APRIL/maY 2018. Issue 02.
The Best For The Best
The AR-20 is the smallest, lightest, most compact 20-watt booster amplifier in the world. When used with your tactical radio, the AR-20 Booster Amplifier provides a clearer, stronger, more dependable signal and extends your range of communication. It provides a communications advantage that saves missions… and lives. The AR-20 is a manpack amplifier - easy to use, easy to carry. There’s a whole family of small AR-20 booster amps – for use in the air, on gunships, wherever you need – and they all give you big advantages: • The AR-20 weighs just 1 lb., 10 oz. The entire kit weighs only 2 lbs., 12 oz. • Only one antenna needed – covers the entire 30-512 MHz frequency range • Fully Automatic Tx/Rx switching and harmonic filtering • Waterproof – IP67 rated • Battle-Tested in the most extreme conditions – it keeps on working! To learn more, visit us at www.arworld.us/tactical or call us at 425-485-9000.
modular rf Other ar divisions: rf/microwave instrumentation • sunar rf motion • receiver systems • ar europe The Battle Tested logo is Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off. # 3,821,099.
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www.arworld.us Download the AR RF/Microwave Mobile App: www.arworld.us/arApp Copyright © 2018 AR. The orange stripe on AR products is Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off.
APRIL/MAY 2018 www.armadainternational.com
08
Special Ops and Expeditionary Forces Debrief
DIRECT ACTION MOBILITY
Andrew White discovers what is ‘hot’ in the special operations vehicles market for SOF operators.
14
air POWER PASSING ON JTAC SKILLS Regional forces that have opposed Daesh in Syria/ Iraq are now being certified in calling in close air support. By Andrew Drwiega.
20 LAND WARFARE
SMALL SMART RADARS Peter Donaldson discovers that technology developments, such as those in the civil cellular industry, are making smaller radars much more useful.
24
SEA POWER LITTORAL INTENT Naval assets that can deliver on littoral operations remain key despite an renewed focus on ‘blue water’ strategies. Dr. Lee Willett reports.
28 LAND WARFARE
32
LAND WARFARE INTEGRATING AND CONTROLLING FIRE SUPPORT Stephen W. Miller takes a look at how technology is contributing to the integration of fire support.
38 ARMADA COMMENTARY
SOF SMALL ARMS Is smaller, better? Andrew White looks at options for smaller weapons available to SOF forces having to fight in urban environments.
WHEN WILL FUTURE VERTICAL LIFT TAKE OFF? Andrew Hunter discusses the challenges that still face the Department of Defense ahead of any decision that will deliver a Future Vertical Lift platform to the US Army.
armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
3
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
APRIL/mAY 2018. Issue 08.
ON THE COVER: Close air support in action: a USAF joint terminal attack controller from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron communicates with an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during a close air support training mission at the Nevada Test and Training Range, USA.
Volume 42, Issue No.2, APRIL/MAY 2018 Published bi-monthly by Media Transasia Ltd. Copyright 2012 by Media Transasia Ltd. Publishing Office: Media Transasia Ltd., 1603, 16/F, Island PL Tower, 510 Kings Road, Hong Kong Editor: Andrew Drwiega General Manager: Jakhongir Djalmetov International Marketing Manager: Roman Durksen Digital Manager: David Siriphonphutakun Sales & Marketing Coordinator: Wajiraprakan Punyajai Graphic Designer: Khakanaa Suwannawong Production Manager: Kanda Thanakornwongskul Circulation Assistant: Yupadee Seabea
AIRBORNE SYSTEMS AR MODULAR
11
INVISIO 21
COVER 2
KONGSBERG 27
ASELSAN 15
LAND FORCES
DATRON
COVER 4
LEONARDO 23
EURONAVAL 29
MEGGITT 17
FNSS 19
PROTONEX 13
GENERAL ATOMICS
COVER 3
SCHIEBEL 7
IDEAS 37
SOFEX 35
ISDEF 31
TEXTRON 5
33
THIS MONTH ON ARMADAINTERNATIONAL.COM
Chairman: J.S. Uberoi President: Egasith Chotpakditrakul Chief Financial Officer: Gaurav Kumar Advertising Sales Offices France/Spain Stephane de Remusat, REM International Tel: (33) 5 3427 0130 E-Mail: sremusat@rem-intl.com Germany Sam Baird, Whitehill Media Tel: (44-1883) 715 697 Mobile: (44-7770) 237 646 E-Mail: sam@whitehillmedia.com TURKEY/EASTERN EUROPE/UK Zena Coupé Tel: +44 1923 852537, zena@expomedia.biz Nordic Countries/Italy/Switzerland Emanuela Castagnetti-Gillberg Tel: (46) 31 799 9028 E-Mail: emanuela.armada@gmail.com Russia Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, Tel/Fax: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 Email :alla@mediatransasia.com USA (East/South East)/Canada (East) Margie Brown, Blessall Media, LLC. Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581 Email: margiespub@rcn.com
■ Iveco
Systems to Showcase Next-Gen Solutions
Defence Vehicles delivers Light
■ Elbit
Armoured Vehicles to the Norwegian Amy
Elbit Systems Ltd. will showcase its Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) Heli-ClearVision suite at the upcoming Helicopter Association International HELI-EXPO 2018 exhibition. Taking place in the Las Vegas Convention Center, on February 27 till March 1.
Iveco Defence Vehicles has handed over the last tranche of 62 Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV) to the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA). The handover ceremony was held at Iveco DV Headquarters in Bolzano, Italy, attended by Brigadier General Morten Eggen, Head of Norwegian Defence Material Agency, Land Systems Division.
