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U.S. Marines gather to celebrate Navajo Code Talkers Day at Navajo Code Talker Memorial in Window Rock, Ariz., Aug., 13, 2022.
Eighty years ago, the Marine Corps originally enlisted 29 Navajo men to develop a special code in which sensitive information was sent and deciphered during the battles of the Pacific in World War II.
As the war went on, it is estimated that more than 400 Navajos were trained in the code.
Six U.S. Marines who participated in this year’s celebration are Navajo Nation members who had had never met each other before, but quickly found common ground through their shared military service and Navajo heritage.
08.23.2022
Video by Lance Cpl. Trystan Taft
Marine Forces Reserve
After almost three months at sea on a regional presence deployment through the Pacific, HMAS Canberra is heading back to her home port in Sydney.
In June, HMA Ships Canberra, Warramunga and Supply set sail on the regional presence deployment.
Canberra sailed from Townsville with embarked forces from the Australian Army, His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga and the Sri Lankan Marines to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2022 (RIMPAC).
During the transit to Hawaii, the HMA Ships sailed in formation with vessels from the United States and Japan during Exercise Noble Partners, enabling opportunities for interoperability between the three nations.
Sailing into Pearl Harbor on June 27, Canberra joined Warramunga and Supply and 25 other nations taking part in RIMPAC, the world’s largest biennial international maritime exercise.
The tactical sea phase of RIMPAC provided an opportunity for two United States MV-22B Osprey Aircraft and their crews to embark in an Australian Amphibious Ship.
This marked the first time the MV-22B aircraft was embarked for an enduring period of time, a milestone for the Australian amphibious capability and the landing helicopter dock.
Commanding Officer Canberra Captain Jace Hutchison also highlighted the importance of international military personnel embarking on Canberra.
“We also integrated medical specialists from New Zealand and the United States to work in our hospital, providing important interoperability exercises for the medical community,” Captain Hutchison said.
On completion of the three-week RIMPAC sea phase Canberra sailed back into Pearl Harbor for a second port visit, giving the ship’s company time for respite to explore the stunning island of Hawaii before continuing on with their deployment.
Canberra and Warramunga departed Pearl Harbor to participate in Operation Render Safe working together on-station, off Nauru, where a Royal Solomon Islands Police Force explosive ordnance disposal officer joined specialist ADF members to dispose of World War 2-era unexploded ordnance.
Canberra provided a ‘Role 2 Enhanced’ hospital capability with its embarked Maritime Operation Health Unit, working with Warramunga’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to deliver aeromedical evacuation support to the disposal teams in Nauru, if required.
On completion of the operation, Warramunga detached from the task group after 10 weeks sailing in company, members from both vessels lined the decks for a ‘Formation Foxtrot’ waving as Warramunga steamed past.
Canberra returned to Townsville on August 25 where the Australian Army embarked forces element returned to their home base of Queensland before continuing the transit to Fleet Base East.
Captain Hutchison said it was wonderful to return back to Australia after a long three months on deployment.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our time away but there is nothing like returning to home shores,” Captain Hutchison said.
“It will be fantastic to see all the families and loved ones on the wharf – their support and encouragement really enables us to go to go to sea and do our job.”
Canberra returns to her home port of Fleet Base East, Sydney in early September and will be welcomed by over 500 loved ones on the wharf.
These deployments demonstrate Australia’s commitment and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region which are vital to Australia’s long-term security and prosperity.
This article was published by the Australian Department of Defence on August 25, 2022.
Featured Photo: United States Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey performs deck landings on board Canberra during RIMPAC. Photo: Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall
For our look at innovative ways to use amphibious ships in the evolving maritime kill web, see chapter four in our new book:
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, is secured on deck onboard Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) as a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion flies overhead during flying operations as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Navy Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall)
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) An MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, lands aboard Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) during flying operations as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Navy Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall)
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) An MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, lands aboard Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) during flying operations as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Navy Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall)
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) Personnel from Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) prepare to unload equipment from an MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 during flying operations as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Navy Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall)
Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam on 12 July 2022 and embarked two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.
The Ospreys and their crew will remain onboard HMAS Canberra for the duration of RIMPAC in a first for the LHD.
07.12.2022
Video by Christopher Szumlanksi Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet
Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre issued this statement following the conclusion of the Arctic Chiefs of Defence Meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
“I was pleased to host Chiefs of Defence and representatives from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and the United States to share lessons learned from ongoing Arctic operations and to coordinate enhanced cooperation between our nations in the region. Today’s meeting was just one in a series of international engagements through which Canada, alongside our allies and partners, have the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to one another, and to the rules and freedoms that underpin global security and stability.
“The international order is rapidly changing and the strategic importance of the Arctic continues to grow. And as the security environment continues to shift and become more dangerous, continental defence has much broader implications, and we must consider the global context in which we plan and conduct all of our activities and operations.
“The Arctic is at an inflection point where effects from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and their military build-up in the Arctic, the impacts of climate change, technological advancements, and economic interests are driving increasing interest, activity, and competition in a way that makes this region more strategically important than ever before.
“As the Arctic changes, physically and strategically, our commitment to working collaboratively with like-minded nations is key to safeguarding our sovereignty and upholding the international rules-based order. We have witnessed in Ukraine the belligerence of our Arctic neighbour and we must be vigilant—what happens in Europe and across the globe has implications in our own backyard.
