09 Jul 25. Textron’s TSUNAMI™ USV Reinforces Maritime Security at FLEX25. Textron Systems successfully demonstrated the autonomous TSUNAMI™ USV during a real time operational scenario at FLEX25 in El Salvador During FLEX25, the company supported the U.S. Southern Command (SOCOM) and operated with regional partners, such as the El Salvadorian Navy, to display the operational readiness of innovative unmanned platforms in real-world maritime scenarios. TSUNAMI is an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) designed to be scalable and affordable, supporting diverse mission profiles such as maritime interdiction, intelligence gathering, and ongoing surveillance. The FLEX25 demonstration specifically highlighted efforts to counter persistent drug trafficking challenges, an area where TSUNAMI plays a critical role. TSUNAMI was tasked with intercepting a high-speed narcotics boat, guided by leveraging intelligence relayed from an airborne Textron Aviation Beechcraft King Air aircraft equipped with advanced radar systems.
TSUNAMI Capabilities and Successes Demonstrated in Scenario
The UVS’ real time capabilities were showcased, such as the vessel’s proficiency in receiving, processing, and acting upon remote data cues, to swiftly and autonomously engage the target vessel. The smooth data transfer and coordinated engagement reinforced the potential of manned-unmanned teaming, with the King Air’s crew directing high-level surveillance as TSUNAMI and El Salvadorian Navy executed a joint MUM-T intercept on the water. TSUNAMI also operated alongside other unmanned platforms to share surveillance and autonomously target information. This highlights the force-multiplier effect by integrating advanced autonomous systems which allows for greater coverage and improved response times in complex environments. The vessel exhibited effective interoperability across air and maritime domains and with Textron’s use of high-fidelity radar data, secure communication links, and sophisticated mission autonomy, its solution brings greater intelligence, speed, and accuracy to counter-narcotics missions. This exhibition reiterated capabilities unmanned systems supply across mission sets, such as extended surveillance ranges, reduced operational risk to personnel, and increased interception rates against agile adversaries. With the maritime operational landscape evolving and an increasing complexity of security challenges, Textron’s capabilities intend to provide decisive advantages in maritime environments. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
09 Jul 25. US DAF launches major Pacific exercise. The exercise will mobilise 12,000 personnel from the US Air and Space Forces, deploying over 350 aircraft. The Department of the US Air Force (DAF) has commenced a new series of Pacific-focused Department-Level Exercise (DLE) to enhance the country’s combat readiness. With activities spanning various locations in the US and Indo-Pacific regions, this DAF exercise represents a significant step for both the Air Force (USAF) and Space Force (USSF). The exercise is set to mobilise 12,000 personnel from the USAF and the USSF, deploying more than 350 aircraft including bombers, fighters, cargo, and refuelling planes. Additionally, it will use a range of space-based and space-enabled capabilities, encompassing space electromagnetic warfare, space domain awareness, orbital warfare, and navigational warfare.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said: “This exercise, the first of its kind since the Cold War, marks a pivotal moment for our Air Force and Space Force, bringing together airmen and guardians to bolster our nation’s warfighting capabilities. Training like this alongside the Joint Force, our allies and partners in realistic operating environments using distributed operations is how we integrate capabilities to overcome any national security challenge.”
The DLE series is intended to integrate various command exercises into a unified scenario focused on threat deterrence such as Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), Resolute Space, Mobility Guardian, Emerald Warrior, and Bamboo Eagle 25-3. The exercises will also involve numerous allies and partners with aligned interests to enhance regional and global peace and stability.
Air Force chief of staff general David Allvin said: “Exercising at this speed, scale and tempo is how we prepare for the future fight. We need Airmen to move fast and think outside the box, disrupting the operational status quo. We also build trust and understanding through deliberate planning, operating and learning alongside our partners across the Pacific.”
A critical aspect of these exercises is addressing logistical challenges associated with sustaining operations over time, said DAF. Air Mobility Command has been gearing up for this month-long exercise for nearly two years, integrating insights from Mobility Guardian 2023. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
09 Jul 25. Military training technology specialists 4GD has significantly expanded its operations to two new urban warfare training facilities. The new Garrison Urban Skills Facilities (GUSFs) are based at Catterick Training Area in North Yorkshire and Rollestone near Salisbury. With an existing 4GD SmartFacility in operation with 16 Air Assault Brigade in Colchester, 4GD’s military training sites now represent a broad geographical footprint and can be utilised by British Army units across the UK. In close collaboration with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc) and the Land Warfare Centre, 4GD provide the technological backbone to the facilities. 4GD’s input into these facilities represents the next generation in urban warfare training. 4GD has installed its trademark SimWall and 4GAV systems across all Urban Fighting Skills Facilities. SimWall comprises a series of reconfigurable and adaptable panels designed to provide a greater variety of training scenarios. 4GAV has then enhanced the facility through the use of light, smoke and sound effects as well as detailed ‘after-action’ reviews. 4GD’s use of advanced technology serves to enhance the learning experience for the soldier. Facilities are ready for upgrading to integrate 4GD’s flagship robotic SimStriker, as already in use in the Urban Training Facility at Colchester. Both GUSF facilities have recently become operational. These urban training environments, being used by the British Army, have been designed with unprecedented levels of realism, complexity and density that replicate the range of urban environments likely to be encountered by military personnel deploying on operations. The three sites (Catterick, Rollestone and Colchester) alongside 4GD’s significant upgrading of Copehill Down Village facilities can all connect together to form a larger training area. This provides unrivalled training opportunities across four sites. Through these facilities, 4GD and its partners have significantly enhanced the British Army’s capacity to conduct realistic and relevant urban warfare training. These facilities underscore a shared commitment to equipping military personnel with the skills and experience they need to operate effectively.
Rob Taylor, 4GD Founder and Director, said:“4GD’s expanded footprint enables British Army units across the UK to access high-fidelity, urban warfare training environments designed to reflect the diverse, high-stakes scenarios soldiers are likely to encounter in real-world deployments.
Increasing the training capacity of facilities with 4GD technology allows us to collect much more real-world data on how soldiers train in urban facilities. This enables us to understand the needs of the warfighter and stay ahead of the curve when developing future products.”
Lt Col Gord Robinson (RANGERS), SO1 Optimisation, Land Warfare Centre commented: “These state-of-the-art facilities have been extremely well received by the soldiers who appreciate how easily the internal space can be reconfigured to provide a non-repetitive and altering urban training scenario. It really is a long overdue enhancement to the Defence Training Estate which fully enables the achievement of platoon level urban training objectives in a controlled realistic urban environment.”