30 Nov 23. AI spatial computing company, Hadean, and DXC Technology, a global leader in technology solutions, are joining forces to disrupt and advance the development of new capabilities for next-generation training and simulation. The team-up will address the ‘technical debt’ in defence and transform current systems by exploiting Hadean’s bleeding-edge technologies to deliver mission-critical solutions for training, data exploitation and planning.
The collaboration will enable DXC Technology, with over 45 years of expertise in the UK aerospace and defence, to leverage Hadean’s Platform and power immersive and interoperable large-scale synthetic environments, designed for the holistic planning, rehearsal, execution and review of training and mission operations.
The convergence of DXC Technology and Hadean will also focus on harnessing cloud-native technology and AI integrations to orchestrate disparate simulation systems in order to maximise data exploitation across military training and elevate the credibility and impact of analytics, real-time insights and data-driven decision-making.
Announced at I/ITSEC 2023, the agreement demonstrates Hadean’s commitment to supporting the strategic objectives of global partners and ensuring that the urgent requirements of the end-user customer base in defence and national security are met with innovative technology solutions and robust end-to-end services.
Hadean Chief Executive Officer, Craig Beddis, said: “Teaming up with DXC Technology is an important milestone for Hadean as we continue to grow globally. Combining our spatial and AI capabilities with DXC’s technological expertise will ensure that our serving personnel will have reliable and proven solutions available to them for faster, smarter and better training, mission rehearsal and data analysis.”
Paul O’Shaughnessy, Account Executive, UK MoD, said, “DXC Technology is delighted to be working closely with Hadean to bring cutting edge spatial and AI technology to Defence. This collaboration is a clear demonstration of DXC’s intent to work closely with the very best SMEs to integrate next-generation capabilities and accelerate adoption of innovative technological solutions to the benefit of UK Defence.”
About Hadean
Hadean is a UK-based spatial computing company modernising the military simulation ecosystem for training, strategy and readiness. Our technology provides the AI-powered spatial compute infrastructure that bridges allies, domains, systems, and technologies to deliver a common operating picture for multi-domain training, decision support, test and evaluation, and wargaming. Our customers and partners include BAE Systems, the UK Ministry of Defence, the British Army, Microsoft, and Cervus. For more information please visit: https://defence.hadean.com/
28 Nov 23. PH, Australia Launch Maritime Cooperative Activity. The Philippines and Australia have launched a Maritime Cooperative Activity, as part of their strategic partnership, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday.
“Today marks the launch of the inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity between our armed forces and the defense forces of our strategic partner, Australia,” Marcos said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
This developed after the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Marcos and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Sept. 8.
The President said the Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) would enhance the maritime bilateral interoperability of the two countries.
“We endeavor to enhance bilateral interoperability in maritime security and domain awareness; test doctrines, existing protocols, and enhance efficiency; and foster closer cooperation between our countries’ armed forces,” he said.
“This inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity and those that may follow are a practical manifestation of the growing and deepening strategic and defense partnership between our countries.”
Marcos added that the maritime activity highlights the two nations’ “shared commitment to supporting the rules-based international order and a more peaceful, secure, and stable Indo-Pacific region.”
Joint patrol
According to a Joint Statement issued by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles, the inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity “in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines” will run from Nov. 25 to 27.
The activity will include Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Davao Del Sur, the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba, five Philippine Air Force surveillance aircraft, and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft.
“The Maritime Cooperative Activity highlights our shared commitment to exercising freedom of navigation and overflight consistent with international law, in support of a peaceful, secure and stable Indo-Pacific,” the joint statement read.
“Australia and the Philippines both support the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reaffirm the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award as final and legally binding on both parties.”
Teodoro said the Philippines welcomed the bilateral activities.
“The Philippines and Australia are long-standing defense partners. The Philippines welcomes bilateral activities with Australia, and other like-minded partners, that promote and maintain a rules-based international order,” he said in a statement.
Marles, meanwhile, said the Philippines and Australia “are firmly committed to a peaceful, secure and prosperous region, where sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected.”
“The first joint patrol between the Australian Defense Force and Armed Forces of the Philippines demonstrates this important commitment,” he added.
In August, the AFP and the ADF also kicked off their first amphibious exercise in the city of Darwin, as part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor activities for this year.
