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25 Aug 22. UK seeks new or upgraded solution for aircraft training capability. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has released a request for information (RFI) to industry regarding the potential replacement or upgrade of its Generic Flying Systems Trainers (GenFly).
According to the RFI released on 24 August, the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering (DSAE) is planning to upgrade the current systems or replace them with a suitable solution. The solution must be fully supportable for a minimum of 10 years.
GenFly was originally manufactured by Pennant and maintained by Leonardo under the Ground Transportation Management System (GTMS) contract. It is a facsimile airframe, which enables realistic and effective training for mechanics and technicians. It offers trainees the opportunity to conduct hands-on maintenance on aircraft hydraulics, landing gear systems, flight controls, and other services. The RFI is seeking to understand whether a commercial off-the-shelf solution is available to replace GenFly, if any modifications are required, and the rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs. The deadline for responses is 30 September. (Source: Janes)
25 Aug 22. US Navy’s Ohio-class submarines demonstrate at-sea VERTREP capability. The exercises also saw the two vessels work with platforms of the US Marine Corps and Air Force.
The US Navy’s two Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) have demonstrated their replenishment capabilities at sea during a series of joint vertical replenishment (VERTREP) exercises.
The VERTREP exercises were conducted between July and August off the coast of California, US.
It showcased the capabilities of the two submarines, USS Nevada (SSBN 733) and Henry M Jackson (SSBN 730), to perform essential replenishment operations, while continuing their mission at the sea.
As part of the exercise, the submarines operated jointly with the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) CMV-22 Ospreys, US Air Force’s (USAF) C-17 Globemaster III and US Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
Commander, Task Group 114.3 maritime operations director captain Kelly Laing said: “Recently the Pacific SSBN submarine force exercised a VERTREP capability for at-sea SSBNs to prove our resiliency for worldwide operations and to replenish our ships with materials, food and operational gear.
“This allows us to maintain an unpredictable forward presence and continued demonstration of unmatched strength of our strategic forces.”
The VERTREP drills were conducted under the US Strategic Command’s exercises to enhance interoperability of various US military platforms, to further implement the strategic deterrence mission.
It is the latest event in the series of the US submarine force’s efforts to conduct alternative operations, which earlier required a submarine to be pier side to accomplish.
Homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Nevada and Henry M Jackson are two of the eight Ohio-class submarines.
Submarine Group 9 and Task Group 114.3 commander rear admiral Mark Behning said: “Our fundamental mission is to deter a strategic attack, which is an existential threat to the US and our allies.
“Testing our readiness ensures we maintain a safe, secure and reliable strategic deterrent force.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
25 Aug 22. Iran Army Stages 150 Drone Exercise. The Islamic Republic of Iran Army has started a large-scale drone drill, which features scores of cutting-edge reconnaissance and combat drones, and covers strategic waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, all four corners of the country and its central part.
Vice Admiral Seyyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Deputy of Army Operations and Spokesman for the Army’s 1401 joint drone exercise said on Wednesday that surveillance drones operated by the four units of the Army, namely the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense Force, successfully carried out their intelligence-gathering and patrol missions on the first day of the two-day drill.
He added that homegrown Yasir, Sadeq (Sincere), Yazdan and Ababil-3 tactical surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles, Pelican vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) naval drone, in addition to Mohajer-6 ISTAR aircraft were flown from different bases across Iran and monitored the country’s frontiers.
The aircraft, he added, successfully identified designated targets in the general zone of the exercise as well as international waters.
“Due to the expansion of unmanned aerial capabilities, execution of various and numerous drone missions and the need to coordinate such flights, the Army has as set up a command and control network for the drone operations,” Mousavi said.
“This exercise exhibits only a small fraction of the achievements made by the Islamic Republic of Iran Army in connection with domestically-developed drones,” he pointed out.
On Tuesday, Deputy Chief of the Iranian Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said more than 150 new advanced drones will be flown in the drill.
The drones, he said, have been manufactured by the Army and the Defense Ministry in cooperation with local knowledge-based companies.
“The accuracy and power of weapons, the capabilities of guidance and control systems and the combat capabilities of drones are among the things that will be tested and evaluated in this exercise,” Sayyari said.
“This is the first time that a joint drone exercise is conducted at the level of the four forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army and the country’s joint air defense base,” he added.
Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.
Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran’s defense capabilities, hitting back at the enemies for disputing the country’s missile program. (Source: UAS VISION/Press TV)
24 Aug 22. RAAF links up with French counterparts in Pacific. French fighter jets have engaged alongside Australian electronic warfare aircraft as part of a deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) linked up with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) over the Coral Sea on 17 August 2022, after Dassault Rafale fighters and a multi-role tanker transport aircraft deployed from France for the 16,000-kilometre journey.