“In a world facing increasing and emerging threats, the stability we enjoy flows from the strength of our alliances, and our relationships with trusted international partners. We must continue to work collaboratively with our Arctic allies and partners to coordinate and face security challenges together, and to advance security and stability in the Arctic and around the world.
“For our part, the Canadian Armed Forces remains committed to defending Canada’s Northern sovereignty, and protecting Canadian interests at home and abroad. We will continue to work closely with our allies and partners in strengthening our domain awareness, surveillance, and command and control capabilities through a wide range of initiatives in the Arctic, including modernizing NORAD, improving the CAF’s capabilities, mobility and presence in the North, and increasing our participation in multinational exercises in the region.”
General Wayne Eyre
Chief of the Defence Staff
Canadian Armed Forces
Featured Photo: Members of Arctic CHODs 2022 meeting, from left: Brigadier General Pascal Godbout (Canada); Major General Odd-Harald Hagen (Norway); General Timo Kivinen (Finland); General Wayne Eyre, (Canada); General Mark A. Milley (United States); General Flemming Lentfer (Denmark); and Ms. Bryndís Kjartansdóttir (Iceland).
Photo: MCpl Matthew Tower, Canadian Forces Combat Camera
U.S. Air Force aircrew members from the 16th Airlift Squadron and U.S. Marines from Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron-1, airlift a CH-53K King Stallion via a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Berlin,
The Nordics are both individually and collectively working to enhance their defense capabilities.
In this article, we are highlighting recent press releases from Nordic Ministries of Defence as well as the UK MoD with regard to shaping a way ahead for Nordic defense.
The Finnish Ministry of Defence highlighted Finnish defense efforts in an August 5, 2022 press release.
The 2023 draft budget for the Ministry of Defence’s branch of government is EUR 6.1 billion, representing an increase of EUR 1 billion, or 20%, on the current budget. The figure is explained by general increases in the Defence Forces’ operating expenditure, in defence materiel procurement and in support for the activities of national defence organisations. The increases seek respond to the changes in the Defence Forces’ operating environment.
The draft budget does not include the costs of future NATO membership, as these will be discussed later in the budget preparations.
Extra resources for the Defence Forces to strengthen defence capability
The Defence Forces’ operating appropriations would increase by EUR 179 million, largely due to a general increase addressing the changes in the operating environment, pay adjustments, and price and cost level adjustments.
The appropriation increase would reinforce Finland’s defence capability by adding 500 person-years to the Defence Forces personnel capacity in the next few years, by increasing the number of reservists called up for refresher training exercises by approximately 10,000 people, and by improving the level of materiel maintenance.
Defence budget focus on materiel procurement and maintenance
The draft budget has EUR 1.6 billion allocated to defence materiel procurement, representing a EUR 765 million increase on the ordinary 2022 budget. Most of the increase would be allocated to improving the defence capability with materiel to satisfy operational demands. In addition to cost-level adjustments, the appropriation is affected by changes in the timing of expenditure included in the previous supplementary budgets.
The draft budget contains two new procurement authorisations. An authorisation of EUR 559 million is proposed for defence materiel acquisitions with expenditure to be incurred between 2023 and 2032. The intended uses include the acquisition of high-altitude capability of ground-based air defence, and development of the application of fire by the Army and the mobility of troops. A procurement authorisation of EUR 113 million is proposed for the Defence Forces for acquiring spare parts and concluding system service and maintenance agreements for 2023–2028.
Support for conscript finances
The draft budget includes a proposal to improve the financial benefits of conscripts. The improvement would address the rising living costs and minimise any disruptions to the conscript service also from a financial point of view.
Military crisis management to continue to focus on Lebanon and Iraq
EUR 65 million in appropriations is proposed for equipment needs and administrative expenses arising from military crisis management. The maintenance expenses of Finnish crisis management contingents are included in the appropriations of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. A new procurement authorisation of EUR 20 million is proposed for military crisis management in 2023–2026 to aquire supplementary and replacement equipment. It is estimated that the combined strength of crisis management troops will be at most 400 person-years.
The Swedish Ministry of Defence in an August 9, 2022 press release underscored enhanced defense cooperation among Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist, Denmark’s Minister of Defence Morten Bødskov and Norway’s Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram met on 8 August in Malmö. They discussed enhanced cooperation between the three countries to contribute to security and stability in the Baltic Sea region.
The security situation in the region has deteriorated considerably in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We need to be prepared and equipped to act together in times of peace, crisis and conflict. Strengthened cooperation between Sweden, Denmark and Norway is important,” says Mr Hultqvist.
In September 2021, Denmark, Norway and Sweden signed a trilateral Statement of Intent on enhanced operational defence cooperation.
In April 2022, the Government decided that the Swedish Armed Forces and their Danish and Norwegian counterparts would establish a military coordination group for this purpose.
When Mr Hultqvist met his Danish and Norwegian colleagues in Malmö, they discussed how to further enhance this cooperation and what Swedish NATO membership may involve.
“The ability to conduct co-ordinated military operations gives us an opportunity to control the southern Baltic Sea, the Baltic Sea inlet and the North Sea, and take responsibility in a crisis. This ability is a vital common interest for Denmark, Norway and Sweden,” says Mr Hultqvist.
In a press release by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence on August 15, 2022, efforts to further strengthen Nordic cooperation on security and defense were underscored.
Security policy was a key topic at the meeting of the Nordic Prime Ministers in Oslo today. The Nordic countries have agreed to further develop security and defence cooperation in the region.