Filipino and Australian troopers also conducted special training for jungle and urban warfare at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal in May as part of the two countries’ Army-to-Army Exercise “Kasangga” 23-2.
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Philippine News Agency)
28 Nov 23. British Troops Embed with Japanese Armed Forces for First Time. Over 170 British Army soldiers have taken part in a major training exercise in Japan over the last two weeks. Exercise Vigilant Isles has taken place annually for the last few years, except during the Covid pandemic.
But this year was the first time British troops have been embedded with their Japanese counterparts during the biggest ever exercise. Previously the two nations’ troops did not fully integrate with each other while training on Honshu, the largest and most populated island in Japan.
Other firsts during Exercise Vigilant Isles 23 (Ex VI23) included:
— Joint live fire training carried out by the British Army and Japanese forces.
— A British Army drone flown in Japan which directed mortar fire during live firing.
— The largest British Army unit that took part in the exercise was 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles’ (1RGR) B (Sari Bair) Company, based in Brunei, who contributed 130 troops.
The remaining British Army contingent was made up of soldiers from:
— 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Group.
— 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3SCOTS) who operated as part of the 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB).
— Under the umbrella of 16 Air Assault Brigade ISTAR, troops from 21 Air Assault Battery, 32 Regiment Royal Artillery deployed a Puma unmanned aircraft system (UAS) while working with a 1RGR mortar platoon.
In addition, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), from 7 Para Royal Horse Artillery, operated in Misawa in the far north where the soldier directed close air support from F-2 fighter jets belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF).
JTACs operate from a forward position and direct artillery as well as close air support. The final unit that deployed as part of the 16 Air Assault Brigade ISTAR Group was 226 Signal Squadron, 14 Signal Regiment.
Soldiers from this unit tapped into electronic warfare equipment to find ‘enemy’ patrols at the Somagaraha training area, two hours northwest of Tokyo.
Ex VI23 was delivered by the Japanese 1st Airborne Brigade’s 3rd Infantry Battalion and broken down into two main phases: functional training and comprehensive training.
During the functional training at Sekiyama, soldiers from 3 SCOTS embedded with a recce platoon from the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) where they operated a Parrot UAS to locate hostile forces.
The comprehensive phase, conducted at Ojoji, 400 kilometres north of Tokyo, was the main Field Training Exercise (FTX) during Ex VI23.
This saw Japanese advance forces land by freefall parachute, followed by Japanese static-line para and a British Army aviation assault from a Chinook, comprising a ‘bilateral attack’.
At the opening ceremony for Ex VI23, Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Stanford-Tuck, Commanding Officer, 1RGR, said: “This exercise is a clear and visible manifestation of the ever-growing partnership between our two nations. Today, standing here, shoulder to shoulder, together, we reaffirm the strength of our shared values, a commitment to peace, security, and prosperity.
“The recently agreed Hiroshima Accord marks a historic high in the UK-Japan relationship setting the direction for our partnership for the next decade and beyond. It reflects our mutual understanding of evolving security challenges in a world where some are seeking to contest and challenge established norms.
“This joint military exercise is clear evidence that we see these agreements as more than just words on paper.
“They are an iron expression of our shared determination to work together to address the challenges that confront us both: climate change, maintaining our prosperity, and safeguarding international and regional security to name but a few.”
Lieutenant Colonel Daisuke Ishikawa, 3rd Infantry Battalion, Japanese 1st Airborne Brigade, said, “We have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to conduct bilateral training with the renowned and esteemed Gurkha Battalion, known for its brave soldiers and rich traditions. “We recognise the Gurkha Battalion as the world’s strongest force, particularly elite in jungle warfare and guerrilla tactics. “Therefore, we would like to facilitate combat-related information sharing and, concurrently, learn from your expertise in battle tactics.”
After the opening ceremony, soldiers from both nations laid out their weapons and equipment in a bilateral display for the troops to inspect and interrogate.
Over the last few years, Exercise Vigilant Isles has seen British and Japanese troops work together to develop the JGSDF’s operational capabilities and to promote mutual understanding and trust.
This partnership began in October 2018 when the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) trained with the JGSDF on the slopes of Mount Fuji for the first Vigilant Isles exercise.
At that time, apart from the US, no foreign troops had ever conducted military exercises on Japanese soil.