USA (West/South West)/Brazil/Canada (West) Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc Tel : (+1 858) 759 3557 Email: blackrockmediainc@icloud.com All Other Countries Jakhongir Djalmetov Media Transasia Limited Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile: +66 81 6455654 Email: joha@mediatransasia.com Roman Durksen Media Transasia Limited Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile +66 9 8252 6243 E-Mail: roman@mediatransasia.com
Controlled circulation: 25,118 (average per issue) certified by ABC Hong Kong, for the period 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2016. Printed by Media Transasia Ltd., 75/8, 14th Floor, Ocean Tower II, Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Tel: 66 (0)-2204 2370, Fax: 66 (0)-2204 2390 -1 Annual subscription rates: Europe: CHF 222 (including postage) Rest of the World: USD 222 (including postage) Subscription Information: Readers should contact the following address: Subscription Department, Media Transasia Ltd., 75/8, 14th Floor, Ocean Tower II, Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Tel +66 2204 2370 Fax: +66 2204 2387 Email: accounts@mediatransasia.com
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■ MIV
BOXER manufacture drives UK jobs
and prosperity
Leading British companies in the defence sector BAE Systems, Pearson Engineering and Thales UK have signed agreements with the ARTEC consortium as partners for the production of BOXER.
■ Up
Close and Personal
Close-In Weapons Systems are effectively the ‘last line of defence’ for naval vessels. CIWS have evolved in recent years as the immediate threats to ships have grown more complex, with new avenues of development in the area for companies and navies alike.
CASED TELESCOPED (CT) WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION INCREASED LETHALITY 40% REDUCED SYSTEM WEIGHT IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND MANEUVERABILITY
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. - / 2018
5
Editorial Chemical Weapons and Russia
T
he attempted assassination of the former-Russian FSB agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, UK, on Sunday 4 March with the military grade nerve agent Novichok has caused deep international concern. More so, in fact, than the murder of the former officer of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and KGB, Alexander Litvinenko, who became the first victim of polonium-210 induced acute radiation syndrome in November 2006. Litvinenko, who had received political asylum in the UK, was poisoned with radionuclide polonium-210 that had been put into his tea during a visit to a London hotel. The public inquiry that concluded in January 2016 found that Litvinenko’s murder had been an FSB operation. In 2011, the Daily Telegraph revealed that it had received a 2003 document that appeared to be signed by the head of counter-intelligence of the FSB that authorised the “elimination” of individuals living in the European Union and western Europe who were judged to be enemies of the state. It apparently ordered the creation of a special unit to conduct such operations, beginning by 1 May 2004. President Vladimir Putin is understood to be the sole authority for such operations. Other Russian dissidents who have been conveniently (for the Kremlin) murdered in the UK recently include Boris Berezovsky who was found dead on 23 March 2013 with a ligature around his neck in the bathroom of his Surrey mansion, and Nikolai Glushkov was strangled with a dog lead at his home on Monday 12 March, a week after the poisoning of the Skripals. There have been a number of suspicious deaths of Russian defectors, dissidents and some of their British associates who have opposed or spoken out against President Putin. It would seem unlikely that such FSB killings have been confined to the UK.It is the use of such a deadly nerve agent, which also directly affected the British general public (one policeman suffered serious effects and several people were hospitalised), that is a game changer. It is, in
6
. - / 2018
effect, an alleged chemical weapons attack by a foreign government (or its representatives) inside the sovereign territory of the UK. The hard-line reaction of the UK government this time has seemingly caught the Russian government by surprise. If other deaths/murders have been overlooked before in the belief that it would be bad for the UK economically to openly accuse Russia of perpetrating these acts (based on a mix of evidence and barely refutable circumstantial assertions), then the almost public attempted murder of the Skripals with much media coverage has left the UK government with little course of action other than to directly accuse those who have shown a history of murdering opponents, both at home and abroad, past and present. The Russian support of President Bashar Assad’s Syrian regime, which has repeatedly used chemical weapons against its own people (according to the United Nations), only serves to highlight Russia’s unwillingness to adhere to the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which was signed and ratified by 65 states (including Russia) in 1997. This stands in stark contrast to the gushing praise given to the Russian Federation on 27 September 2017 by the director-general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Ahmet Üzümcü, for destroying its stockpile of 39,967 metric tons of chemical weapons. Üzümcü announced: “The completion of the verified destruction of Russia’s chemical weapons programme is a major milestone in the achievement of the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. I congratulate Russia and I commend all of their experts who were involved for their professionalism and dedication.” This now calls into question whether Russia declared all of its chemical weapons stocks and its chemical warfare development activities. The attempted killing of the Skripals seems to demonstrate a willingness to use or facilitate the use of chemical weapons to advance Russia’s political aims, and even to support President Putin’s personal political needs.
AD
ANDREW DRWIEGA, Editor
UNMANNED
Littoral Observer LONG-RANGE PERFORMANCE
At SOFIC 2018, Tampa, USA, please visit us at booth #636. armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
7
Special Ops and Expeditionary Forces Debrief
GDOTS Flyer 72, which forms the baseline platform of the USSOCOM GMV 1.1 programme, can feature multiple configurations dependent upon mission requirements.