‘The fact that Finland and Sweden have applied for membership of NATO represents a historic shift for Nordic security policy and defence cooperation. My ambition is for this to lead to a further deepening of our already close cooperation,’ said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
‘The Finnish and Swedish NATO applications enable us to view Nordic defence in a larger, more binding context. We will cooperate and assist each other as allies in the event of a crisis or war. A united Nordic region in NATO will provide us with a stronger voice in the Alliance, and will give our shared values greater visibility and impact,’ said Mr Støre.
During today’s meeting, the Nordic countries agreed on a joint statement on Nordic cooperation on security and defence. The statement points out that Swedish and Finnish membership of NATO can greatly enhance the effectiveness of defence of the Nordic region. The document also states that the Nordic countries will strengthen joint exercises and training and will seek to develop NATO as a military and political alliance.
Relevant areas for increased cooperation in the first phase include air defence, logistics and supply, as well as joint training and exercises in the Nordic region and with NATO. Having all the Nordic countries in NATO will enhance the countries’ shared airspace situational awareness and facilitate use of each other’s air bases. The Nordic countries in NATO will together command a considerably larger air force of several hundred modern fighter jets.
‘Norway will listen to what Finland and Sweden think is needed as we now consider how to further reinforce Nordic regional cooperation within the framework of NATO. Just last week, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden established a framework for entering into agreements on defence-related products and security of supply,’ said Mr Støre.
And a joint statement on Nordic cooperation in security and defence was released as well.
The five Nordic Prime Ministers met in Oslo 15 August 2022 and agreed as follows:
We share fundamental values and security interests and aim for the Nordic region to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. We have a responsibility to protect our open and democratic societies, built on a high level of trust.
Russia ́s war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed European security. The Nordic countries share an objective to retain stability and enhance security in our region. We will continue to deepen our dialogue on security policy developments. While the Nordic countries do not pose a threat to anyone, we must act together to safeguard our sovereignty, freedom and shared values.
Finland’s and Sweden ́s accessions to NATO will make NATO stronger and Europe safer. With regard to security and defence, the Nordic countries already cooperate closely within the NORDEFCO framework as well as through other bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. With Finland and Sweden in NATO, all of the Nordic countries will be committed to assist each other under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. This represents a significant deepening of our defence cooperation and a strengthened defence of the Nordic region, the Baltic Sea Region, NATO ́s northern flank and the Alliance as a whole. Finland and Sweden are EU member states and their accession to NATO combined with the recent Danish vote to abolish the opt-out on EU’s security and defence cooperation, will constitute a possibility for enhancing cooperation between NATO and the EU.
Nordic defence cooperation will be adjusted to the new security order. Recently, at their meeting in Kirkenes, the Nordic ministers of defence tasked their ministries to begin this work.
The Nordic countries possess significant, modern and highly capable armed forces. Through joint training, integrated planning and the ability to conduct operations seamlessly, the effectiveness of our defence can be greatly enhanced. Our strategic focus areas represent an important asset for our common security.
Against this background, we will further develop the cooperation on security and defence between our countries, building on existing structures, but realising fully the potential derived from us becoming Allies in NATO. To this end, we have the ambition to:
Explore the opportunities for enhanced political cooperation with regard to security and enhanced resilience in our region.
Contribute actively to the development and strengthening of NATO as a military and political alliance.
Strengthen joint exercises and training in close coordination with NATO and Allies.
Pursue synergies and interoperability in harmonising national and NATO defence plans.
Enhance the resilience of our societies in peace, crisis and conflict through shared situational awareness, cooperation in total defence, security of supply and resilience against malign activities, including cyber-attacks and hybrid threats. The work to strengthen our resilience of our societies takes place in different fora and at different levels, including within the NORDEFCO – Haga cooperation.
Further strengthen means for classified communication between relevant Ministries and between institutions in the Nordic countries.
Continue to promote shared values and interests, such as a rules-based international order, in relevant multilateral fora including the United Nations and the European Union.
And in July and August 2022, the UK Ministry of Defence highlighted various aspects of their engagement in the Nordic region as well.
First, they highlighted the enhanced role they envisaged for their joint expeditionary force in a press release published on July 5, 2022.
A number of exercises within the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) will be held in Sweden and Finland in the coming months, following the two countries’ applications for NATO membership. Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist attended a JEF exercise at Skaraborg Air Force Wing (F 7) in Såtenäs on 5 July.
When Mr Hultqvist visited F 7, the exercise was already in full swing. The Swedish and British air forces participated with JAS 39 Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes, conducting combat training based on various scenarios.
This exercise and a number of additional planned JEF exercises in the coming months follow the decision by the defence ministers of the JEF partner nations at their meeting in June to increase JEF presence in the Baltic Sea region while Sweden and Finland wait to become NATO members.
“The JEF contributes to regional security and stability. Joint exercises conducted by the JEF nations, like the one here in Såtenäs, strengthen our ability to operate together in response to a crisis in our neighbourhood. This is particularly important in today’s challenging security environment,” says Mr Hultqvist.
Next, they highlighted RAF training in Finland and Sweden in a press release published on July 10, 2022.
The Royal Air Force has deployed Typhoon FGR4 and F-35B Lightning jets to Finland, and Typhoon FGR4 jets to Sweden, for integrated fighter aircraft training as part of an increased presence in the region.