The increasing importance of Japan to the UK as a partner in the Indo-Pacific, and the signing of the Hiroshima Accord in May 2023, has seen the exercise grow in scope and ambition.
The British Army is a global force. One that is persistently engaged around the world, training and operating with its partners. And training to be more lethal, agile, digitised and expeditionary.
The Indo-Pacific is critical to the UK’s economy, security and global ambition to support open societies. The UK is therefore deepening engagement in the region in support of shared prosperity and regional stability. Japan is one of the UK’s closest strategic partners and, by taking part in Ex VI23, the British Army has shown its commitment to enhancing this partnership. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ British Army)
28 Nov 23. British Army to use ChatGPT-integrated robotic targets for training. SimStriker started development in 2020 and is used at 4GD’s SmartFacility, which is currently in service with the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade. UK-based close combat training technology specialists, 4GD, have been awarded a contract by the Defence and Security Accelerator to integrate the ChatGPT language model into its SimStriker robotic targets.
The integration will allow soldiers to have “dynamic conversations with the target”, according to 4GD, which will work with its partners NIAXO, a software solutions company, to create varied military training scenarios.
SimStriker, which started development in 2020, is used at 4GD’s SmartFacility, which is currently in service with the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade in Colchester, UK. In 2022, the facility was used for more than 1,200 hours by the British Army Air Assault Brigade, the Ministry of Defence police, and civilian users.
In a 27 November release, 4GD stated that the target is fitted with “hit zone” sensors capable of recording the precision and fire rate of soldiers. Instruments inside the body can also pick up movement, light and sound enabling the target to vocally respond, raise the alarm, shoot back with non-lethal ammunition and drop on its base when engaged.
This latest development of SimStriker, using OpenAI’s ChatGPT system, will enable the operator to configure, or select preconfigured scenarios. The training personnel will be able to verbally interact with the SimStriker; having a synthetic conversation with the equipment, 4GD said.
In addition, 4GD will integrate this behavioural dynamic with simulated social media feeds, and other environmental stimuli.
In common with many militaries around the world, the UK is investing into the use of technologies such as augmented and virtual reality for training, in a bid to reduce costs.
However, real-world training is still a key part of building up and maintaining operational effectiveness, with developments as seen with 4GD and its use of ChatGPT the latest evolution in interactive training solutions. (Source: army-technology.com)
28 Nov 23. Three companies with world-leading military training expertise have announced that they are working together to combine their unrivalled technology and experience to revolutionise training for the military forces of the future.
BAE Systems, PLEXSYS and Red 6 have agreed to explore the integration of Red 6’s augmented reality headset technology and immersive simulation from PLEXSYS into BAE Systems’ single synthetic training environment.
They will use BAE Systems’ Project OdySSEy, combined with Red 6’s Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) and the Advanced Simulation Combat Operations Trainer (ASCOT) from PLEXSYS.
The agreement, announced at the global simulation and training exhibition I/ITSEC 2023 taking place in Orlando, Florida, will see them use the latest technology and decades of working alongside the world’s leading military forces to deliver the training required for warfare today and into the future.
The partnership will create an advanced, realistic training environment that will enhance tactical preparedness and decision-making training for students who will be able to interact with a mixture of live and simulated aircraft being operated by fellow students, allowing them to put theoretical knowledge into practice in a cheaper, safer and more sustainable and secure way.
Sir Stuart Atha, Director of Training at BAE Systems, said: “This exceptional partnership exploits our combined expertise and opens up huge opportunities to ensure our customers maintain the mission readiness they require to meet the challenges of the future contested battlespace.
“We are already working alongside both PLEXSYS and Red 6 as we rapidly mature capability through Project OdySSEy and integrate technologies on the Hawk, the world’s most proven and trusted advanced jet trainer aircraft. Now we are further leveraging these relationships to push the boundaries of Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training.
“BAE Systems trains more than 450 pilots every year from air forces across the globe and it is essential we have the right technologies and partnerships to ensure they have the world-class skills needed on the frontline.”
Ron Wiegand, CEO of PLEXSYS added: “PLEXSYS is excited to partner with BAE Systems and Red 6, uniting our advanced simulation capabilities with cutting-edge augmented reality and synthetic environments.