DIRECT ACTION MOBILITY New special operations vehicles (SOVs) and next generation suits have both caught the imagination of SOF operators. Andrew White
N
early two decades of campaigns by special operations forces (SOF) around the world have focused on direct action (DA) missions designed to disrupt and destroy violent extremist organisation (VEO) networks in a variety of environments. However, despite the proliferation of ‘new generation warfare’ featuring increasing focus on electronic and cyber warfare capabilities, the ability to plan and execute DA missions remains a critical requirement for SOF assault teams. Executing these complex mission types involves short and long range lethality; mobility across an ever-expanding battlespace; and survivability which can be optimised through a hybrid mix of C4ISTAR (Command and Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition andReconnaissance), mature concepts of operation (CONOPS), tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and finally, protective technologies. MOBILITY Mobility remains a key capability for SOF
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assault teams. As one defence source within the NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ) in Mons, Belgium, explained to Armada International, the ability to rapidly project force elements across an extended battlespace is critical in reacting to intelligenceled operations. One of the most popular methods has been dubbed ‘Fly and Drive’ operations and involves reliance upon special operations vehicles (SOVs) small enough to fit inside the cargo holds of tactical troop transports including Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook and CV-22 Osprey; and fixed wing platforms such as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and Airbus Defence and Space A400M. Also described as ‘Internally Transportable Vehicles’ (ITVs), these SOVs comprise open-top platforms capable of carrying high payloads of personnel, armaments, C4ISTAR suites and other specialist equipment, across adverse terrain. Providers include Polaris Government and Defense which continues to supply ITV SOVs to SOF around the world including US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). On 18 January 2018, the company
armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
revealed it had delivered the first tranche of Deployable Advanced Ground Off Road (DAGOR) SOVs to the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) as part of a wider contract for 52 vehicles agreed in December 2016. Vehicles will be supplied to CANSOFCOM force components, which include the Joint Task Force 2 (JTF-2) and Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) through to April 2018, a company spokesperson confirmed to Armada International. The 4x4 DAGOR, which is already in operational service with SOF commands across NATO, can be carried on board the CH-47 and Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin CH-53 as well as an under-slung load beneath UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of 3,515kg with payload capacity of 1,474kg and ability to carry a team of up to nine operators. The vehicle can also carry an integrated C4ISTAR mission suite as well as selection of armaments including 5.56mm x 45mm light machine guns; 7.62mm x 51mm medium machine guns; 12.7mm heavy machine guns; and 40mm automatic
France’s Special Forces reported ‘road-issues’ with their first batch of PLFS (Poids Lourd des Forces Spéciales) vehicles developed by Renault Trucks Defence.
Elsewhere, Turkmenistan’s Special Operations Regiment (SOR) has already displayed a fleet of DAGOR and MRZR 2 and 4 SOVs at the country’s independence parade on 27 October 2017. The 4x4 MRZR 2 and 4 SOVs are available in gas and diesel configurations, with capacity to carry up to two or four personnel respectively in addition to mission specific payloads and armaments. The MRZR 4, for example, features a 680kg payload and RTD
grenade launchers. Polaris sources explained to Armada International how the DAGOR provides SOF assault teams with both “rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility”, while allowing units to move faster; carry more equipment for DA and long range patrols; while also reducing combat fatigue of operators. On 24 January 2018, Polaris was also contracted to supply the Latvian National Armed Forces and Turkmenistan SOF with a series of smaller SOVs. The Latvian contract, worth around $500,000, comprises a mix of all terrain vehicles including the Polaris MRZR-2 SOV which is also in service across the NATO SOF community. “Latvia’s contract for MRZR 2 will greatly enhance the mobility of their fleet in the Baltics, positively impacting their tactical advantage and supporting efforts to reinforce Latvia borders,” explained Polaris Government and Defense director of international business development, Doug Malikowski. Defence sources told Armada International how MRZR 2 SOVs would be supplied to Latvia’s Special Operations Unit which comprises the country’s main SOF component, adding: “The procurement of MRZR also enables additional levels of interoperability with NATO partner forces including the USSOCOM.”
Canadian MoD
Special Ops and Expeditionary Forces Debrief
The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command takes delivery of Dagor Ultra-Light Combat Vehicles (ULCV) from Polaris.
capability to be carried as an ITV in the cargo hold of the CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor. The SOR is already equipped with Nimr Automotive’s 4x4 Long Range Special Operations Vehicle (LRSOV), which according to Miles Chambers, business development executive at the company, is capable of carrying up to five operators. Chambers explained how the vehicle continues to evolve in response to ongoing requirements from the international SOF community as well as the UAE’s Special Operations Command which also operates the SOV. With a maximum range of 700km, the LRSOV has a gross vehicle weight of 8,000kg and payload capacity of 3,000kg, he explained. At the heavier end of the SOV market, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence accepted into service on 16 January 2018 its fleet of SOV-Mobility Heavy (SOV-MH) platforms which comprise a variant of Supacat’s HMT Extenda vehicle. The Extenda can be re-roled in ‘field conditions’ between a 4x4 and 6x6 SOV, depending upon mission requirements. The 4x4 variant provides assault teams with a gross vehicle weight of 7,600kg and 2,100kg payload capacity; while the 6x6 totals a gross vehicle weight of 10,500kg and payload capacity of 3,900kg, a Supacat
armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
9
Special Ops and Expeditionary Forces Debrief
New Zealand’s SOF will operate the Supacat Special Operations Vehicles – Mobility Heavy (SOV-MH) which goes into service this year.
spokesperson confirmed. Base platforms can then be fitted with weaponised turrets, remote weapon stations, C4ISTAR mission suites; and other specialist equipment dependent upon tasks in hand. Defence sources then confirmed to Armada International that the undisclosed number of vehicles will support the New Zealand Special Operations Command (NZSOC) which comprises 1 NZ Special Air Service (NZSAS). The SOV-MH provides a long range mobility capability for SOF assault teams with an open-top configuration for maximum situation awareness. Meanwhile, the French Special Operations Command (COS) has run into trouble with the fielding of its next-generation SOV, the 4x4 Heavy Special Forces Vehicle (PLFS – Poids Lourd des Forces Spéciales) based on Sherpa as manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense (RTD). Addressing the media at the headquarters of the French MoD in Paris on 11 January 2018, Commanding General Louis Fontant of the French Air Force Special Forces Command, described how initial deliveries of the PLFS were ‘not satisfactory’,
citing road-worthiness issues. Fontant went on to explain how the French Procurement Agency (DGA) and the Joint Chief of Staff would be assessing the future direction of the programme with options expected to include a reset and redelivery of PLFS vehicles by RTD. Criticism of the vehicles in their current form was also addressed by Commander of the COS, Rear Admiral Laurent Isnard, who explained in a government briefing on future procurement strategies, how the vehicle had been viewed as ‘dangerous’. The news follows delivery of a first tranche of 25 PLFS to French SOF in February 2017 following a $307 million (€250 million) contract signed with RTD in January 2016. Service officials associated with the COS explained to Armada International how reset vehicles would be redelivered back to force elements in June this year. The remaining number of PLFS, a total of 241 PLFS were included in the original contract- will be delivered to COS force components over the course of 2019, it was confirmed, as the COS seeks to replace legacy vehicles including the Panhard Véhicule de Patrouille Spéciale (VPS)
10 armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
Special Forces Vehicles, 4x4 and 6x6 ACMAT VLRA vehicles, 4x4 Auverland A3F platforms and 4x4 Peugeot P4. Additionally, RTD is contracted to design, develop and deliver 202 Light Special Forces Vehicles (VLFS) to the COS, capable of supporting ‘fly and drive’ operations as an ITV option. A technology demonstrator was exhibited at the Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar (SOFINS) in Camp de Souge, France on 28 March 2017. Capable of travelling at speeds up to 110km/h with a crew of four, the VLFS has an operating range of 800km with capacity to carry a top weapons mount up to 20mm in calibre; as well as C4ISTAR mission suite, RTD sources confirmed. Serial production of the VLFS is expected to begin later in 2018 with initial deliveries of a smaller tranche of vehicles expected to be completed to the COS over the course of 2019. LETHALITY The COS is also considering various future options to increase lethality by integrating MBDA’s MMP anti-tank guided weapon on board the PLFS which also features an FN MAG 7.62mm MMG.