The deployments, which took place over the last month at the request of the host nations, allowed the partner air forces to develop their joint tactics and strengthen their ability to operate alongside each other.
Two F-35Bs and four Typhoons conducted high-end warfighting training with Finnish F-18 Hornets and Swedish Gripen aircraft, underlining the UK’s commitment to strengthening our collective defence capabilities.
The deployments are a practical demonstration of the mutual security assurance declarations that the UK signed with these nations in May, as they progress their respective applications to join NATO. All three nations already work together through the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, which is a coalition of 10 member nations who cooperate to maintain the security of Northern Europe.
Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, said:
“Finland and Sweden are important defence partners and we welcome their applications to join NATO, which will make the alliance stronger as we face a renewed threat in Europe.
“These deployments highlight our determination to enhance that partnership and ensure our forces can work together seamlessly.
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist attending the JEF exercise at Skaraborg Air Force Wing in Såtenäs, Sweden.Photo: Viktoria Rinaldo/Swedish Armed Forces
“The F-35 deployment to Finland came after two US F-35A visited for an air show in June. The F-35B’s arrival was of particular interest to the Finns as they recently announced that they will purchase F-35 aircraft. The UK Lightning Force will continue to develop their partnership with the Finnish Air Force as they integrate their new aircraft.”
Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said:
“The Joint Expeditionary Force contributes to regional security and stability. Joint exercises, like the one here in Såtenäs, strengthen our ability to operate together in response to a crisis in our neighbourhood. This is particularly important in today’s challenging security environment.”
The fighter jets were supported by teams of specialists from RAF Marham and RAF Lossiemouth. A Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton also provided air-to-air refuelling to extend the duration of the combat sorties and an A400M Atlas deployed the support team to Sweden.
Working with similarly advanced air forces such as the Finnish and Swedish also provides an opportunity to learn from each other and identify areas of mutual benefit. The deployed teams spent time further integrating their systems, so that they can share information quickly on the exercise and in the future.
These exercises are part of a series of bilateral and Joint Expeditionary Force exercises planned this year at Finland and Sweden’s request. Later this month the UK will deploy the F-35B to Norway for further integration training with the Norwegian Air Force.
The Typhoon Force also deployed aircraft to Konya in Türkiye for similar integrated fighter training with the Turkish Air Force, flying alongside Turkish, Pakistani, Jordanian and Azerbaijani aircraft in simulated combat scenarios. The Typhoons forward deployed from Romania where they are currently supporting the NATO Air Policing mission.
Finally, in a July 30, 2022 press release, the participation of the UK in Vigilant Fox was highlighted.
More than 750 troops from the UK, USA and Finland gathered this week in Niinisalo, western Finland, to participate in the four-day high-readiness exercise. Partner nations practised interoperability between air and land forces ahead of Finland’s accession to NATO. This type of international training is critical in preparing allies to operate alongside one another should NATO need to deploy in the future.
Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey MP said:
“Exercise Vigilant Fox has demonstrated the strength and interoperability of our Armed Forces with our US and Finnish allies and reaffirms our commitment to the defence and security of the Baltic Sea region.”
British troops based in Estonia as part of Project Unified Stance swooped into Finland in Royal Air Force Chinook helicopters. The troops from C Company, 2 Rifles Battlegroup, were inserted into Niinisalo to join Finland’s high readiness forces from the Jaegar, Karelian and Pori Brigades. The exercise also included soldiers, armoured fighting vehicles and helicopters from the US 3rd Armoured Brigade Combat Team (The Iron Brigade).
Units from all three nations undertook a series of demanding training events, conducting offensive and defensive operations including helicopter assaults, covert landings and short-notice raids using American Black Hawks, Finnish NH-90s and UK Chinooks.
Such training improves integration between air and land forces, as well as interoperability between partner nations, and is crucial to ensuring that NATO forces can work together effectively on operations and in war.
As well as air-land integration, the exercise focused on developing command and control procedures and tactical drills using a combination of live and blank firing drills and urban operations.
Colonel Jukka Nurmi, Deputy Chief of Training, Defence Command Finland, said:
“Training events like Vigilant Fox are a great opportunity to learn from each other and Finland is most grateful for participation of international partners. For Finland, the exercise is an effective way to demonstrate the competence of our conscripts and to verify and develop the international compatibility of our own troops. The training and exercise activities carried out with close partners, such as the United Kingdom, are a continuation of long-term close cooperation.”
Wing Commander Stephen Boyle, Defence Attaché, British Embassy Finland, said:
“Our soldiers, sailors and aviators have received a warm welcome in Finland over the last few months. Exercise Vigilant Fox is the latest activity in an ongoing series of events across the domains. As Finland moves towards full NATO Membership, we will continue to seek opportunities like this to show solidarity with Finland, learn from each other and improve our ability to operate together.”
Featured Photo: Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist (in the middle), Denmark’s Minister of Defence Morten Bødskov (left) and Norway’s Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram (right) at the press conference held in connection with their meeting in Malmö. Photo: Ministry of Defence
When I worked for Secretary Wynne when he was head of defense acquisition and then Secretary of the USAF, I had a chance to focus on the coming of the F-35 global enterprise. What I argued at the time was that a global force of F-35s would provide a foundation for working defense integration, not just interoperability.
For me, the aircraft was not really a fighter understood in classic terms; it was a multi-domain flying combat system.
And was designed from the ground up to fight as a wolfpack with the goal of having that wolfpack include all F-35 users and operators in a particular region.