“The integration of our ASCOT technology into Project OdySSEy represents a leap forward in training realism and effectiveness. This synergy will provide unparalleled training solutions, preparing military forces for the complexities of the future battlespace with an unprecedented level of immersion and interactivity.
“We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance mission readiness and operational excellence.”
Kevin Fesler, Chief Revenue Office of Red 6, said: “The partnership developed between these companies creates a powerful synergy in the LVC space that will move synthetic training one step closer to our collective vision to build a military metaverse allowing all warfighters, across all domains to train together in a common augmented reality battlespace.”
27 Nov 23. German air force plans major Asia-Pacific tour in 2024. The German air force is planning an exercise tour through the Asia-Pacific region in 2024, accompanied by aircraft from France and Spain, the partners in the trinational Future Combat Air System, according to defense officials.
The weekslong deployment next summer, which also involves at least one German navy ship, follows Berlin’s logic that Germany must help stabilize an economically important region as China looks to grow its influence.
“We recognize that the region’s interests touch on ours, at least, or even are the same as ours,” Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Nov. 16 at event in Berlin organized by the Women in International Security network. “We are coming to stay.”
Also part of the government’s calculus is that any German engagement on the other side of the globe will save the United States from having to get involved there, freeing up American forces to remain focused on Europe, Pistorius added. “You can see the cascading effect.”
Next year’s deployment of aircraft will be “much, much bigger” than the air force’s initial foray to the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, service chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz said in an interview. That deployment aimed to prove that a smattering of aircraft — six Eurofighters, four A400M multirole aircraft and three A330 tankers — could reach Singapore in 24 hours and join various training activities from there.
The upcoming trip will take the opposite direction, flying across the north Atlantic to Alaska for a first stop. According to Gerhartz, the idea is to show up in the region with a “European face,” consisting of the three FCAS partner nations and possibly also involving aircraft from the U.K. and Italy along the way.
Air National Guard Director Lt Gen. Michael Loh, whose pilots will train with German counterparts during the Arctic Defender drill in July, lauded the Europeans’ exercise plans. “It is critically important that Europe comes over to the Pacific to show interoperability and support with the U.S. and other members of the region,” he said in an interview.
As of last month, the following contingent of European warplanes was set to partake in various drill elements during the summer: eight German and four Spanish Eurofighters, 12 German Tornados, six French Rafales, four German and four French-Spanish A400Ms, and four German and three A330s, according to a Luftwaffe briefing slide.
Parts of the formation will aim to participate in the Hawaii-based Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, exercise in late July, following a pit stop in Japan for a few days of what the German air service dubs “local flying” with Japanese crews there, the slide states. While in Hawaii, the German air force aims to rendezvous with a Germany Navy frigate, the plan goes.
Next on the calendar is exercise Pitch Black in Australia in late July, followed by a stop either in Indonesia or Malaysia before ending the deployment in India, a country defense and foreign policy leaders in Berlin have been eying as a particular anchor in the region.
In India, the European contingent will aim to partake in the country’s international Tarang Shakti exercise, if the timing works out, or perform “local flying” activities outside of that drill, according to the Luftwaffe. (Source: Defense News)
27 Nov 23. Matrox Video to Showcase Simulation and Collaboration Enhancement Tools at I/ITSEC 2023. Technology innovator Matrox® Video today announced its plans for I/ITSEC 2023, the world’s largest modeling, simulation, and training event, which will take place Nov. 27 – Dec. 1 in Orlando, Florida. As a global leader in graphics and video capture, processing, encoding, and control, Matrox Video will show its best-in-class, TAA-compliant simulation and collaboration enhancement tools, including its standards-based uncompressed, lightly compressed, and intelligently compressed solutions for content capture, content processing, visualization, real-time encoding, recording, live streaming, decoding, IP KVM extension and switching, and AV distribution over IP.
In Booth 1981, Matrox Video will display AVoIP technologies that are ideal for simulation, debrief, and after-action review:
- Matrox LUMA Series multi-display graphics cards for 8K- and HDR-ready video walls.