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Special Ops and Expeditionary Forces Debrief
The TALOS (Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit) could ‘revolutionise’ dismounted SOF opera-tors, according to Joint Acquisition Task Force manager, Colonel Jim Miller.
A spokesperson for MBDA could only confirm to Armada International how the French armed forces had received their first deliveries of the MMP in tripod configuration over the course of November 2017. However, the spokesperson did admit: “We cannot comment on French Special Forces matters (but) the DGA’s press release mentioned that…the Special forces of the navy, air force and army will be equipped with MMP in the coming years”. The MMP is scheduled to replace the armed forces’ inventory of Milan anti-tank guided munitions over the next few years, a DGA official confirmed at SOFINS. The COS has already qualified the integration of the MMP weapon system on board the PLFS during a field trial in Djibouti conducted in June 2017. Meanwhile, the USSOCOM is considering similar efforts to upgrade the lethality of its GMV 1.1 SOVs which are currently being manufactured and distributed to force components by original equipment manufacturer General Dynamics Ordnance and
Tactical Systems (GDOTS). According to redacted official USSOCOM documents, published on 11 January 2018, the command is considering options to increase the lethality suite of the 4x4 Flyer 72 SOV which forms the baseline variant of the GMV 1.1 platform. According to the documents, the command is working with Military Systems Group to consider Heavy Duty Turret technology options as part of the total $764million contract budget for the GMV 1.1 programme. Documents explained that a new heavy duty turret is required in order to support the weight of a Gunners Protection Kit which is part of the Crew Protection Kit and a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station. ‘The MSG turret accommodates not only the GPK and CROWS but also still meets the performance specification requirements related to internal transportability and the GMV 1.1 enclosure kit,’ documents continued while outlining how the GMV 1.1’s current turret is not able to support the CPK and GPK or CROWS Javelin Integration Kit. The total retrofit programme is estimated at $18.1 million. Follow-on tests designed to integrate the MSG turret on board the GMV 1.1 were completed in August 2017, paving the way ahead for future upgrades. NEXT GENERATION SUITS Turning attention to man-wearable solutions designed to enhance the combat effectiveness of operators during DA missions, the international SOF community continues to benefit from a series of nextgeneration solutions ranging from personal protection equipment through to C4ISTAR technologies. Both the Russian MoD and USSOCOM are both pursuing next-generation future soldier concepts which could have significant consequences for CONOPS and TTPs associated with DA missions. The Ratnik 3 and TALOS (Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit) concepts respectively, are considering the integration of a series of survivable; lethal; and networked solutions capable of increasing situation awareness, combat effectiveness during DA as well as reducing casualties and fatalities. The USSOCOM TALOS Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) is due to unveil a technology demonstrator to the commander of the Tampa-based organisation towards the end of 2018.
12 armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
According to JATF programme manager, Colonel Jim Miller, the TALOS effort could ‘revolutionise’ dismounted SOF operators, with a first ‘Mk V’ holistic product featuring a total sum of 800 parts. The solution is expected to include a body suit comprising full ballistic protection and exoskeleton, integrated with centralised power hub; C4i user interface; and networked direct and indirect effects. According to USSOCOM literature, the Mk V TALOS suit is described as a ‘close-fitting, light-weight, full body titanium structure with integrated actuation, armour, communication systems, visual augmentation and man portable power. However, sources associated with the ongoing development highlighted to Armada International how work continues to press ahead in order to optimise the suit for close quarter battle scenarios where operators require to work in a variety of fire positions; as well as manoeuvre up and down buildings. The Mk V also features a fully integrated head protection suite with neck protection and heads up display networked to the C4i user interface. However, TALOS has yet to take advantage of the much-hailed liquid body armour which has yet to effectively proliferate the SOF market. The Russian MoD’s Ratnik 3 concept meanwhile, is exploring similar areas of interest with overlaps to TALOS including an exoskeleton; all-over ballistic protection; and integrated head protection with integrated C4i mission suite. The latest mock-up of the Ratnik 3 soldier system was displayed on 30 June 2017 at the National University of Science and Technology in Moscow although defence and industry sources remain unclear as to what stage the development has actually reached. However, the demonstator featured an exoskeleton integrated with full body ballistic protection; C4i integrated full head protection solution with heads up display; suppressed carbine; anbd centralised battery pack. According to defence sources, a technology demonstrator of the Ratnik 3 will have defined its requirements list by the start of 2018 with a view to developing a first prototype solution by 2022. Whatever course the future operating environment chooses to take, SOF assault teams will continue to be forced to overcome critical mission requirements, be it in the form of the adoption of next-generation technology; or the manipulation of innovative.
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USAF
air Power
PASSING ON JTAC SKILLS
With Daesh heavily defeated in Syria and Iraq, training the techniques of close air support to regional military forces should ensure that their ground troops do not lack for air support in the future. Andrew Drwiega 14 armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
Close air support in action: a USAF Special Tactics Squadron joint terminal attack controller communicates with an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during a close air support training mission at the Nevada Test and Training Range, USA.