Clearly, with the UK and the Australians, this is occuring.
With regard to the UK, we have seen this demonstrated in terms of how HMS Queen Elizabeth has worked with Marines and the USS America, to use on example.
For the Australians, working recent Red Flags and Black Flags have underscored how ways forward for force integration are being shaped.
For example, in a USAF article published on May 23, 2022, Aussie and U.S. efforts at Black Flag highlighted a way ahead.
The 53rd Wing conducted Black Flag 22-1, bringing together four branches of the U.S. military and the Royal Australian Air Force in a first coalition test environment to identify enhancements to night-one capabilities, May 9-13.
As part of the Air Force’s test flag enterprise, Black Flag allows the Air Force to test like we fight, developing force integration techniques and discovering capabilities utilizing existing and emerging material to deliver combat capability to the warfighter.
As one of the participants in Black Flag, the RAAF brought the E-7A Wedgetail allowing the Air Force an opportunity to look at the operational integration capabilities the E-7 has to offer. While this isn’t the first time the RAAF has integrated the E-7 with the USAF, it’s their first time taking part in a test exercise. The Air Force’s first E-7 prototype is projected to be delivered to the fleet in FY27.
Following Black Flag, the RAAF’s E-7 flew to Tyndall Air Force Base where it took part in the 53rd Wing’s Weapons System Evaluation Program-East, a premier joint event that evaluates a squadron’s ability to conduct air-to-air live fire missions.
“This integration is more than just test, we are developing the backbone that will drive our tactics and communication capabilities in a wartime scenario,” said Maj. Theodore Ellis, Black Flag director. “So, if we get to night one, we don’t have to educate everyone, the knowledge will already be out there and we can focus on the fight.”
A large objective of this Black Flag iteration was addressing automated long-range kill-chains and how to ensure the technologies that support them are operationally ready and relevant.
In January, at the 2021 Weapons and Tactics Conference, Maj. Ridge Flick and his team presented WATCHBOX and Tactical Radio Application eXtension, or Trax, two powerful data translation and routing tools that significantly speed up the data transfer from sensor to shooter.
“A single intelligence hit in a database during our weapons school integration phase normally could take 25 to 30 minutes before it is passed to a shooter on Link 16,” said Flick, Air University Fellow assigned to the USAF Warfare Center. “Now we’ve shortened the timeline through automated means to anywhere from 40 seconds to four minutes, and removed the errors associated with humans transposing information from one system to another.”
Incorporated in Black Flag 22-1, Flick and his team tested automated intelligence reporting using Watchbox and automatically disseminated the reporting to six separate ground nodes and two Link-16 networks using TRAX. The testing proved combining machine-to-machine communication and automated intelligence reporting enables significantly shorter kill-chains.
“The Advanced Battle Management System will solve some very crucial infrastructure problems, but that’s projected for the future, and we need something that works now,” Flick said. “Watchbox and other intelligence reporting programs, like SNAPGLASS, paired with TRAX are the interim solution.”
Building off Secretary Kendall’sseven operational imperatives, the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron Command and Control, or C2, division created and employed a never-before-seen mobile C2 element during Black Flag that aggressively responded to four of those imperatives.
Often referred to as “movable not mobile,” tactical C2 capabilities have historically been stationary in nature due to the hours it takes to transport the aging cumbersome technology that has been employed for the past 20 years, according to Maj. Paden Allen, 422nd TES C2 division commander.
n an effort to modernize, Allen and his team equipped an SUV with commercial and government “off-the-shelf” technology to assemble a tactical C2 element that was able to provide command and control functions while on the move. Some examples of their gear include a Kymeta antenna, assorted radios, ruggedized computers with servers, and Move Out/Jump Off, or MOJO, that provided additional tactical data link capability.
“It’s inconspicuous and if we needed to abandon the vehicle in a scenario, we could do so in less than 20 minutes with all our gear,” Allen said. “Through this innovative capability, we proved that we can set up shop anywhere with no setup time.”
Allen’s team executed two missions which provided tactical C2 capabilities that demonstrated the flexible and rapid mobility options to and from the Nevada Test and Training Range.
This included driving the SUVs more than two hours to demonstrate command over land as well as airlift using a U.S. Marine Corps’ KC-130 Hercules to a dry lakebed on the NTTR to replicate deployment and extraction from austere environments.
Through successful testing, the team discovered they could scale this solution to multiple types of vehicles, potentially increase the number of classifications of data they could work between and add additional data links by integrating emerging technology. These solutions would allow more integration among other forces.
“We don’t have time to wait for the newest weapons system, but we can develop a new tactic tomorrow,” said Col. Matthew Bradley, 53rd Wing commander. “Those integrated tactics that come out of Black Flag are how we’ll combat the pacing challenge. It all comes down to who has the tactical advantage.”
The 53rd Wing’s next test flag event will be a first-ever maritime Black Flag. The Air Force will partner with Marine Air Group 11 to focus on long-range takedown of mobile maritime threats. The maritime Black Flag will take place in June 2022.
And the Aussie perspective was provided by Australian Business Defence Review in a May 23, 2022 article.
The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed a Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft and Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters to the new Exercise Black Flag in the US.
Held across multiple locations in the US from 9-13 May, Black Flag 22-1 is part of a new series of exercises which seeks to test and evaluate new technologies and equipment in large-scale operationally-relevant scenarios. Black Flag is the recent designation for large scale test events (LSTE) conducted by the US Air Force’s Eglin AFB, Florida-based 53rd Wing.
