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09 Dec 21. Italy and Czech Republic Will be Home to First Two NATO Flight Training Campuses. Cutting-edge training opportunities for aspiring jet fighter pilots. On 2 December two NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) Campuses were selected by allies participating in the project: they are the Flight Training Centre (CLV) in Pardubice, Czech Republic, and the International Flight Training School (IFTS) to be located in Decimomannu, Italy. The NFTE is a High Visibility Project will 10 NATO allies participating: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Spain, and Turkey. This decision has been quickly made, following only six months after their respective Defence Ministers formally established NFTE prior to the NATO Summit.
Both locations will deliver cutting-edge training opportunities for aspiring jet fighter pilots with the first NFTE students expected to begin their training at the campuses in 2023.
A NATO statement affirmed that it marked “a critical initial milestone in NFTE’s ambition to fundamentally reshape the air crew training landscape in Europe toward less fragmentation, lower training costs and increased interoperability. For this purpose, participants will incrementally establish a network of NFTE Training Campuses that will eventually address the entire spectrum of participants’ air crew training requirements, including fast jet, fixed-wing, helicopter, and drone pilots. Today’s selection of the initial two NFTE Training Campuses is therefore just the first step in a highly ambitious multinational cooperation journey.” (Source: Armada)
07 Nov 21. RUAG reveals new version of Gladiator. RUAG Simulation & Training has developed a new version of its Gladiator live tactical engagement simulation system (TESS), which it showcased at the Interservice/Industry Training Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2021, held in Orlando, Florida, on 29 November–3 December.
Jan Uebersax, RUAG’s senior manager, strategy and products, told Janes that the new design, G13, resulted from the increased adoption of ballistic plate carriers and tactical vests, which meant that earlier versions of the Gladiator harness would no longer fit over the top of a soldier’s equipment. He added that extensive research by RUAG had shown that most customers wanted a single version of a system, with the modularity either to be used for simple force-on-force training or in a fully instrumented environment. G13 is much smaller and lighter than its predecessors, but Uebersax said it was still strong enough to bear the weight of a man, so it could be used to lift a ‘wounded’ soldier. The electronics have been upgraded, particularly the battery, which now provides 120 hours of life. Respirator, body armour, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protective suits can be instrumented so the system is aware of how the wearer is protected and adjust vulnerability accordingly. Uebersax said that the system can operate with all the laser codes in use, including the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES), COSIM, and Urban Combat Advanced Training Technology (UCATT) Laser Engagement Interface Standard (ULEIS). (Source: Janes)
08 Dec 21. Ravenswood develops new capabilities for British Army training in Kenya. Ravenswood Solutions has developed new capabilities for its tactical engagement simulation system instrumentation for British Army training facilities in Kenya, which were showcased at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2021 held in Orlando, Florida, from 29 November to 3 December.
Ravenswood, in partnership with RUAG and QinetiQ, won the Tactical Engagement Simulation in Kenya (TESIK) contract in 2020, replacing Saab. Ravenswood told Janes that it was awaiting formal certification for achieving an initial operating capability, having supported three exercises in 2021 with a preliminary capability. The final acceptance tests of the new system, which is based on Ravenswood’s existing mobile ground truth system (MGTS), will take place in early 2022. The first major in-service exercise with it will follow thereafter.
Ravenswood has upgraded its MGTS tracking device, the First Responder Enhanced Dismounted Instrumentation (FREDI), for the new contract. The upgraded unit, known as FREDI-T, is lighter (less than 900 g) than its predecessor, has faster update rates, and includes a multilevel personal area network (PAN) capability.