M
any military campaigns are conducted through a coalition of nations. This is usually enacted to demonstrate a united political intent rather than any requirement for an equal military contribution from all of the nations involved. This was demonstrated by the rise of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) fighting the Taliban/al Qaeda, in Syria/Iraq pushing back the rapid spread of Daesh, and in northern Africa where French forces have the lead and even in Yemen where Saudi Arabian Armed Forces are supported by regional allies including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The importance of air power in all conflicts of this nature requires no further discussion, but the control of that air power when it is required to support troops in con-
USAF
air Power
An Iraqi Army officer reviews a training scenario during a Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve Iraqi Forward Air Controller certification course help at the Besma-yah Range, Iraq, 4 March, 2018.
armadainternational.com - april/may 2018 armadainternational.com - april/may 2018 16 16
AIR POWER
tact on the ground is a skill that needs to be maintained, especially among local government forces when, as in the fight against Daesh in Syria/Iraq, the large military powers begin to draw down their forces. The close air support mission, carried out by either fixed and rotary wing aircraft, is based on delivering very accurately the right type of firepower (missiles, bombs or rounds) in a time sensitive way. When troops in contact (TIC) call for air support, it often means that their manoeuvre options have been limited by being pinned, or the opposing force is in such a position that an air attack will achieve better results - quicker - than the ground force can achieve. The most concerning factor for the ground force is that they are usually in very close proximity to the enemy. This means that the aircrew need real-time situational awareness of the battlefield, as the accurate delivery of their weapons is the most crucial factor in the whole engagement. There have been a number of recent
influences regarding how close air support is conducted, particularly when an insurgent force is established in urban areas as Daesh has done on numerous occasions in Syria/ Iraq. Here, there has been an insreased use of guided weapons which are accurate but expensive. The indescriminate use of air power to mount unspecific attacks on ground targets may firstly not be effective, and secondly may cause unnecessary civilian casualties or even ‘blue on blue’ incidents. IRAQI JTACS There has been a consious decision to train local forces, the Iraqi Army and the Jordanian Armed Forces. From 4-8 March, the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, in conjunction with the Coalition Aviation Advisory and Training Team, tested to certification recently trained Iraqi Foward Air Controllers (IFAC) in a live-fire exercise conducted at the Besmaya Range, Iraq. The exercise focused on the IFACS controlling coalition aircraft onto ground
attack strikes using live munitions. According to Colonel James Howard, 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group commander, “the coordination that occurred during planning sessions leading up to the live-fire events and the actual execution of the mission signals positive commitment to building a capable and professional Iraqi Security Force to integrate and control airborne strike assets”. The IFAC course was managed by Australian, New Zealand and US personnel, the latter being specialist representing USAF Tactical Air Control. The air attack element comprised Boeing AH-64E attack helicopters from the US Army’s 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Hurricane. One of the difficulties that the Iraqi Security Force (ISF) has experienced since its reformation after the near disasterous attack by Daesh forces on Iraq in early 2014, is the coordination and employment of its air assets to useful effect. Their inventory of aircraft that can be tasked for this role include F-16s, light attack Aero L-159 ALCAs,
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USAF
AIR POWER
Beechcraft AT-C6 Texans and rotorcraft including Bell 407 armed scouts. US Army Major Warren Green, 449th CAB assistant operations and partnership officer explained that training the IFACS would allow the ISF to integrate their air assets ‘into the ground scheme of maneuver, which increases their combat effectiveness on the battlefield’. Commenting further on the effectiveness of the IFACS during a visit to the exercise, Lieutenant General Jeffrey Harrigian, Air Forces Central Command commander, said that he was impressed with the progress that had been made, adding: “Throughout
the fight to liberate Iraq, the ability to effectively call in air support was a critical enabler as Iraqi ground forces advanced against the en-emy.” JORDANIAN JTACS The Canadian Armed Forces recently led an international JTAC training team to Jordan in order to conduct training for the first group of Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) joint terminal attack controllers. This came as a direct result of a request to a US-led Joint Fire Support Executive Steering Committee for the establishment on an accredited course that would allow the JAF to establish
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A USAF Weapons School Joint Terminal Attack Controller instructor, uses Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS) during an exercise at the Nevada Test and Training Range. The DACAS provides JTACs with a map of the battle space in which they can mark targets and friendly forces.
their own training sylabus. According to Warrent Officer Ken Power, who addressed the 15th Annual Close Air Support conference (15-16 November 2017) in Bristol, in the United Kingdom, the multinational mobile training team (MTT) that was assembled included three Canadian JTAC instructiors as well as others from the US Marine Corps (USMC), Australia, France and Poland.
AIR POWER
The course comprised a four week ground school followed by a two week air control phase. Initally this is only available to officers. Drawbacks included a lack of radios, night vision goggles and infra-red (IR) pointers. During the course of the air control phase staged on three of Jordan’s ranges, both fixed-wing and attack helicopter attacks were controlled. The JAF flew sorties with its General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16As Fighting Falcons dropping Mk82 general purpose bombs, GBU12 guided bombs, BDU33 training bombs and firing its 20mm Vulan cannon. They were guided by 81mm motars firing high expolosive, illumination and smoke rounds. Two other ranges were dedicated to the JAF’s Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters firing 2.75” rockets and 20mm cannon rounds. However, the JAFs also conducted dry attack runs with its IOMAX Archangel Block-1 version of the Air Tractor AT-802U. The JAF is upgrading its six Archangels to the Block 2 standard.