RAAF No. 6 Squadron EA-18G Growlers met the FASF contingent between New Caledonia and Australia, welcoming the platforms to the region for key multinational training exercises, including Exercise Pitch Black.
Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Tim Alsop lauded the “rapid” 36-hour deployment of air combat capability at short notice.
“The capability to rapidly deploy with a small but potent force demonstrates the RAAF’s ability of project power and respond efficiently at short notice,” AIRCDRE Alsop said.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for our Growler aircraft to join the French Dassault Rafale aircraft for the last leg of their journey to Australia.”
AIRCDRE Alsop went on to note the importance of further strengthening bilateral defence ties between Australia and France, as part of a shared commitment to regional stability.
“We are committed to ensuring a stable, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, and will continue to work closely with our coalition partners,” AIRCDRE Alsop added.
RAAF and FASF aircraft are expected to continue engaging over the next few weeks during Exercise Pitch Black 22 in the Top End, scheduled to conclude on 8 September.
The exercise involves over 100 aircraft and 2,500 personnel from 17 different nations. (Source: Defence Connect)
24 Aug 22. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Danish company, Terma to cooperate on electronic warfare (EW) simulation and training opportunities in Northern Europe. Northrop Grumman’s simulation and training capabilities will be a key EW element in providing realistic air combat training for fourth and fifth generation aircraft.
“Training NATO pilots to operate in contested electromagnetic spectrum environments will be critical to mission success,” said James Conroy, vice president of navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman. “Through our collaboration with Terma to provide our advanced capabilities, we can elevate aviation training for pilots in Europe.”
Northrop Grumman’s sophisticated simulation and training capabilities provide a modern, reactive battlespace environment designed to help train military personnel in identifying and effectively countering enemy missile or artillery threats.
“Terma has a longstanding relationship with European Air Forces in terms of designing, manufacturing, integrating, and supporting EW equipment,” said Thorbjørn Machholm, senior vice president of support and services, Terma. “We look forward to working closely with Northrop Grumman on European EW simulation and training opportunities.”
Under terms of the Memorandum of Understanding the companies will contribute their expertise to creating modern, effective air operations training, combining Northrop Grumman’s leadership in digital environments with Terma’s long-standing support of regional partners.
19 Aug 22. Kearsarge ARG-22nd MEU Completes Interoperability Training with Finnish Armed Forces. The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) wrapped up a highly successful bilateral training opportunity with members of the Finnish Armed Forces, Aug. 18, 2022.
The training, which took place from Aug. 9-18 with the Finnish Navy Command in the Northern Baltic Sea and the region of Hanko, increases readiness between the close partners and demonstrates the United States and Finland’s shared goal of preserving security and stability in the Baltic region.
The two-week interoperability training immediately followed Kearsarge’s port visit to Helsinki, Finland, Aug. 5-8. While in port, Kearsarge hosted various members of Finland’s military and political leadership through a series of key leader engagements and meetings. These engagements laid the groundwork for the ensuing bilateral training.
“This exercise enabled the Kearsarge ARG-MEU team to train and operate alongside our Finnish partners,” said Capt. Aaron Kelley, commander of the Kearsarge ARG and embarked Amphibious Squadron SIX. “Finland’s expertise is critical to further developing our understanding of the operational environment. Working together improves coordination across our combined maritime force and provides increased readiness and responsiveness, while also demonstrating ally and partner resolve and commitment to security in the Baltic region.”
Throughout the two-week period, U.S. and Finnish forces participated in a variety of scenarios and exercise events throughout the maritime domain. Out to sea, units participated in amphibious well deck operations, mine-countermeasure demonstrations, ship maneuvering drills, and several quick-response medical exercises, while sharing techniques and procedures and improving communication and coordination.
“The opportunity to come to Finland and train with the Finnish armed forces was a phenomenal experience for my Marines,” said Col. Paul Merida, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU. “The chance to operate in constricted maritime terrain provided our forces a unique opportunity to learn from our Finnish partners who operate in this environment every day.”
Ashore in the region of Hanko and across the Finnish Archipelago, personnel conducted explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) exercises and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel. Members also participated in live-fire training and exchanged valuable skills and tactics with their Finnish counterparts.