The PAN enables the FREDI-T to be twinned with a posture estimation sensor, a 57 g sensor containing an inertial measurement unit worn on the ankle that can estimate three different player posture states: standing, kneeling, and prone. This enables realistic indirect fire effects to be imposed by the MGTS adjudication system by taking into account the player’s vulnerability according to the individual’s position and posture. It also improves the realism in after-action reviews. (Source: Janes)
07 Dec 21. USAF’s Dyess AFB pilots participate in five-day Mosaic Tiger exercise. The multi-phase exercise was held at Moody AFB in Georgia, US, from 15 to 19 November. Pilots from the US Air Force’s (USAF) 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess Air Force Base (AFB) have taken part in the multi-phase Mosaic Tiger exercise. Held at Moody AFB in Georgia from 15 to 19 November, the five-day exercise involved dynamic re-tasking of pilots and simulated combat environment operations. The tasks tested Agile Combat Employment (ACE) skills.
39th Airlift Squadron pilot captain Daniel Bogue said: “We learned a lot about command relations, and how we can best support the Air Combat Command’s lead wing construct.
“This exercise highlighted the requirement for an airlift subject matter expert to be included in a Combat Air Forces Lead Wing Operating Center.”
During the exercise period, Dyess AFB airmen supported 16 A-10 Thunderbolt II jets between two different locations, improving the airmen’s ability to ‘arm, fuel, and launch’ planes from any kind of combat environment across the world.
In the exercise, aircrew members also showcased their skills to launch directly from Dyess AFB, complete flights with other jets and conduct airdrops in a simulated environment.
Pilots were also able to rapidly get aircraft ‘off the ground’ away from the threat and transfer the required cargo to create two combat locations for the A-10 Thunderbolt II’s.
This helped the C-130 Hercules jets in forming a new tactical operating centre to continue the fight.
Bogue added: “Mosaic Tiger was absolutely crucial training where we got to use the methods we have been conceptualising and test them with real-world assets.
“The greatest takeaways that I saw was the moving of our planning cell to another location, having real-world assets that needed to move, and seeing how other assets are operating in an ACE environment.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
07 Dec 21. I/ITSEC 2021: Kongsberg unveils new Protector RWS simulator. Kongsberg has integrated its Protector remote weapon station (RWS) fire-control system (FCS) with the Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BIS) Virtual Battlespace 4 (VBS4) synthetic environment to provide a new version of the RWS simulator, known as the CORE Training Simulator.
Kongsberg showed the simulator for the first time at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2021 held in Orlando, Florida, on 29 November – 3 December.
Unlike the existing Protector simulator, the CORE Training Simulator runs on the real RWS fire-control hardware and software, with only the sensor feed into the system substituted with VBS4 to provide the synthetic environment. This allows the system to be embedded in a vehicle, with an additional computer connected to the vehicle network and streaming VBS4 into the FCS. When operating in simulator mode, the commander and gunner will, therefore, see the VBS4 environment on their screens.
Kongsberg told Janes that when the RWS is ‘fired’ in the simulation, the ballistic calculations are performed by the RWS software, overriding VBS4 calculations, because this is more accurate.
The system can be used for gunnery procedures with automated commands or to train and practice the commander/gunner relationship. The system automatically tracks and records all the gunner’s actions and on completion of an engagement will identify any faults in procedures. A pass/fail decision can be imposed.
The system can also be installed in a classroom and a driver station can be added. Installations can be networked in the classroom to permit tactical training up to platoon level, and work is under way to achieve this between vehicles. (Source: Janes)
03 Dec 21. USS Porter takes part in French multilateral exercise POLARIS 21. The destroyer joined operations in POLARIS on 23 November. The US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) has successfully completed participation in the French exercise POLARIS 21. The multilateral, cross-domain exercise POLARIS involves the participation of a 6,000-strong workforce, 65 aircraft and over 20 ships from across the Nato alliance. According to the US Navy, the French Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle served as the high value unit at the centre of the simulated allied forces.
Landing Helicopter Dock Tonnerre, Destroyer Alsace, Provence, Aquitaine, Auvergne, Fregate Aconit, Forbin, Auxiliary ship Marne and other French ships, as well as French Army and French Air Forces units are the participating units in the exercise.
Porter plans and tactics officer (PTO) lieutenant commander Casey DeSormier said: “This event was not simply for capturing a good picture.