The JAF is procuring the UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS) DB-110 Tactical Reconnaissance Pod (TRP) for its F-16As. This DB-110 comprises electro-optical/ infrared (EO/IR) imaging that operates day/ night and can be viewed in the cockpit or sent images via downlink in real-time. Work should be completed by March 2021. CAS CONFERENCE Other presentations from this year’s 15th Annual Close Air Support conference included several from close air support training organisations and equipment suppliers. This included the UK Air Support Centre, the United States Marine Corps Tactical Air Control Party, an outline of Finland’s JTAC capability, and a study of Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS) conducted by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). The NCIA study examined the issues and opportunities regarding Automated Decision Support for coalition CAS operations within NATO and national documents. it
examined how DACAS could feed into a decision support system (DSS) to support time sensitive CAS operations. The definition of the practical use of a DSS in support of CAS was the ability to “facilitate decision making through the collection, analysis and presentation of data and information in formats that enhance a qualified decision maker’s situation awareness (SA) providing more credible courses of action.” The volume of intelligence being gathered in a standard operational scenario is such that it needs to be properly identified, sorted and distributed - prefereably to increase the speed of decision making. Among the NCIA’s recommendations were that: DACAS is an aid to CAS not a mission in itself; there needs to be ‘compliance’ with standards and concepts; take lessons learned by civilian communities of interest (CoI); and that “system development (is) based on operational requirements and technical capabilities – meaning that ‘one size does not fit all’.
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Land WARFARE
SMALL SMART RADARS Pushing cellular communications development has had a direct on positive effect on the power and scope of small radars. Peter Donaldson
D
espite being the earliest allweather sensor able to detect and measure the range of an uncooperative target, radar continues to advance as the application of solid-state Radio Frequency (RF) electronics, digitisation and software defined signal processing have added functionality, flexibility and reliability. Parallel and successful efforts to reduce weight, size, power consumption and cost are opening up new applications in several segments of the military market. One of the most prominent emerging uses of small radars is as part of integrated multi-sensor counter-UAV systems, while arguably the most dramatic is in selfprotection systems for armoured fighting vehicles. Other expanding applications include coastal and boarder control in which detection of small, slow-moving surface targets is a key requirement. Radar manufacturer Kelvin Hughes told Armada International that small navigation, surveillance and security sensors are being tasked with a growing array of additional tasks including detection and tracking of swimmers and divers, drones, small vehicles and crawling humans. Typically, these need more signal processing than the radar's primary tasks, and in some cases require more information to be extracted from targets. Besides the familiar Moore’s Law increase in processing power, the key developments behind these capabilities come from the cellular communications industry, added Berry Wisney, deputy director of marketing for the land and naval radars division of IAI Elta Systems, citing major advances in solid-state RF components for high frequencies that have matured over the last five years or so. “These are the key elements that allow us to implement phased array and digital beam-forming
techniques previously only found in very big, expensive radars into a variety of very small and compact applications”, he said. FMCW and Pulse Doppler Small radars for these roles can be divided into those that use Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) and Pulse Doppler (PD) operating principles, both of which exploit the Doppler frequency shift in different ways. PD radars emit distinct pulses with pauses in between, measuring the range by the elapsed time between transmission of the pulse and reception of the echo, and they use Doppler shift to measure the relative velocities of every object that returns a signal to the radar. FMCW radars, as the term suggests, emit a continuous signal rather than a pulsed one, but sweep between set lower and upper frequency limits. By the time a reflection from a target returns to the radar, the radar will have shifted its outgoing signals to another frequency, so the signal processor can work out the range from the difference between the two frequencies. At the same time, it exploits the modulation pattern that the radar imposes on the transmitted signal to distinguish the change in frequency in the returned signal caused by target velocity (towards or away from the radar) from the difference frequency that reveals its range. This enables it to calculate target range and velocity simultaneously. While it is not easy to compare these two technologies without referring to specific instantiations, some general points are worth making. FMCW sets have lower peak radiated power than PD radars, making it potentially safer and giving it inherent Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) characteristics. PD radars may have better performance at long ranges, while FMCW sets can usually de-tect targets closer to the radar, meaning
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that they offer shorter minimum ranges, and also tend to provide better range resolution, although they may be more vulnerable to interference. PD radars may need to warm up before they become fully functional, while FMCW sets don't. Other key technologies applied to small radars are electronically scanned arrays that reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical scanning and enable digital control of beam forming, formation of multiple simultaneous beams in different directions and much more flexibility in the creation of scan patterns. Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) radars feature a single RF signal source that feeds into a ray of phase shifters that apply different delays to the portion of the signal al-located to them so that they either reinforce each other or cancel each other out, thereby shaping and directing the resulting beam or beams. Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) sets do the same thing, but instead of one RF feed into an array of phase shifters they feature multiple Transmit/Receive (T/R) elements that can be controlled individually in terms of phasing, power level and frequency, for example, making them significantly more flexible but also more complex and costly. SharpEye developments With its SharpEye family, launched in 2006, Kelvin Hughes focuses on detection of small, low RCS targets both on the surface and and at low altitudes in difficult environments characterised by high levels of clutter. These radars transmit coherent pulsed signals, meaning that every pulse starts exactly where the previous pulse left off in terms of phase, and apply Pulse Compression (PC), PD and adaptive clutter suppression techniques to extract targets. SharpEye SxV, for example, is a small radar optimised for drone detection and counter-UAV applications, packaged for this as the Single Mast Solution – Drone (SMS-D) in which it is co-located with a camera system. Using a patented pulse sequence and advanced Doppler processing, this X-band radar offers an improvement in subclutter target visibility of a claimed 30 dB over competing radar technologies. Designed for resilience in target detection and tracking, it resists jamming and interference, while Doppler processing and RF frequency variation are used for clutter suppression.
Detecting Urgent comms calls While Keeping alert Following substantial orders from the US Army for its communications systems and headsets, Invisio senior VP, Carsten Aagesen talks to Armada International about the joint need for clear communications matched with situational awareness.