“In this exercise, Finnish Navy conscripts and reservists got a remarkable chance to peer review their skills with their U.S. counterparts. The compressed planning of the exercise proved that we have already had a good ground for deeper cooperation and interoperability. Readiness to operate together even with a short notice is vital in today’s environment,” said Finnish Navy Command’s Chief of Operations, Captain (N) Juhapekka Rautava.
On Aug. 17, U.S. and Finnish forces showcased their combined capabilities ashore during a distinguished visitor event in Uppiniemi. The demonstration featured U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53s, and Finnish U-700 Jehu-class landing craft conducting a choreographed ship-to-shore operation and simulated raid. Visitors received front-row seats to view U.S. and Finnish interoperability in action.
Bilateral training events such as these underscore the importance of like-minded nations working together in pursuit of common goals.
“We are able and willing to do our part in supporting security and stability in the Baltic Sea region. We are looking forward for very active co-operation together with the U.S. forces in either bilateral or NATO framework,” Rautava added.
The Kearsarge ARG and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, consists of Kearsarge, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), and Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).
Embarked commands with the Kearsarge ARG include Amphibious Squadron SIX, 22nd MEU, Fleet Surgical Team 2, Fleet Surgical Team 4, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Naval Beach Group 2, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Beach Master Unit 2.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our Allies and Partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. (Source: ASD Network)
19 Aug 22. Swedish, US and Norwegian air forces participate in joint exercise. The exercise involved tactical cooperation between the forces of the three nations. The Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF) has carried out a joint exercise along with the US Air Force (USAF) and the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RoNAF).
This exercise involved the participation of two Swedish JAS Gripen aircraft and two Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft.
The USAF deployed its four B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and Bomber Task Force from Minot Air Force Base (AFB) in North Dakota.
As part of this exercise, the B-52 aircraft joined the Swedish and Norwegian fighter jets in the west of Andøya, Norway, on 18 August.
It was followed by a series of coordinated actions between the USAF and Swedish ground units.
The Swedish ground units indicated targets in the Vidsel exercise area in northern Sweden.
The USAF’s B52 aircraft dropped around three live GBU-31 bombs, which hit those indicated targets identified by the Swedish ground unit.
It is the first time that live bombs were dropped since the SwAF started exercising with the US Bomber Task Force.
Swedish Air Force commander Carl-Johan Edström said: “Exercises such as this one involve several elements; coordination, communication, and escort in Swedish airspace, until neutralisation of hostile targets in Swedish airspace can be achieved.
“The war in Ukraine has clearly indicated the importance of long-range suppression capability. By conducting this exercise, we have considerably enhanced our defence capability.
“This is of major importance, not least in light of the pending Swedish Nato membership.”
During the exercise, the Swedish Air Force also cooperated with the Norwegian Air Force in Norwegian airspace.
Furthermore, one of the four deployed B-52 aircraft conducted joint training with the Norwegian Army at the Setermoen firing range.
(Source: airforce-technology.com)
19 Aug 22. Exercise Pitch Black kicks off in the Northern Territory. Over 100 aircraft and 2,500 personnel from 17 different nations are taking part in the exercise, designed to enhance interoperability and defence relationships between the participating nations.
Those nations taking part include Australia, France, Germany, Canada, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, New Caledonia, the Philippines and the Netherlands.
The exercise is scheduled to run from the 19th of August to the 8th of September.
According to Exercise Commander Air Commodore Tim Alsop, Pitch Black will help promote ongoing stability in the region.
“With 17 nations participating, Exercise Pitch Black will allow the RAAF to work with our allies and partners, sharing tactics and procedures that will enhance interoperability between our forces,” AIRCDRE Alsop said.
“Several countries are participating in Pitch Black for the first time, and we welcome them to the exercise and the magnificent Northern Territory.”
Pitch Black is scheduled to include day and night flying, run from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal, with some supporting elements located at RAAF Base Amberley.
“Pitch Black is a large force employment exercise, driven by fighter combat scenarios. This year, significant efforts have been made to advance the air-to-air refuelling capability between many of the participating nations,” AIRCDRE Alsop said.
“Air-to-air refuelling is a force multiplier, providing essential reach to our combat aircraft. Working with participating nations aims to increase our force projection and maximise our capability.”
“We would like to thank the Northern Territory community for their continued support and interest in Exercise Pitch Black and to welcome all the international participants to the Top End.”
It was revealed that Exercise Pitch Black marks the first occasion that the German Luftwaffe and Royal Australian Air Force have undertaken joint training, with the German government deploying six Eurofighter Typhoons, three A330 multi-role tanker transports and an A400M transport Aircraft to the Pacific for the exercise.
