22 Apr 25. Third iteration of Project Iron Agility boosts USAF deployment readiness. Over a three-week period, the exercise involved F-16 Fighting Falcons, MQ-9 Reapers, and more. The third iteration of Project Iron Agility, a training exercise, was launched at US Air Force’s Holloman Air Force Base (AFB) to bolster the deployment readiness of airmen. Over a three-week period, the deployment exercise will involve F-16 Fighting Falcons, MQ-9 Reapers, and the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron, with the 49th Maintenance Group spearheading the initiative. The objective of Project Iron Agility is to replicate deployment conditions and real-world operational scenarios. This aligns with the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, which underscores the necessity for rapid adaptability and mobility, ensuring that the US Air Force can relocate operations swiftly in response to various threats. US Air Force Technical Sergeant and 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit specialist section chief Dallas Harlan said: “Agile Combat Employment is about more than just Air Power.
“ACE is about ensuring that everyone in the chain of command can step up, take control, and make decisions quickly, all while maintaining seamless communication and recognising that the team dynamic is everything.”
Project Iron Agility comprises three phases: academic, planning, and execution. The academic phase uses the Kingfish ACE simulation to challenge airmen to adapt to dynamic conditions that reflect the unpredictability of combat. In the latest iteration of the exercise, real-time injects or immediate impact drills were introduced during the execution phase for the first time. These drills simulate unforeseen challenges that airmen may encounter while deployed, requiring them to reassess strategies, collaborate on decision-making, and perform rapid risk assessments under the pressures of real-world operations. The exercise includes the integration of MQ-9s, which is said to play a role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, alongside F-16 Fighting Falcons.
Harlan said: “The MQ-9s are agile and can perform both intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and combat air support missions without risking manned aircraft. We’re planning for the smallest, most effective footprint, and this exercise combines skills from different Air Force Specialty Codes while streamlining responsibilities so we can adapt quickly if something goes wrong.”
Additionally, logistics teams ensure smooth deployment processes from assembling supply packages to establishing communication networks. This collaborative approach enhances the team’s cross-functional capabilities and is in line with the ACE concept. Participants trained under Project Iron Agility gain the ability to assume diverse responsibilities. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
17 Apr 25. Starting this week until the end of April, additional Allied units will arrive in Estonia to participate in the defensive exercise SIIL [HEDGEHOG] 2025, which begins in May. The Allied units will arrive by air, sea and land transport, practising rapid reinforcement of the NATO battle group here using various methods of deployment operations. The largest additional unit being brought to Estonia is the 4th Brigade of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, which will be seconded by companies from the French Army. The Movement and Transportation Service of the Defence Support Command, which manages and coordinates all movements of Allied forces on Estonian territory, is responsible for receiving the Allied units arriving in Estonia. The reception of additional units is supported by the military police, the division’s logistics battalion, the air force and the navy, as well as the Northern Land Defence District of the Estonian Defence League.
“The arrival of the Allies in Estonia is an ideal opportunity to practice the entire reception chain, from the operation of ports and airports to the arrival of equipment at the destination,” said Major Toomas Pärnpuu, Commander of the Movement and Transportation Service of the Support Command. “The goal of our unit is to ensure a smooth and safe reception of the Allies on land, at sea and in the air.”
During the deployment operation, which will take place from 14 to 30 April, the armed forces of the United Kingdom and France will bring a large number of their personnel and combat equipment to Estonia, practising the rapid deployment of their forces for the defence of Estonia. The main contingent of troops will be the 4th Brigade of the British Army, which will bring approximately 1,500 fighters to Exercise SIIL 2025. The brigade includes two light infantry battalions using FOXHOUND and MASTIFF armoured vehicles and light cavalry squadron dragoons moving on JACKAL reconnaissance vehicles. In addition, snipers, artillery, anti-tank and machine gun capabilities will provide fire support, and the brigade will be supported by engineer and logistics units. The French armed forces will bring mainly marine units in addition to the contingent already present here before the start of the SIIL 2025 exercise. Due to the arrival of additional Allied units, more Allied vehicles and military equipment may be seen on Estonian roads during this period. The Defence Forces ask road users to be attentive and show understanding towards Defence Force columns moving slower than normal traffic. The Movement and Transport Service is a sub-unit of the Defence Forces Support Command, whose tasks are to organise, escort and secure the domestic transport and movements of both the Estonian Defence Forces and Allied units. In addition, the Movement and Transport Service is responsible for bringing Allied units and their equipment and equipment into Estonia and sending them out of the country. The unit also organises the transport of Estonian Defence Forces mission units, supplies and equipment to and from foreign operations. In addition, the Movement and Transport Service trains specialists based on conscripts who enter the service of the unit and continue reserve service in the same speciality. (Source: joint-forces.com)