“French Maritime Forces hosted a highly organized and thoughtfully planned war at sea exercise that challenged Porter’s combat team across multiple domains and proved that as NATO allies, we are ready for high-intensity, high-end conflict today.”
NATO allies participating in the exercise included Hellenic Navy ship HS Adrias, Italian destroyer ITS Carlo Bergamini, Spain’s SPS Méndez Nuñez destroyer, and Spanish Auxiliary ship Cantabria and British destroyer HMS Dragon.
USS Porter joined operations in POLARIS exercise on 23 November.
French Liaison Naval Officer aboard Porter lieutenant Benjamin Frutos said: “This is the first time the French Navy has planned an exercise like this one to prepare ourselves and French Sailors to work with our allies in cooperation and to be ready to fight in high intensity.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
06 Dec 21. Philippine Air Force pilots undergo Black Hawk training in Brunei. The training was launched on 3 December at the CAE Brunei Multi-Purpose Training Centre. Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots have commenced S-70i Black Hawk flight simulator training in Brunei to learn how to use and maintain the country’s new helicopters. The training was launched at the Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) Brunei Multi-Purpose Training Centre (BMPTC).
Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Minister Pete Raymond V Delfin said: “The Philippine Government conveys its deepest appreciation to His Majesty the Sultan and the Ministry of Defence of Brunei Darussalam for its continuing active engagement and valuable contribution to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“This is a milestone in our bilateral defence relations with Brunei. Notwithstanding the strong and dynamic defence cooperation between our countries, the programme represents a practical option for S-70i Black Hawk training as PAF pilots need not proceed outside the ASEAN region.
“It opens up more opportunities for PAF pilots and allows greater interaction and exchanges between our armed forces.”
Earlier this year, an agreement was signed between the PAF and the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF). It is part of a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Defense Cooperation signed in 2001. The Flight Simulator Training will be completed in six batches and run until 27 December. Last month, the first batch of PAF pilots arrived at Brunei from Manila to undergo the training.
Royal Brunei Air Force commander brigadier general Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim said: “The Royal Brunei Air Force will continue to be a strong partner of the Philippine Air Force in its quest for the continued modernisation of its air Service, in the future we would be willing to welcome your pilots, as well as other personnel involved in the operation of the S-70i Black Hawk aircraft for collaborative efforts in sharing our experiences with the said aircraft.”
This June, Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reportedly ordered the grounding of the PAF fleet of Black Hawk helicopters following a crash that took place during a night-flying exercise in a province north of Manila. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
06 Dec 21. USMC and JGSDF commence Resolute Dragon 2021 exercise. The exercise is taking place at multiple Japanese locations from 4-17 December. US Marines the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) members, alongside the US Army and the US Navy elements, have started a large bilateral training exercise. Known as Resolute Dragon 2021 (RD21), the exercise is taking place at several training locations across Japan. It will run until 17 December. The exercise will start with an opening ceremony at Ojojihara Training Area in Japan, where the US and Japanese forces will assemble for the opening remarks from senior commanders.
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RD21 includes some 2,650 marines from across III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) representing all the Fleet Marine Force functions.
Aircraft from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) including multiple CH-53E Stallions, AH-1Z Vipers, MV-22B Ospreys, KC-130J Hercules, UH-1Y Venom and F/A-18E Hornets are participating in the exercise.
The exercise is designed to boost the defensive capabilities of the US-Japan alliance by refining processes for ‘bilateral command, control, and coordination’.
It will implement all USFJ-mandated Covid-19 prevention measure to keep local Japanese communities and the combined military force safe from the virus.
3d Marine Division commanding general major general Jay Bargeron said: “Resolute Dragon 21 is an example of the strength of the US-Japan alliance, which has served as the foundation of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific for more than 60 years.
“Through this exercise, the JGSDF and US Marine Corps will strengthen, integrate, and synchronise our complementary capabilities to ensure we remain ready and capable of defending all of Japan, safeguarding our shared values, and preserving freedom at sea.”
