10 Aug 23. British Army reshapes training in line with Ukraine lessons. The Army’s exercise Iron Cyclone re-generates “basic skills and mastering combined arms competency” for the modern warfare observed in Ukraine.
The British Army is “regenerating basic skills and mastering Combined Arms competency” in its pilot exercise, Iron Cyclone, at Salisbury Plain this week. By reshaping its basic skills, the British Army will adapt to the new workings of modern warfare demonstrated in eastern Europe.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Perowne, Commanding Officer of the King’s Royal Hussars – a contingent due to be deployed to Europe next year – explained: “This exercise was about re-enforcing the ability to war fight from the lowest level, taking the lessons we are seeing come out of Ukraine and those we have learnt as a battlegroup [in] Estonia.”
The British Army has refocused on a Combined Arms approach to warfare because of the attritional warfare fought in Ukraine. The Ukrainian military face invading Russian forces in a range of environments: from brutal urban warfare in Bakhmut to overcoming fortified networks in the south and east of the country.
This modern approach will make use of appropriate combat arms units for specific objectives in certain environments.
Restructuring Army training upon the lessons learned in Ukraine comes as a result of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) recent military strategy outlined in the Defence Command Paper (DCP) Refresh, published in July this year.
Neglecting any new procurement programmes for more ships, tanks and jets, the document makes no new commitments on platforms at all. “Instead, we [will] focus on how to drive the lessons of Ukraine into our core business,” the Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, determined in the Ministerial Foreward of the DCP.
DSEI showcase the British Army’s Combined Arms approach based on Ukraine
The British Army has taken on the responsibility of training Ukrainian soldiers on British soil. The Army trains approximately 10,000 personnel every 120 days, as part of a collaborative effort.
The British Army will place significant emphasis on revolutionising the training of the armed forces at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event.
“The British Army will focus on the Land Operating Concept and being a net contributor to the multi-domain enterprise at DSEI,” Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Jon Pentreath, the Senior Military Adviser (Land) for DSEI, stated.
The multi-domain focus feeds into its Combined Arms approach as the British Army will employ required capabilities to appropriate situations. This new method requires multi-domain collaboration, to enhance how the armed services operate together. (Source: army-technology.com)
09 Aug 23. Australian Army to acquire tactical virtual reality sims. The Australian Department of Defence will acquire immersive virtual reality simulation platforms for the Australian Army in a recent deal with training systems provider Operator XR.
The virtual reality training systems provider will supply Defence with the four-person OP-1 Tactical Rehearsal System to be delivered immediately for a concept evaluation process, according to company reports.
The portable system allows tactical teams to train and rehearse close-quarters combat and urban combat scenarios within a virtual reality environment using their own weapons, without the use of external computers and completely offline.
The tablet-run system can simulate training using M4 “drop in” kits that replace the bolt and magazine of the live weapon with an untethered, pneumatic recoil system and weapon tracking sensors. It also generates an after-action review with real-time insights and feedback.
Operator XR chief executive officer Wayne Jones said the OP-1 system runs completely offline, enabling secure deployment even in locations without internet access.
“Implementing Operator XR for the Australian Defence Force represents a defining moment for our company and for modern military capabilities,” he said.
“Our leading-edge VR technology is a robust solution that will be deployed operationally without hesitation.
“The immediate application of this technology within the ADF demonstrates our shared commitment to innovation, readiness, and effective application.” (Source: Defence Connect)
08 Aug 23. NATO developing simulators with Iraq. NATO is developing simulation facilities alongside the Iraqi Armed Forces in a bid to improve the force’s training methods and strengthen security.
NATO Mission Iraq (NMI), specifically the Training Development Division (TDD), is tasked with delivering modern training technologies, improving best practices, and supporting the development of training simulators for the Iraqi Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr said on 4 August.
This has involved developing a handgun simulator at the Iraqi Tactical Training and Special Combat School (TTSC) similar to the German armed forces’ Sagittarius Evolution capability – a small-arms/handheld anti-tank weapons shooting simulator that supports basic firing and tactical training.
In addition, a new call-for-fire simulator is being procured by the Iraqi Armed Forces, which will teach trainees how to co-ordinate indirect fire and enable them to analyse and assess the effectiveness of artillery strikes. According to the announcement, the Iraqi Armour School has US M1 Abrams as well as Russian T-72 and T-90 main battle tank trainers. (Source: Janes)
04 Aug 23. Japan-Sri Lanka goodwill exercise strengthens Indo-Pacific cooperation. Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) unit enhances maritime collaboration through a successful goodwill exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy. In a demonstration of commitment to fostering regional cooperation and advancing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 unit, under the Maritime Staff Office for Japan, recently concluded a successful goodwill exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy.
Japan’s proactive defence approach includes reinforcing strategic alliances and collaborations with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence ministers of Japan, the United States, Australia and the Philippines agreed to step up security cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific amid China’s growing maritime assertiveness, according to GlobalData’s “Japan Defense Market 2023-2028” report.
Japan’s objectives aligned with progress
The goodwill exercise on 29 July marked a stride towards achieving two crucial objectives. Firstly, it aimed to enhance the tactical capabilities of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, solidifying its strength in maritime operations.
Secondly, the exercise was a testament to the friendship and mutual understanding fostered between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Sri Lanka Navy.
According to GlobalData’s report “Sri Lankan Defense Market – Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2024“, Japan and Sri Lanka are strengthening their bilateral cooperation regarding maritime security to fight against piracy and other concerns, along with efforts to establish an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Cooperation at sea – off Colombo
The exercise, conducted off the coast of Colombo, witnessed the collaboration of two naval units. Representing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force was the JS Samidare (IPD23 First Surface Unit), while the Sri Lankan Navy’s Gajabahu represented the Sri Lanka Navy.
The exercise encompassed a range of activities, including tactical manoeuvring exercises and a photographic exercise, among others.
A diplomatic voyage
The JS Samidare, as part of its engagement with Sri Lanka, embarked on a port visit to Colombo, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, from July 20 to 29. During this time, the vessel underwent a thorough hull inspection and maintenance at the Colombo Dockyard, underscoring the commitment to maritime operational readiness.
The culmination of this collaborative endeavour was punctuated by the sight of JS Samidare and SLNS Gajabahu standing side by side, showing cooperation. The exercise served as a testament to the shared goals of enhancing tactical acumen while nurturing mutual camaraderie.
In the weeks prior, South Korea, the US, & Japan also conducted joint naval missile defence drills to address regional security challenges.
As the maritime landscape continues to evolve, such exercises reaffirm nations’ determination to stand shoulder to shoulder, reinforcing the pillars of co-operation and security. (Source: naval-technology.com)
04 Aug 23. Following slump, Argentina’s FAdeA aims to reinvigorate design and production. Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) is preparing to build the first IA-100 basic trainer, the manufacturer’s first new aircraft type in 40 years. The project had been on hold since the 2016 flight of a demonstrator.
Engineer Juan Vidal, head of the IA-100 programme, told Janes that of the IA-100’s 2,300 anticipated parts, design has been completed on 1,800. Around 400 parts have been constructed for the prototype.
“We have all the tools to assemble minor surfaces, [the] rudder, horizontal stabilisers, flaps, and ailerons, and recently received the tools for the final assembly of a wing. We are waiting to receive the moulds for the other wing and fuselage, which will be the most complex components,” Vidal said.
Eighty-five percentage of the IA-100’s parts are to be built of pre-impregnated carbon fibre, a technology FAdeA adopted to build components for the Embraer KC-390. (Source: Janes)