- Matrox ConvertIP IPMX-ready encoders and decoders for lossless, zero-latency media-over-IP delivery to support interoperable and response-sensitive live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training environments
- Matrox Maevex 6100 Series and 7100 Series encoders for high-quality, high-density, low-latency live streaming and recording to capture and share all AV sources and data points for DIS- and HLA-based debrief and after-action review (AAR) applications. Pair Maevex 6100 Series encoders and decoders to achieve full-frame synchronization from multiple sources. A ruggedized model is also available.
- Matrox Extio™ 3 IP KVM extenders for secure and remote switching and control of training and simulation systems — including up to four systems on one display with Tile View — over 1 GbE LAN and WAN networks. Ruggedized model also available.
- Matrox KMLync four-port USB keyboard and mouse switch for multisystem control.
Real-Time, Lossless 4K AVoIP
Matrox ConvertIP encoders and decoders deliver lossless, real-time, zero-latency 4K AV over IP for live training environments. ConvertIP encoders and decoders facilitate the development of multirole, multienvironment, ultrarealistic training platforms by streaming frame-accurate, real-time AV content from multiple sources. Featuring a variety of baseband connectivity options (including HDBaseT), uncompressed and light compression support, and a fanless design, these standards-based, IPMX-ready ConvertIP devices offer system integrators maximum AV-over-IP flexibility, scalability, and interoperability to deliver 4K60 content over 1/10/25 GbE networks. ConvertIP devices come with Matrox ConductIP discovery, routing, and monitoring software. A web server-based application packaged in a small-form-factor appliance, ConductIP gives a real-time, comprehensive view of all media content on an IP network.
High-Density 4K Streaming and Recording
Matrox Maevex 6100 Series encoders/decoders and the new Maevex 7100 Series encoders enable multichannel, low-latency, low-bit-rate, high-quality, simultaneous streaming and recording and zero-latency pass-through in control and command centers, surveillance centers, and training rooms.
The Maevex 6100 Series can capture, encode, stream, record, and decode multiple 4K/UHD and full-HD channels over IP — all in a high-density, rack-ready form factor. The devices are equipped with Matrox Video’s enterprise-grade security features, such as support for 802.1x, HTTPS communication, Microsoft Active Directory, AES-encrypted streams, and IPv6.
The Maevex 7100 Series single-channel 4K60 AVC/HEVC encoders are the latest addition to the Maevex family of premium streaming and recording products. Providing support for both AVC and HEVC, these rack-ready appliances are compact, fanless, and low power. Combined with the included Maevex PowerStream Plus application and all-new web-based UI – Maevex Command Center, integrators, administrators, and users have the ultimate tools for configuration, monitoring, and streaming management no matter what size of installation.
Secure KVM Signal Management Over IP
Matrox Extio 3 IP KVM extenders enable secure and seamless 4Kp60 4:4:4 and up to quad 1080p60 4:4:4 video extension and switching over 1 GbE networks. Extio 3 IP KVMs work with commercial off-the-shelf network switches to guarantee a scalable and cost-effective KVM matrix over IP, making it possible to route any training system to any operator desk workstation. Users can also operate multiple source computer systems simultaneously — including up to four separate systems on one full-HD or 4K monitor — from a remote multidisplay workstation and control them with a single keyboard and mouse. Available in ruggedized form factors, Extio 3 incorporates various military-grade security features, including AES encryption of audio, video, and USB signals; user authentication management; safe firmware updates; and an IPSec VPN client in the receiver appliance for secure operations over internet.
Available as a standalone keyboard and mouse switch or as an accessory to the Extio 3 IP KVM product line, Matrox KMLync enables seamless mouse switching between up to four different input sources (KVM or other). When combined with Extio 3 IP KVM extenders, KMLync enables new workflows for larger multimonitor workspaces with less hardware required. Operators can monitor and control multiple sources across a quad 4Kp60 monitor setup or even larger configurations with up to 16 1080p60 monitors. When KMLync is paired with Extio 3’s multiview capability and fast switching over IP, operators can visualize more information and improve response time by reducing the number of keyboard and mouse sets in front of them.
Advanced Visualization
Matrox Video’s professional implementation of Intel Arc GPUs, Matrox LUMA Series graphics cards are engineered to power video wall systems. With a single-slot form factor, they provide the ultimate display versatility, supporting configurations such as dual 8Kp60, dual 5Kp120, or four 5Kp60 DisplayPort 2.1 monitors. Users can also combine cards to drive a high-density-output video wall of up to 16 synchronized 5K screens. LUMA Pro Series graphics cards have additional video wall capabilities, including a board-to-board connector for frame-lock support, native HDCP compatibility with Matrox HDMI capture cards, the capability to create a single large canvas using multiple cards, and the hardware decoding of H.264 and H.265 streams using Matrox Mura software libraries.
