13 Jun 24. Allen-Vanguard partner with Hyperion Defence Solutions to deliver innovative mixed reality JTAC trainer for a Middle Eastern customer. Allen-Vanguard, best known for providing customised technology solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, has partnered with Hyperion, experts in developing innovative technology-based defence solutions, to deliver a world class mixed reality Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) trainer for a Middle Eastern customer. Allen Vanguard will be at Eurosatory, in Paris, in Hall 5a Stand E365 to discuss this and all their RF defeat solutions.
Allen-Vanguard has vast experience in creating successful partnerships to drive forward complex technology integrations to deliver novel capability and they also have a wealth of experience in the Middle East. Hyperion has deep expertise in Joint Fires support and training, simulation and the establishment and delivery of modern training solutions for defence organisations. Together, they have developed a cutting edge accreditable JTAC training solution that provides a fully immersive mixed reality training environment to efficiently and effectively deliver complex joint fires training for JTAC students.
The solution is a mobile, trailer-based system, incorporating Varjo’s XR-4 Focal Edition headset allowing the trainee to be fully immersed in the virtual environment, whilst being able to interact with their real equipment. This innovative system provides a more effective training solution, than live or dry controls alone. The system aims to be amongst the first to achieve Joint Fires Support Executive Steering Committee (JFS ESC) accreditation for a Battlespace Simulations Inc. (BSI) Modern Air Combat Environment (MACE) and Augmented Reality Mission Observation and Rehearsal (ARMOR) software combination. This new joint Allen-Vanguard/Hyperion JTAC training solution is truly revolutionary in both the technology used and training methodology applied.
Bobby Strawbridge, Director Business Development for Allen-Vanguard said, “We at Allen-Vanguard are increasingly finding ourselves working alongside other sector experts to help deliver the best possible in-theatre capabilities to meet the needs of our customers. Whether defeating the RF threat or countering other capabilities, maximizing the benefits of rapidly advancing technology is vital to maintain the battle winning edge. We are extremely pleased to be working with Hyperion on this project and very impressed with the JTAC training capability we have produced together.”
Chris Derbyshire, Co-Founder and Director at Hyperion said, “Working with Allen-Vanguard has been an excellent experience and collectively we have produced a supremely flexible mobile training facility which using ARMOR software allows instructors and students to draw upon accurate worldwide data to generate terrain for anywhere on earth in minutes; thus providing the user with the greatest possible flexibility to train where and when they want in all possible scenarios.”
11 Jun 24. NATO SOF Completes Exercise Flaming Sword 24 in Lithuania.
NATO Special Operations Forces (SOF) from six Allied nations have successfully completed Exercise Flaming Sword 24 in Lithuania. This major training event, held annually, demonstrates NATO’s commitment to enhancing cooperation, collaboration, and interoperability among its member states. The exercise saw participation from SOF units from Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, and the United States.
Hosted by Lithuania, Flaming Sword 24 aimed to train and assess the readiness of NATO SOF units to conduct operations in response to potential aggression against its Allies. The exercise featured a variety of operations, including, for the first time in recent history, a German submarine supporting German Special Operation Forces in the Baltic Sea and ashore. Danish Frogmen from the Danish Maritime Special Operations Force also conducted critical operations in the region.
Major General Steven Edwards, Commander of Special Operations Command Europe, emphasized the importance of such exercises. “Whenever we have the opportunity for U.S. Special Operations Forces to train alongside our NATO Allies, it reinforces our ability to rapidly deploy combat-credible forces in all domains – land, sea, air, and space,” he said. “Our ability to work seamlessly alongside our Allied partners strengthens our collective defense and enhances regional security.”
Flaming Sword 24 serves as a precursor to the larger BALTOPS 24, a premier maritime-focused annual military exercise in the Baltic region. Scheduled from June 7-20, BALTOPS 24 will involve the largest coalition of amphibious and mine countermeasure forces in the exercise’s history. Vice Admiral Thomas Ishee, commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKEFORNATO) and U.S. 6th Fleet, noted the historical significance of BALTOPS 24, stating, “BALTOPS 24 is 75 years in the making – the premier example of the strongest and most successful alliance in world history.”
Exercises like Flaming Sword 24 are crucial for fostering interoperability among Allied forces, refining tactics and procedures for seamless cooperation during operations. The event included U.S. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) engaging in maritime operations, close quarters combat, weapons training, and helicopter fast-roping with their Allied SOF counterparts. This face-to-face training is vital for building a strong and strategic SOF warfighting foundation among NATO Allies.
The senior Naval Special Warfare Operator on site highlighted the importance of these relationships, stating, “The weeks leading up to this exercise allowed my team to integrate with our partner forces from these countries. Having the chance to meet in person, build our operations plans together, and execute scenarios in tandem is invaluable.”
(Source: https://www.sofx.com/)