“We want to demonstrate that we can be in Asia within a day,” Chief of the German Air Force Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz said to Defense News.
The German Air Force’s social media encouraged people to track the “24h-Luftwaffe-challenge”.
“The Indo-Pacific is of great importance to Germany. We share the same values with many partners in this region,” LTGEN Gerhartz continued.
“Defending those values in case of a war emergency and being able to support our partners is something that needs to be practised.”
According to Defence, Germany is tasked with overseeing NATO’s airspace, hosting quick reaction forces in Estonia and working alongside Italy and the UK in Romania.
It is hoped that Exercise Pitch Black will enable the Luftwaffe to integrate with Australia’s F-35A capabilities.
“The F-35 aircraft will further expand the broad spectrum of our capabilities. Since the Royal Australian Air Force is already flying this combat aircraft, we will be able to learn from them as well,” LTGEN Gerhartz said.
While the Eurofighter is a multi-role aircraft, the German government has confirmed that it will also acquire F-35 systems to replace their aging Tornado capabilities.
Not only is Exercise Pitch Black the first occasion that Australian and German air forces will train together, but it also marks the first time Australia’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft have taken part in the biennial exercise.
“Exercise Pitch Black is the largest Australian-based international exercise 81 Wing has participated in since transitioning to the F-35A and we’re excited by the opportunity to integrate the jet’s advanced capabilities with so many of our international partners,” Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Adrian Kiely said. (Source: Defence Connect)
19 Aug 22. India and Vietnam conclude bilateral army exercise. The VINBAX 2022 was aimed at preparing army engineer and medical teams for UN Peacekeeping missions. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the conclusion of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2022 at Chandimandir in the Haryana state.
The bilateral exercise began on 1 August and was aimed at preparing army engineer and medical teams for UN Peacekeeping missions.
On the concluding day, troops from the two nations showcased Multi Agency Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief (HADR) skills.
As part of the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the soldiers also put various pieces of equipment on display.
According to the ministry, the latest exercise was the Vietnam People’s Army’s (VPA) first field training exercise with a foreign Army.
In a statement, the Indian MoD said the bilateral programme highlighted the strong relationship between the two nations.
During the three-week training period, personnel from the two armies learnt various skills and best practices from each other.
This was followed by theory classes and practical exercises.
As part of the final validation exercise, known as ‘Men in Blue’, the two contingents built a base in a remote African location amid multiple challenges.
Vietnam is scheduled to host the next edition of VINBAX in 2023.
The closing ceremony was hosted by Kharga Corps GOC lieutenant general Pratik Sharma and presided over by C Western Command GOC lieutenant general Nav Kumar Khanduri.
The Ambassador of Vietnam to India Pham Sanh Chau, as well as a VPA observer delegation, also took part in the ceremony.
While Vietnam sent its troops for UN peacekeeping operations for the first time in South Sudan, India has been a major contributor for the UN mission. (Source: army-technology.com)
19 Aug 22. Textron trains US soldiers on upgraded Shadow TUAS. The improved Shadow RQ-7B V2 Block III features a 24% increase in horsepower and advanced HD payload capability. Textron Systems has commenced training for US Army personnel on the use of its advanced Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS).
With nearly 1.3m flight hours, the Shadow TUAS will support the US Army Combat Aviation Brigades (CABs) and special forces.
The upgraded Shadow TUAS, or Shadow RQ-7B V2 Block III, was developed as part of a $607m contract to modernise the Shadow RQ-7B Block II.
Under the new configuration, the aircraft features mission-focused upgrades such as a 24% increase in horsepower and advanced HD payload capability.
The system is also environmentally hardened to survive over two inches of rain per hour.
The company has fielded over 100 upgraded Shadow aircraft to the US Army.
In order to help the army deploy the improved Shadow TUAS, Textron was selected to provide soldiers with new equipment training (NET).
According to the company, each NET event comprises a five-week training period. Of this, two weeks are dedicated to classroom training and three weeks for flight operations.
Textron’s NET team is working with a team of subject matter experts and field service representatives to enable soldiers to safely operate the aircraft.
So far, the team has completed nine NET events. Five more training events are scheduled to be held through the year-end.
Textron Systems Business Development senior director Jim Ryan said: “These NET events provide Textron Systems the unique opportunity to maintain regular touchpoints with the US Army customer, from development of the aircraft, all the way through fielding and deployment.
“We have a team of subject matter experts with an operational mindset who are dedicated to supporting the sustainment of the Shadow TUAS.”
As per the company, the Shadow TUAS will support the US Army’s global military operations through to 2036. (Source: army-technology.com)
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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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