More information about Matrox Video and its products is available at video.matrox.com.
About Matrox Video
Matrox Video is a global leader in video technology. Featuring a complete portfolio of best-in-class hardware, software, APIs, and SDKs, Matrox Video enables OEMs, system integrators, value-added channel partners, and end users to push the boundaries of video innovation. Serving the AV/IT, broadcast, and emerging markets for over 45 years, Matrox Video is synonymous with quality, performance, interoperability, and support. Matrox Video’s legal entity is Matrox Graphics Inc., part of the Matrox Group.
27 Nov 23. US Army Weighs UASs, Emerging Tech at Annual Maneuver and Fires Experiment. Unmanned Aerial Systems, Emerging Technology Showcased at Annual Maneuver and Fires Experiment.
Nearly 30 government organizations and industry partners from across the defense enterprise gathered to identify, integrate, and leverage new tactical capabilities using cutting-edge technologies during the annual Maneuver and Fires Integrated Experiment, simply known as MFIX, from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3, 2023.
Established in 2014, MFIX is the primary live experiment spearheaded by the Fires Battle Lab, under the Fires Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate or Fires CDID based at Fort Sill, Okla. MFIX is part of a series of experimental events as part of the U.S. Army’s overarching effort to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and warfighting ability for the Army of 2030 and beyond to maintain superiority over any potential adversary.
The two-week event brought Department of Defense partners and defense industry leaders from across the U.S. to experiment on various programs of record with emerging technology to seek possible solutions in today’s operating and complex environment.
Soldiers from across different Army organizations, to include the famed 1st Armored Division, took part in this year’s MFIX to provide industry partners with the Soldier’s perspective.
As part of MFIX, Soldiers directly handle and experiment with new and improved technologies and give direct feedback to industry, government partners to gather key insight and reduce the time it takes to get technology into the field and in Soldiers’ hands to operate in the field.
“Every technology gets an assessment based on Soldiers’ touch points, and we have our report, which is an analysis and observation, based on the collected data points,” said Robert Muniz, a Fires Battle Lab targeting expert. “The industry partners will come in, and they have new technology that gets assessed for a year and the end state of all of this is to reduce the time it takes to get technology into the field and in Soldiers hands.”
As the primary orchestrator of the event, the Fires Battle Lab aims to foster innovation and facilitate the rapid integration of promising technologies into the Army’s capabilities.
“This year’s MFIX featured several new technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems, advanced fire control systems, laser technology, and a defeat system against intelligent UAS detection,” Muniz added.
In previous years, the participants were immersed in a simulated combat environment, allowing for the real-time analysis and assessment of various technologies and strategies. However, this iteration of MFIX was used as an observational period as the Army runs a series of exercises designed to coordinate data collection, communication, and decision-making leading up to U.S. Army Futures Command’s centerpiece event ‘Project Convergence-Capstone 24 (PC-4)’ being held in early 2024.
“This year is a little bit different,” said Muniz. “The Soldiers we have this year have been used more as data collectors and observers on the system,” Muniz continues. “In previous years, Soldiers got new equipment training, they got an understanding of the capability of each technology or what each system can do, and they used it at MFIX.”
Project Convergence is rebranding as a culmination of several exercises across the force as the event shifts from tactical level to theater level operations with full divisions and a focus on global military integration for command and control. The testing conducted at MFIX is just one small part of a concerted effort to incorporate knowledge gained from training ventures as part of the PC-4.
Army Col. Osvaldo Ortiz, chief of the Army G-3/5/7’s mission command division, told reporters during a June 2023 media interview that “all those exercises are going to inform what the Army Futures Command is going to get after at PC-4 capstone.”
As the U.S. Army continues to train for potential near-peer conflicts, exercises like MFIX allow industry and government partners to offer state-of-the-art solutions as the Army changes the way it organizes, equips, and fights.