Marines will join nearly 1,400 of their counterparts from the 9th Division, North Eastern Army, JGSDF for the exercise.
Bargeron added: “We will operate across all domains with our Japanese allies and joint partners to maximize our ability to deter and defeat any potential threat. We are committed to remaining postured and ready to fight and win if called upon.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
06 Dec 21. UK personnel and Typhoons to take part in Exercise Fox Defender with QEAF. Over 120 Royal Air Force personnel were deployed to Qatar to take part in the exercise. British Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel and Typhoons from 12 Squadron are participating in the Fox Defender joint training exercise with Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF). The exercise is aimed at enhancing the close relationship between the two countries. More than 120 RAF personnel were deployed to Qatar to participate in the exercise.
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Throughout the exercise, pilots, and engineers from both countries will fly and manage the Typhoon.
The team will perform a range of ‘air-to-air’ and ‘ground-to-air’ training serials to improve interoperability with each other.
RAF Commanding 12 Squadron officer wing commander Wright said: “It is fantastic to be back in Qatar once more. Every year we see the cityscape of Doha develop and the Qatar Emiri Air Force continues to grow at an equally impressive pace.
“Similarly, the Joint Squadron has grown since we were here last year, with our team of newly qualified Qatar Emiri Air Force technicians working seamlessly and with visible pride alongside their RAF and BAE Systems colleagues.
“We are looking forward to everything Exercise Fox Defender has to offer over the coming weeks.”
This exercise will support the operational capability of QEAF ahead of receiving their Typhoon jets next year.
The Fox Defender and Soaring Falcon exercises will strengthen Qatar’s ability to manage mutual security challenges that help protect the security of the two nations.
The Voyager deployments will improve interoperability and joint operational training of both air forces.
Last month, an RAF Voyager tanker performed air-to-air refuelling (AAR) with QEAF Rafale fighter jets. This refuelling took place during Exercise GALWAY in Qatar.
The UK Defence Secretary and Qatar Defence Minister recently launched a new Joint Hawk Training Squadron during Reformation Event at RAF Leeming in Yorkshire. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
01 Dec 21. Argentine and Peruvian navies focus on joint submarine training as they eye fleet revamps. As the Argentine and Peruvian navies revamp their struggling submarine fleets, the two countries’ maritime forces are focusing on joint training to help retain their subsea operational capability.
Joint training programmes aboard Peruvian submarines have become a catalyst to increase training ties between the navies of Argentina and Peru. Educational exchanges of naval personnel and joint training are not uncommon and the most recent wrinkle includes putting Argentine sailors aboard Peruvian submarines for training.
This initiative occurred for the first time in 2018 after the loss of Argentina’s TR-1700-class diesel-electric submarine ARA San Juan (S-42) on 17 November 2017, hampering Argentina’s ability to conduct – or prepare for – subsea operations. The Peruvian navy offered to support the training process of its counterpart. “As long as the Argentine navy does not have the necessary resources [for submarine training], they can count on the support of the Peruvian Navy,” a retired Peruvian naval officer told Janes, on condition of anonymity.
The most recent training programme, from 17 October to 6 November, involved three Argentine officers and 13 non-commissioned officers who took courses at Peru’s submarine school.
The courses addressed issues including a submarine’s engineering, electric, and weapons systems. Additionally, training took place aboard submarines BAP Arica (SS-36), BAP Islay (SS-35), and BAP Pisagua (SS-33) out at sea. The Argentine sailors received training on coastal maritime patrol operations, shooting at surface and underwater targets, as well as setting sail and docking, according to Peruvian Navy officials.
Peru’s submarine fleet is composed of six units, two Type 209/1100 and four Type 209/1200, however replacements are necessary given their advanced age. The two oldest subs, Islay (SS-35) and Arica. (Source: Janes)
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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 and commercial range customers 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 15,500 live-fire ranges and 7,500 virtual systems globally during its 95-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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