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he US Army has placed two orders for communications systems and headsets for use by its new Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFAB) with the Danish communications systems company, Invisio Communications which are collectively worth $4 million. The orders, placed in December 2017, are for communications systems with control units and headsets for use with several radios. Invisio provides hearing protection while allowing the individual soldiers to maintain their full auditory situational awareness. The mission of the highly trained SFABs is to work with US allies and partner nations through ‘advise-and assist’ operations. Deliveries of the communications systems and headsets will take place during the first half of 2018. Carsten Aagesen, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing talked to Armada International about the companies recent product development strategy. Aagesen began by making the point that international user feedback is essential to Invisio’s product development planning. It translates into new solutions and functionality. “At the same time we’re also continously striving to improve the performance of our current products and solutions based on similar end user feedback,” he added. “We have recently launched two additions to complement our range of control units beyond the widely fielded Invisio V60 Control Unit. The new units are the Invisio V20 and the Invisio V50. We are broadening the versatility and functionality of our control units to accomodate different mission needs, usage scenarios and preferences according to each type of warfighter and mission demands,” said Aagesen. The ongoing demand to reduce size, weight and complexity of operation are also key factors in new product design. “The Invisio V20 weighs 99 grams (3.5 oz) and is appropriate when a warfighter needs just one radio which can accomodate two talk groups. The Invisio V50 has two communication sources and a built in AA battery allowing for the use of radios that don’t provide power out.” The recent addition to Invisio’s portfolio is the Invisio Intercom System that aims to bridge the gap between the mounted and the dismounted soldier, labelled ‘Intercom Anywhere’. It can be mounted for permanent/fixed usage in any type of vehicle, or used anywhere on the go regardless of location. The small and lightweight Intercom system provides a level of flexibility and tailored fit with the already fielded INVISIO familly of control units, enabling the warfighter to remain connected at all times and under all circumstances Invisio’s tactical hearing protection and communications systems have been
fielded by a number of forces including the British Army, US Army, Australian Army, Canadian Army, Danish Army, and Swedish Army. The company also supplies to a number of Special Forces teams in NATO and NATO partner countries. Armada International asked Aagesen to comment on drivers and restraints regarding the tactical radios accessories market. He replied stating that there was room for “significant growth” particularly in terms of state-of-the-art hearing protection. “From an economical and cost-effective point of view, it makes a lot of sense to ensure that proper hearing protection becomes mandatory,” he said, adding that substantial financial costs are associated with veterans returning from the battlefield with hearing disabilities. Situational awareness was also crucial to soldiers on operations. “If a warfighter’s auditory senses are severely compromised, so too is their ability to respond, communicate and react effectively,” he said. “We’ve witnessed numerous deployed soldiers declining to wear their hearing protection devices. This has several consequences. Besides from risking severe hearing disability, the warfighter hearing may be impaired so that they may pose a liability by inhibiting their capacity to detect and identify threats, gauge distances, localise sounds and communicate meaningfully and efficiently with other personnel,” said Aagesen. Aagesen said that Invisio’s aim was to make products that made a difference both in terms of the protection and in offering a range of tactical advantages. “Basically our aim is to liberate the ability to react instinctively and forcefully (while) communicating seamlessly under the most extreme circumstances”. Aagesen concluded by noting that Invisio had won large programmes in numerous NATO countries who have “been on the forefront in terms of wanting to decrease the costs associated with warfighter’s hearing loss, that is when it is too late and the damage has incurred.” “The company is continuing to invest in research and development as well as collaborating closely with tactical radio manufacturers and system integrators. Our position is that we need to be ready to accomodate all kinds of new features within radios as well as within the entire C4ISR breadth, depth and ability.”
Land WARFARE
designed to protect vehicle convoys from buried IEDs, mines and roadside bombs. In addition to the radar, CIMS also includes a gigapixel electro-optical camera, a Medium Wave Infra-Red (MWIR) imager, a metal detector and a ground penetrating radar. The SIDER itself is an interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that scans the ground ahead and to the sides of the vehicle to look for signs of disturbed ground under which threats might be concealed.
Whether employing 360 degree or sector scanning, SharpEye SxV detects targets at long and short ranges at the same time. Kelvin Hughes quotes an instrumented maximum range of 44km. The radar puts out up to 80 W, with automatic power optimisation in the waveform. Small staring radars IAI Elta offers a range of small, light FMCW radars for persistent surveillance, to which Berry Wisney referred to as staring radars, including the ELM 2112 and 2114 models that, he emphasised provide very high refresh rates over the sectors they are monitoring. The X-band ELM 2112 is intended for ground and coastal surveillance applications and offers high resolution, instantaneous target tracking using simultaneous multi-beam technology. The company claims that the radar instantly detects, monitors and tracks all ground moving targets and all surface targets at sea within the region of interest. With a single planar array antenna, the ELM 2112 will cover a 90 degree sector in azimuth, while adding more arrays can increase coverage to 360 degrees. Quoted range accuracy is an average error of less than 10 m, and azimuth accuracy of 0.25 degrees. The set consumes up to 500 W, puts out up to 50 W and weighs 45 kg “bare”. The V15 variant will detect a rubber boat or a moving person at 15km, or a sailing boat or moving vehicle at 30 km, while the V22 version is said to detect a human on foot at 22km. Weighing just 1kg, the ELM 2114 is a much smaller radar intended for persistent perimeter protection and, using the same technology, will detect a human being at up to 500 m and a vehicle at up to 500m. Those figures assume the person will have an RCS between 0.5 and one square metre, and the vehicle an RCS of 10 square metres. A 10kg X-band AESA, the ELM 2180 WatchGuard is a single module PD radar developed for ground-based tactical situational awareness and self-protection applications in static installations or mounted on armoured vehicles. Providing 90 degrees azimuth coverage and 10 degrees elevation coverage per module. It also offers both staring and scanning modes. Staring provides simultaneous coverage of a wide area at the expense of range, because the available energy is spread out over a broader azimuth angle says that the ELM 2180 will detect a walking person at 4 km and a vehicle at 8km in staring