“As a venue for innovation through integration, Black Flag is ultimately a deep-end testing arena to create and discover capabilities utilizing existing and emerging materiel,” 53rd Wing Director of Staff and lead project officer for Black Flag, LtCol Mike Benitez described the event in a December 2020 release. “Black Flag’s largest benefit is that it’s a tactical initiative with strategic impact. Warfighters know that innovation happens at the intersection of weapons and tactics – where integration occurs.”
The addition of the RAAF was the first time a foreign service had participated in Black Flag. The USAF recently announced it would acquire the E-7 to replace some of its ageing E-3G AWACS fleet, so the participation of the RAAF’s E-7A gave participating units from the USAF and US Marine Corps an opportunity to see how the system will integrate operationally with other capabilities. It has been reported that six RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs also participated in the event, operating out of Nellis AFB near Las Vegas.
tactics and communication capabilities in a wartime scenario,” Black Flag director, Maj Theodore Ellis said in a 20 May release. “So, if we get to night one, we don’t have to educate everyone, the knowledge will already be out there, and we can focus on the fight.
“I hope (the E-7 is) the answer to everything!” Maj Ellis told The Warzone. “But that’s what we are testing out,” he said, adding that the Wedgetail had been pushed “far away [to] test this thing out to the extreme limits of its capabilities.”
Following Black Flag, the E-7A flew to Tyndall AFB in Florida where it took part in the 53rd Wing’s Weapons System Evaluation Program-East, described as a premier joint event that evaluates a squadron’s ability to conduct air-to-air live fire missions.
And in an article by Thomas Newdick published on May 20, 2022, further insight was gained with regard to the way ahead with regard to multi-domain integratability.
As for the latest Black Flag 22-1, which took place May 9-13, this was the first of these exercises to be run on a coalition basis. Although the United Kingdom had been invited take part, the timings didn’t work out this time round, although it’s significant that the planners were looking to leverage the new trilateral defense cooperation pact, known as Australia-United Kingdom-United States, or AUKUS, that came into being last year.
“Our ability to integrate is a requirement,” says Col. Matthew J. Bradley, the commander of the 53rd Wing. “I don’t think the United States will go to war alone. The Secretary of Defense wants to set us up as the partner of choice but with the focus on interoperability across many partner nations and making sure that we don’t have to figure out in combat what we’re not doing well together.”
The Air Force had previously worked with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army on Black Flag, but adding a foreign partner presented some challenges. After all, the nature of the test work means that there are some highly sensitive and likely even classified assets and tactics involved. CINC admitted that the security process was “an intensive process, but worthwhile in the end.” The RAAF didn’t simply arrive at Nellis and start flying missions but was involved from early on in the planning phase as an integral part of the exercise.
RAAF participants comprised six F-35A stealth fighters that deployed from their base in Australia, as well as an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The E-7 was participating for the first time since the Department of the Air Force decided to replace a portion of the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet with the jet, for which Australia was the launch customer.
And the extent of integration being worked was highlighted in this quote from a Defense News story published on May 23, 2022.
“This integration is more than just [a] test,” Black Flag director Maj. Theodore Ellis said in a May 20 statement. “We are developing the backbone that will drive our tactics and communication capabilities in a wartime scenario. So if we get to night one [of a battle], we don’t have to educate everyone, the knowledge will already be out there and we can focus on the fight.”
And prior to Black Flag, the RAAF came to Red Flag 22-1.
According to a Nellis Air Force Base story published on February 3, 2022, Australian and U.S. integration was worked during that exercise.
“The U.S.’s strong alliances are a major strategic strength that not only lends capability but also legitimacy to our international stance,” said Col. Jared Hutchinson, 414th Combat Training Squadron commander.
The Royal Australian Air Force is working closely with its allies to improve interoperability and learn how to better work with the variety of assets at Nellis Air Force Base.
“The number of assets that are provided here at the exercise provides a much more complex and dynamic scenario that we aren’t able to train for back home,” said FLTLT Brayden Whicker, an Air Battle Manager mission crew. “This basically allows us to come here and work with the best of the U.S. and U.K. in a much more complex environment.”
Although Red Flag is aimed at creating realistic training and increasing combat effectiveness for pilots, the values of this integration exercise extend to the maintainers as well. The joint environment equips military members with a new, mutual understanding of operations.
“The benefit of an exercise like Red Flag for the ground crew is to integrate with our coalition forces and understand how they operate for the joint force,” said CPL Corey Seydler, an avionics technician. “It’s providing an amazing product for our air crew because the training benefit they get from an exercise like Red Flag is astronomical and us being able to provide support for that is pretty impressive.”
Red Flag also allows each force to communicate and plan together, which is key in understanding the operation and integration of everyone involved. According to the National Defense Strategy, America’s force posture, alliance and partnership architecture, and Department modernization provide the capabilities and agility required to prevail in conflict and preserve peace through strength.
“Being able to sit down and chat with different assets, learn of what they can do, how we can integrate better and learn from our mistakes from previous trips definitely provides a better product at the end of the exercise,” said Whicker.
The integration of the RAAF E-7A is an opportunity to integrate friendly forces but also a chance to learn more of how the E-7A complements the E-3 Sentry, the U.S. Air Force’s primary airborne command and control platform.
“The E-7A Wedgetail is very similar to the United States E-3 Sentry,” said Seydler.
