14 Sep 23. Elbit Systems firms up British Army virtual training provision. The company’s ICAVS(D) programme will expand, and they will also provide artillery and mortar training simulators to the British Army. Elbit Systems UK has firmed up its position as a key virtual training system provider to the British Army with a series of contract announcements at the DSEI 2023 event in London, with deals agreed to increase provision of its Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (Deployable) (ICAVS(D)) and supply of artillery and mortar training simulators.
The announcements, made on consecutive days of DSEI 2023, saw the latter ICAVS(D) deal benefit from an increase in funding from the UK Ministry of Defence , which will provide the country’s Land Warfare Centre additional training events to units across the British Army.
This agreement comes after additional funding was previously secured to deliver a further ten distributed training events via options in the overarching contract, for the Land Warfare Centre to meet the needs of units with a wide span of command.
The ICAVS(D) system uses the high-specification hardware and Defence Virtual Simulation Software (DVS2) to deliver virtual tactical training in the British Army’s Battlecraft Syllabus, that augments live field training exercises undertaken by regular and reserve units. According to Elbit Systems UK “almost 100” training events have been held this year.
ICAVS(D) reached full operational capability in April 2022 and was deployed last November as part of CERBERUS 22, one of the largest land force exercises in Europe over the past decade. Other notable uses of ICAVS(D) include its application with British Troops in Estonia as part of Operation Cabrit, where it was used to increase Nato operational readiness.
During this time, thousands of personnel have conducted the training, with nearly a thousand personnel receiving the training since April 2023, stated Elbit Systems UK.
Simulated mortar and artillery training
Meanwhile, on 13 September, the company announced that it had been awarded a contract by the UK MoD to develop and provide artillery and mortar training simulators. The Interim Indirect Fire Simulation (IIDFS) will be provided to the Royal School of Artillery (RSA) at Larkhill, the Combined Arms Manoeuvre School (CAMS) at Warminster and the Collective Training Group (CTG) at training locations in the UK and abroad.
Elbit Systems UK stated that it will develop, produce and integrate simulators for the British Army’s 81mm mortars and 105mm Light Gun, providing simulated ammunition and an interface for live communication between instructors and military personnel. The company will also provide ongoing training and technical support throughout the three-year programme.
The contract will “leverage the experience of its subcontractor, Van Halteren Technologies, from the Netherlands”, who have already delivered similar systems globally, stated an Elbit Systems release.
Crossbow at the ready
In addition, the company also showcased its Crossbow turreted mortar system at DSEI 2023, which was developed by Elbit Systems’ Land under an Israel Defense Force contract and is MIL-STD-810G compliant.
According to the manufacturer the Crossbow system has a capability of shooting the first round in less than 30 seconds, and a maximum rate of ten rounds per minute with a sustained rate of fire of six rounds per minute.
It can fire a variety of munitions including the Iron Sting guided mortar munition with an effective range of up to 10km. No indexing loading is required for the Crossbow turret, and it has the capability of 360-degree infinite pivot.
Designed for UT-120m turrets, it can be integrated onto 6X6, 8X8 wheeled platforms and tracked vehicles as well as stationary platforms, making Crossbow compatible with existing Nato ammunition requirements. The Crossbow is fitted with a computerised fire control system, a land navigation system and can be operated in a GPS denied environment, Elbit stated. (Source: army-technology.com)
12 Sep 23. Pegasus-Cedar: Joint UK-Lebanese military exercise.
British military training teams continue to work alongside all branches of the Lebanese military to support them in their essential roles.
More than 65 military personnel from the British Army’s Second Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) will conduct a fully integrated combined military exercise ‘Pegasus Cedar’ with their Lebanese counterparts, the Air Assault Regiment, and supported by the Lebanese Air Force.
Starting today, Exercise Pegasus-Cedar will be the first of its kind and the largest example of UK – Lebanese military cooperation in living memory. The exercise will run for ten days.
British and Lebanese troops will practice tactical skills including Weapons Handling, Range Shoots, Reconnaissance and Close Quarters Battle. Troops will also train with the Lebanese Air Force conducting air support serials and helicopter insertion and extraction techniques. The exercise will culminate in two Field Training Exercises. The exercise will test and enhance the capability of both countries’ troops in a challenging environment.
The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, said:
Exercise Pegasus Cedar is a landmark moment in our strong and enduring partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). It is the first time in recent memory that British troops will be exercising jointly with their Lebanese counterparts on Lebanese soil.
British military training teams continue to work alongside all branches of the Lebanese military – Army, Navy, Air Force and Special Forces – to support them in their essential roles and UK is proud to be a principal partner of the LAF, providing equipment, training and infrastructure.
The LAF has been and remains at the forefront of safeguarding Lebanon’s security and stability throughout many challenging times including the current economic crisis. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Lebanese friends as they perform these vital tasks. Exercise Pegasus Cedar will further cement this strong partnership and reinforce the deep ties between our two countries.
The British Defence Attaché, Lt. Col Lee Saunders, said:
I am proud to see troops from UK’s 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment sharing skills and experiences with LAF’s Air Assault Regiment and Air Force for the first joint military exercise. The title of the exercise pays homage to Lebanon’s eternal cedar tree, whilst Pegasus is the emblem of the British Army’s Air Assault Brigade, which depicts a white winged stallion from Greek mythology.
Commander 16 Air Assault Brigade said:
Exercise Pegasus Cedar is a fantastic opportunity for our soldiers to train with and learn from our Lebanese Air Assault Regiment (LAAR) counterparts. Although it is not our first time in Lebanon, it is the first time we have trained at this scale alongside the LAAR.
Our two Regiments have a close relationship, and this exercise is the product of several years of partnership. A partnership that is now delivering fantastic training opportunities for us both.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)