which equips personnel with the skills to survive in a live threat environment.
“If there’s a direct fire threat, you put on your body armour,” MAJ Meany said. “If rain is forecast, you wear a japara.
“If there’s a risk of a chemical attack, you have your CBRN equipment on hand or it is worn. These allow the wearer to continue operating and achieve the mission.”
The new CBRND equipment is expected to enhance personnel protection, while also providing individual decontamination, and individual chemical and radiation detection capability.
The respirators are reportedly “more user-friendly” than older versions, which required personnel to hold their breath while changing canisters.
“With the new low-burden mask, as the canister is removed, the mask automatically seals,” MAJ Meany added.
“So, if the wearer accidently takes a breath, it will just suck the mask tighter to their face.”
The new gear, which has the Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform pattern, comes with a new decontamination mitt, large fibre wipe that absorbs chemicals, skin decontamination lotion, and a liquid decontaminant that neutralises chemical agents.
For the first time, the CBRND course was delivered primarily by contracted instructors lead by international defence and technology company Leidos, which MAJ Meany said would provide relief to instructors at 1RTB, while also ensuring the training is consistent for the weekly course.
Paul Chase, chief executive Leidos Australia said, “Leidos is proud to facilitate the training with staff from 1 RTB which is considerably enhancing and modernising CBRN defence.”
Leidos is also expected to manage the transport, maintenance and storage of the equipment, including cleaning and servicing between training serials.
The same equipment will be used for officer training at the Royal Military College using ADF CBRN instructors.
The handover of the equipment marks the first delivery of operational and training CBRND gear under the LAND 2110-1B project, designed to prepare and equip deployable elements up to brigade size.
The remaining equipment is scheduled to be released in batches from late 2021 until mid-2022. (Source: Defence Connect)
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About InVeris Training Solutions
InVeris Training Solutions combines an agile approach with an unmatched expertise in training technology to design and deliver customized, cutting-edge, first-rate training solutions that keep military, law enforcement, private and commercial range clients safe, prepared and ready to serve – Because Seconds Matter™. With a portfolio of technology-enabled training solutions, and a team of 400 employees driven to innovate, InVeris Training Solutions is the global leader in integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training solutions. With its legacy companies, FATS® and Caswell, InVeris Training Solutions has fielded over 15,000 live-fire ranges and 7,500 virtual systems globally during its 90-year history. The Company is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia and partners with clients in the US and around the world from facilities on five continents.
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