” The goal of MFIX is for [Soldiers] to get an understanding of what these new technologies can do, and they’ll have an understanding of what it will be able to do in the future,” said Muniz. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/US Army)
27 Nov 23. EDA’s Largest Ever Counter-IED Exercise Concludes In Spain. Bison Counter 2023 (BC23), the largest European exercise to combat improvised explosive devices (IEDs), concludes in Spain after 12 intense days of joint training. The exercise, hosted by the Spanish Armed Forces, mobilized more than 1,000 personnel from 16 countries, either actively in different trainings or as observers. More than 270 scenarios were conducted between the two exercise sites.
The objective of the BC23 exercise was to train the full spectrum of the Counter-IED concept in a multi-level domain from tactical to operational. The exercise also took a multi-domain approach with land and maritime deployments across two locations, Cartagena and Zaragoza, including;
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD),
- Military Working Dogs (K9),
- Underwater Work (UW),
- Route Clearance Package (RCP),
- Weapons Intelligence Team (WIT),
- European Centre of Manual Neutralization Capabilities (ECMAN)
- Joint Deployable Laboratory for Exploitation and Analysis (JDEAL)
To achieve the highest level of full-spectrum C-IED training, role players and more than 300 vehicles were employed, including Centaurs from the Spanish 11 Cavalry Regiment, RG-31s, Huskies, armored JCBs, VAMTACs, Mk5s and Infantry Piranhas, to name a few. During the live exercise all tasks were observed to provide an after-action review as baseline for the lessons identified / lessons learned (LI/LL) process.
Beginning next year, BC23 will be completed by a workshop reviewing the complete exercise, the observed LI/LL and a handover from Spain to the host nation for Bison Counter 2025, the Netherlands.
BC23 – full -spectrum, multilevel and multidomain
BC23 C-IED concept is based on a full -spectrum, multilevel and multidomain approach, integrating the intelligence cycle which allows interconnection among all levels. Figure 1 and the following assignment of the C-IED enabler illustrates the understanding of this.
Principal involvement of C-IED in the Operational Planning Process
Assuming that during an operation an IED was suspected by the involved forces. This suspected IED can be confirmed in various ways, including Route Clearance (RC), usage of Military Working Dogs (K9) and Underwater Work (UW), capabilities that were amongst others also practiced within the EDA Program Military Search Capability Building (MSCB ).
Once the IED is confirmed the (C-IED) Task Force decides how to eliminate this threat. The common approach is tasking Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). But there are situations where the use of EOD may be inappropriate or the risk of exploding a device is unacceptable (i.e., direct threat to human life, critical effect on the mission, recovery of an intact device is of interest for exploitation, combination with CBRN payload). Therefore, manual neutralization is required. This highest level of skill and training can be achieved by courses delivered under the EDA program: European Centre of Manual Neutralization Capabilities (ECMAN).
After eliminating the threat, collection of evidence for further investigation is attempted. This is usually done by a Weapon Intelligence Team (WIT) or similar capabilities (Level 1 exploitation). The collected evidence is forwarded for Level 2 Exploitation, a capability provided by another EDA program, the Joint Deployable Laboratory for Exploitation and Analysis (JDEAL). The results provide information on enemy techniques, tactics and procedures (TTP), which can be used in further operational planning and thus contribute directly to the preparation of forces (PtF).
16 countries – together
BC23 brought together personnel from 16 countries: Spain, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Slovenia participated actively.; Tthe United States, Latvia, Romania and Sweden participated as Observer countries. Luxembourg and Norway are also member countries of the BISON COUNTER EXERCISES project, although they did not participate with troops in BC23.
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/EDA)
24 Nov 23. US Army release Nato Proliferation Playing Cards to prevent friendly fire. A new deck of cards has been released by the US Army Training Doctrine Command to increase recognition of Nato platforms.
The US Army Training Doctrine Command (TRADOC) has developed a deck of playing cards featuring 54 Nato weapon systems with the aim of helping troops identify Nato equipment that has been adopted by non-Nato countries and preventing friendly fire incidents.
Although the deck of cards was put into production before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Nato anticipates that it will be of particular use in Ukraine, where bns of dollars of Nato equipment has been delivered to defend against the Russian war of aggression.