Compared to the E-3’s rotating radar dome, the E-7’s technology uses a Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar for detection and awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile activity.
“It has no moving parts; it’s all electronically steered,” said Whicker. “Because we’re not waiting for a complete scan cycle of a full rotation, we’re able to electronically steer the beam, which means we’re able to provide faster refresh rates for radar detections on a target.”
All in all, the Wedgetail and its crew produce yet another aspect that makes Red Flag such a diverse and effective combat training exercise.
“Being able to come over here and integrate our platform into such a large warfighting exercise really can help us practice our battle rhythm in case we end up in a larger conflict around the world,” said Seydler. “Being able to integrate our warfighting abilities with our allies is a key ingredient for contributing to the joint force.”
And recently, B-2 bombers have come to Australia to train with the RAAF, notably to work integration with the RAAF’s F-35 force.
According to an Australian Aviation story published on August 18, 2022, the B-2s came in force to work with the RAAF.
The visit of the batwing B-2s to Base Amberley likely amounts to the biggest ever deployment of the US’s most important military jet to Australia, with the country’s active fleet only numbering 20.
In total, six B-2s have visited Base Amberley this year, with one aircraft touching down in March before the current deployment began in July.
The fleet is visiting as part of an initiative to improve interoperability between the US Air Force and the RAAF’s F-35s. They have been joined by “several” KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft.
“This deployment of the B-2 to Australia demonstrates and enhances the readiness and lethality of our long-range penetrating strike force,” Lt. Col. Andrew Kousgaard, commander of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, said earlier.
“We look forward to training and enhancing our interoperability with our RAAF teammates, as well as partners and allies across the Indo-Pacific as we meet PACAF objectives.”
For a detailed look at the ADF trajectory for defense transformation, see the following:
Royal Australian Air Force CPL Corey Seydler, an Avionics Technician, stands in front of the Australian E-7A Wedgetail during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 3, 2022. This iteration of Red Flag is focused on confidence under fire, integrated leadership and the warfighter culture. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Josey Blades)
Both Australian and U.S. forces wait for a tour of the Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 3, 2022. The 414th Combat Training Squadron conducts Red Flag exercises to provide aircrews the experience of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a training environment. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Josey Blades)
The Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail is parked on the flight line during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 3, 2022. This iteration of Red Flag is focused on confidence under fire, integrated leadership and the warfighter culture. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Josey Blades)
Both Australian and U.S. forces tour the Australian E-7A Wedgetail during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 3, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air-air interdiction (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Josey Blades)
A Royal Australian Air Force Airman points out features of an Australian E-7A Wedgetail to a U.S. Air Force Airman during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 3, 2022. The 414th Combat Training Squadron conducts Red Flag exercises to provide aircrews the experience of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a training environment. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Josey Blades)
A U.S. Air Force Airman asks about the different features of an Australian E-7A Wedgetail to a Royal Australian Air Force Airman during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 3, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air-air interdiction. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Josey Blades)
Two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A’s taxi out for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. Several F-35s from the RAAF are conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A taxis out for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. The F-35’s advanced sensors and data fusion allow it to gather and share information with other Air Force aircraft, Navy ships and Army units quicker than ever before. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A taxis out for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. The conventional takeoff and landing F-35A gives the U.S. Air Force and its allies the power to dominate the skies, anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. Its processing power, open architecture, sophisticated sensors, information fusion and flexible communication links make the F-35 an indispensable tool in future homeland defense, Joint and Coalition irregular warfare and major combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. With nine countries involved in its development, the F-35A represents a new model of international cooperation, ensuring U.S. and Coalition partner security well into the 21st Century. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. Several F-35A’s from the RAAF are conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. Several F-35s from the RAAF are conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
Maintenance crews from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) prepare two F-35A Lightning II’s for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 27, 2022. The F-35s from the RAAF are at Nellis training with U.S. 4th and 5th generation aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force pilot conducts a preflight inspection of an F-35A Lightning II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 27, 2022. The F-35s from RAAF are at Nellis training with U.S. 4th and 5th generation aircraft to increase interoperability and strengthen partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot climbs into a F-35A Lightning II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 27, 2022. The F-35s from the RAAF are conducting training with a variety of U.S. aircraft to test and advance interoperable command and control operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot waits to launch for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 27, 2022. The RAAF F-35’s are equipped with advanced sensors and data fusion components that will allow it to gather more information and share it with other Air Force aircraft, Navy ships and Army units quicker than ever before. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force pilot prepares to launch for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 27, 2022. The first F-35A aircraft was accepted into Australian service in 2018, with the first arriving in country in December that year. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A taxis out for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 27, 2022. Several F-35s from the RAAF are conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A taxis out for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 27, 2022. The F-35A Lightning II is the Australian Defense Force’s first 5th generation air combat capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A taxis out for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 28, 2022. Several F-35s from the RAAF are conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A taxis out for takeoff at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 28, 2022. Several F-35s from the RAAF are conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A taxis for takeoff at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 28, 2022. The F-35’s advanced sensors and data fusion allow it to gather and share information with other Air Force aircraft, Navy ships and Army units quicker than ever before. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A takes-off for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 28, 2022. The F-35A Lightning II is the Australian Defense Force’s first 5th generation air combat capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail taxis for takeoff for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 29, 2022. The Wedgetail is an Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail taxis for takeoff for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 29, 2022. The Wedgetail is an Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A takes off for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 29, 2022. The F-35A Lightning II is the Australian Defense Force’s first 5th generation air combat capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A takes off for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 29, 2022. The F-35A Lightning II is the Australian Defence Force’s first 5th generation air combat capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
A Royal Australian Air Force E-7 Wedgetail participating in black flag takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 11, 2021. Black Flag 22-1 investigates electronic warfare techniques and programming to accelerate joint electronic warfare efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Trevor Bell)
In my previous article highlighting the coming of autonomous unmanned surface vessels to the fleet, I underscored: “Autonomous USVs can provide wolfpack deployed ISR or relay systems to enhance the reach and survivability of the fleet in its distributed operational role.