Each card depicts a piece of equipment used by a Nato ally, as well as supplemental information about the countries that use the platform and its main weapon, as well as the country of manufacture and other countries that have purchased it. Some systems delivered to Ukraine may be missing, as production began before military assistance began to be delivered. The systems were assigned random face values and suits. The release from Nato on 23 November highlights the seven of spades, which shows a German-made Gepard anti-aircraft gun, the five of diamonds, which depicts the French Eurocopter AS532 Cougar, and an eight of diamonds featuring a Slovak-made Dana SPH howitzer.
In July 2019, TRADOC released packs of cards depicting Russian, Iranian, North Korean and Chinese vehicles and weapons, with demand exhausting supply of an initial print run of 9,800 packs of cards within three weeks. However, the release faced some criticism, as images were sourced that depicted the export variants of certain platforms, without recognising that the export variants can differ considerably from the domestically used versions.
It appears that the choice of a deck of Nato Proliferation Playing Cards has been finely chosen to avoid a repeat of the same mishap, identifying systems that are from a range of platforms intended to be standardised between nations. (Source: army-technology.com)
24 Nov 23. Production commences on advanced Australian Abrams tank simulators. Australian-owned defence manufacturer Thomas Global Systems has begun production of M1 Abrams Immersive Tactical Training System.
The tank simulator allows Abrams crews to undertake immersive and high-fidelity networked simulation, according to a public statement published on 21 November.
Abrams ITT deliveries are scheduled to commence in early 2024 as part of the government of Australia’s LAND 907 Phase 2 acquisition of 75 M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks.
The new simulators are able to accurately replicate all crew positions and address the training requirements of a tactical crew trainer, gunnery training system, and driver trainer in a single simulation system.
“This significant project underscores Thomas Global Systems’ commitment to supporting the modernisation efforts of defence forces globally by providing the most advanced and comprehensive simulation solutions,” according to the statement from TGS.
“The ITT provides the flexibility to run independent operation of each crew position, full crew operation or multi-vehicle scenarios, or as part of a larger networked training scenario via an HLA/DIS gateway; achieving the highest-fidelity, complex collective training possible in a simulator.
“The ITT facilitates fully customisable environments and scenarios from a dedicated instructor station. Instructors and unit commanders can provide immediate onboard feedback to crew and continuously challenge their best operators for a scalable and holistic approach to skill development.
“The Thomas Global Systems ITT has already garnered strong interest from domestic and international Abrams tank operators, encompassing both M1A2 and M1A1 variants, as well as other armoured fighting vehicles. The system’s adaptability and comprehensive training capabilities make it a compelling solution for military forces seeking to enhance the readiness and proficiency of their armoured units.” (Source: Defence Connect)
23 Nov 23. US, Philippines conduct joint drills near Taiwan.
The navy and air force patrols are intended to counterweight Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The US and Philippines are conducting joint military patrols over the fiercely disputed South China Sea, as Beijing intensifies military activity in the area and reasserts its claim over the sovereignty of Taiwan.
The patrols, which include squadrons from both countries’ air and naval forces, began on Tuesday (21 November) and will run through today (23 November).
It comes just days after the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, said the situation in the South China Sea had become “dire”.
Last month, Chinese coastguard vessels rammed a Philippines’ vessel en route to a Filipino outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal. The altercation prompted US President Joe Biden to reiterate that the US would defend the Philippines if China attacks.
What do the patrols entail?
The joint air force drills focus on Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, which is only around 200km from Taiwan, a self-governed island since 1949.
Alongside Filipino vessels, the US deployed the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey to the South China Sea. This comes as reports indicate China’s expenditure on destroyers is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% between 2023 and 2033.
Marines from the Philippines, US and Japan – which does not have territorial claims over the South China Sea – also carried out “combined convoy ops” in Ilocos Norte, in north-western Philippines.
Marcos Jr added that he was “confident that this collaboration will contribute to a more secure and stable environment for our people”.
Framed by Washington-Beijing relations
In February, the Philippines gave the US access to four new military sites under their Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which China strongly opposed.
Talks between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in California last week saw cooperation on issues such as tackling fentanyl production, but the Taiwan Strait remained a disputed point.
During the meeting, Xi urged the US to stop sending weapons to Taiwan and support “reunification” with China, according to Chinese state media, while Biden reportedly asked China to respect Taiwan’s electoral process.
(Source: army-technology.com)