They can also provide an ability to move data to other deployed task forces to provide for enhanced integrability to do so.
“This is about deploying autonomous USVs in a wolfpack to operate payloads appropriate to the mission assigned to them by the commander of the modular task force. This means that the nature of the payloads onboard the USVs and their ability to work as a mission team are key attributes of how an autonomous system wolfpack can contribute to the survivability of the fleet (situational awareness) and lethality (through target acquisition support).”
The particular platforms which I highlighted in the previous articles are a range of scalable catamaran’s which are operated with robust systems software onboard and a variety of communications capability to deliver mission commands to the autonomously operating boats.
That software has been designed from the outset to work with a wide variety of payloads.
The company involved – MARTAC – made the decision from the outset not to design for specific payloads but provide interfaces that could work with adaptation to the operating system across a wide range of payloads.
This has two key advantages.
First, there is a very dynamic process underway in industry and the U.S. and allied militaries to develop payloads for maritime systems. Configuring your boat to a narrowly defined payload would lead to obsolescence.
Second, allies and partners can operate these vessels with their own payloads onboard which means that there is a much wider opportunity to develop national solutions which can enable payload sharing, notably in the ISR domain.
The MARTAC boats – notably the MANTAS 12-foot boat and the DEVIL RAY 38-foot boat – have demonstrated in many U.S. and allied naval exercises a wide variety of payloads which can operate from their boats and deliver specific mission capabilities.
I will focus on four such payload-to-mission examples but will leave out where and when these examples were demonstrated.
ISR Payloads
The most obvious area where a wolfpack of USVs working together could contribute significantly to fleet security, safety and operational reach for situational awareness and targeting solutions, is with regard to ISR.
In the past several years, MANTAS has been used in a variety of exercises and some initial operations to provide for both SA and targeting solutions for the fleet.
A key need for the fleet is clearly enhanced SA when in critical choke points threats can increase.
For capital ships, this comes clearly when they are at anchor or ingressing/egressing a harbor.
The MANTAS has demonstrated the ability to provide core SA for security and safety in this situation.
Given that the form factor of the boats is such they can operate from standard navy RHIB launchers, and can be configured to fit into various Naval standard launch systems as well, MANTAS is fleet ready to do this mission.
Target Tracking and Target Destruction
In one exercise, the DEVIL RAY has been deployed with the MANTAS in a nested doll configuration or a situation in which the smaller MANTAS is embedded into the DEVIL RAY.
Onboard was a UAV that could deliver the lethal element of following up after target identification.
The MANTAS was launched from the DEVIL RAY and deployed into the mission area.
The MANTAS identified the target, and there was follow-up verification of the target by a UAV launched from shore. After target identification, a missile was launched from the DEVIL RAY and proceeded on course to destroy the maritime target.
The MANTAS returned to the DEVIL RAY and they then were given their coordinates to return to the desired landing area.
Working MEDEVAC in a New Way
In another exercise, the extraction of special forces from a beach was managed by the MANTAS and the DEVIL RAY. In the exercise, there were two “injured” special forces soldiers who needed medical attention.
The DEVIL RAY launched the MANTAS with a sled attached to reach the shore.
The “injured” special forces soldiers were put onto the MANTAS and the sled and joined by one uninjured special force solider on both the MANTAS and the sled.
The MANTAS and the sled went back to the DEVIL RAY where the injured soldiers received triage from medics onboard the DEVIL RAY. After initial triage, a helicopter lifted the soldiers off of the DEVIL RAY and the DEVIL RAY with the MANTAS “nested” returned to the desired landing area.
Working Search and Rescue: Aiding a Distressed Diver
In this exercise, four divers were involved, with one playing the role of the distressed diver.
The T-38 Devil Ray launched the Mantas T-12. The T-12 then went to the distressed diver who grabbed onto the T-12 and the T-12 then went back to the Devil Ray.
When the diver reached the Devil Ray, the diver was manually placed in a basket for movement by helicopter to the shore.
The diver was replaced by a dummy for the last piece of this recovery and the transfer to the helicopter.
But this exercise suggests a broader range of options.
The exercise clearly demonstrated the possibility of a search and rescue scenario in which the autonomous asset could operate in weather too dangerous for manned operations.
And suggested as well that the Devil Ray being able because it “can operate beyond human capability” to get to the location of a sinking ship much faster than a manned asset.
There are some key operational capabilities this maritime autonomous system has which allow these kinds of missions to be executed quite differently from a manned platform or a remotely piloted UAS system.
I will turn to those capabilities and their consequence for mission options in the next piece.
The featured photos are credited to MARTAC and show either the MANTAS or the DEVIL RAY in various global locations to participate in exercises with either U.S. or allied defense forces.