mode, figures that increase to 7km and 15km in scanning mode. These modes also affect the update rate, for which the company quotes 0.3 second while staring and between 0.3 and four seconds in scanning mode, depending on the size of the sector. While PD radars typically have longer minimum ranges than their FMCW counterparts, the WindGuard demonstrates progress in this respect with a minimum detection range quoted as 15m. It will also resolve range differences as small as five metres between targets, and boasts a range accuracy of 0.5m. In contrast, the ELM 2113 WindGuard is designed to detect and track much faster objects, primarily incoming munitions aimed at the platform into which the radar is integrated. Proven in the field, WindGuard is designed to help protect tanks and other armoured fighting, troop transport and reconnaissance vehicles from anti-armour rockets and missiles and projectiles fired from tank guns. Using antennas that are hardened against bullets and fragments, the four-face distributed AESA radar continuously searches for threats in the hemisphere above the vehicle. When it detects a flying object, says the company, it tracks it and continuously measures the azimuth and elevation angles, velocity and range, extracting from this estimates of the point of and time to impact and of the launch point. Furthermore, it automatically alerts the crew and cues countermeasures such as smoke, infrared jammers, decoys and hard-kill subsystems, while passing the launch point data to the vehicle's own weapon systems to enable rapid counterfire. Small radars also contribute to the battle against mines and IEDs, and IAI Elta's Surface IED Detection Radar (SIDER) is a key element of the company's ELI 3375 Counter IED and Counter Mine Suite (CIMS), a integrated protection system
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Tiny drone detector There's little doubt, however, that the requirement to detect and track small drones has created a market for a new class of radars, such as Radar Zero now available from DroneShield. Approximately the size of a paperback book, this solid-state FMCW radar can detect small drones at ranges up to 750m (0.5 miles) and, says the company, costs much less than larger, longer ranged and more conventional radars. Radar Zero is offered as an element of its DroneSentinel and DroneSentry multi-sensor systems, and as a stand-alone sensor. It also complements the company's first radar, the larger and longer ranged Radar One and is offered as an alternative to it for different users and environments. Measuring about 20x16cm and weighing 1.25kg, each Radar Zero module covers an azimuth arc of 120 degrees, so three together will will cover 360 degrees simultaneously without the need for mechanical rotation. Having detected a new target, it can establish a track in less than a second, says the company. Its ability to measure the elevation angle of a target in addition to the azimuth and the range make it a 3D radar, while its size and weight suit it to mobile and tactical deployments. It is designed to integrated with other sensors and with the DroneShield Graphical User Interface (GUI), and because it does not require calibration it is quick to install and integrate, the company emphasised. “The market is shifting towards mobile deployment”, said Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO and managing director. “We are seeing people wanting to move it from location to location, deploy it forward and put it on vehicles and ships. It’s the kind of space where people expect continuous miniaturisation, and with that obviously comes a lot of pressure to reduce cost.” He added that radar is fundamentally a motion detector and that, because DroneShield’s radars are software defined,
Land WARFARE
algorithms can be written to enable it to detect and track a wide variety of objects and distinguish birds, from drones from humans, for example, although in using its 3D capability to reject ground clutter by ignoring returns below a certain height will obviously rule out detection of people moving on foot. A further advantage of 3D capability becomes apparent when the radar is used to cue an-other sensor such as a camera. When cued by a 2D radar, the camera usually needs to go through a nodding motion in order to find the drone, whereas 3D radar provides it with both elevation and azimuth information so it can point directly at the target. Today, Radar One is a 2D sensor, but the company is planning to offer an upgrade to 3D capability for the larger radar, which provides a longer range of 1 km. Oleg Vornik emphasised that Radar Zero is designed primarily to detect and track slow-moving objects. When these are small, plastic objects with small Radar Cross Sections (RCS) the radar has to have high resolution capabilities, much higher than those designed to detect manned
aircraft, for example. While a growing number of small radars use either Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) or Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, DroneShield's Radar One and Radar Zero instead use what Oleg Vornik called a unique technology: “It is almost as if you are designing hardware from a very low level elementary level, up for a particular purpose, in this case for detecting objects with a very high resolution.” While he was cagey about the details of the new technology, he did indicate that the radar can control its beam direction without recourse either to mechanical scanning or the kind of embedded phase shifters used in PESA and AESA radar antennas. Like radios, most modern radars are software defined because of the flexibility it allows in the design of waveforms and processing algorithms and because improved and additional functionality can be installed without changing the hardware. However, even software defined radars must respect the limits of the hardware, Oleg Vornik cautioned: “Just because a
waveform can be specified in software, does not mean the hardware can reproduce it”, he said. “For example, there are no softwaredefined-antennas and the beam width of a radar will be proportional to the ratio of the wavelength and aperture size. The antennas and aperture size are hardware characteristics independent of whatever the software is telling the radar to do.” Future directions Future developments in small radars look set to benefit further from developments in communications technology, according to Kelvin Hughes, which cited significant tie-up between 5G technology and some emerging radar roles. Specifically, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) techniques, which have enabled major advances in mass market communications over the last two decades and began to be exploited in high-end radars about 10 years ago are finding their way into smaller, less expensive sets. Depending on the application, MIMO techniques can improve both resolution and sensitivity.
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US Navy
SEA POWER
The Royal Swedish Navy’s (RSwN’s) Visby-class corvette HSwMS Karlstad. The Baltic region remains an area of core focus for littoral operations.
LITTORAL INTENT
Despite a renewed focus on 'blue water' strategy, delivering littoral capability remain as a key commitment for many navies. Dr Lee Willett
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he post-Cold War years and the inherent decline in navy-onnavy ‘blue water’ rivalry saw the world’s naval forces turn their attention to contributing to operations in littoral waters (‘blue water’ is a term used to describe a maritime force capable of operating globally, essentially across the deep waters of open oceans). While seeking to influence events on land has always been implicit in naval strategy and operations, the lack of at-sea rivalry brought about by the demise of the Soviet Navy, saw Western navies in particular focus explicitly on increasing their influence in the littoral region as a whole, and especially ashore. Here, navies would look to focus on maritime security and sea control tasks, along with projecting power ashore, across or over the beach, and deeper in land.
However, now that the Russian Federation Navy and China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) are generating increasing levels of activity and building a more robust presence in key regions around the world, the blue water element of the navyversus-navy power balance has regained some of its former prominance. Naval operations in littoral regions have always been significant, such as incursions by Russian submarines in Norwegian fjords during the Cold War. However, given the post-Cold War emphasis on littoral activity, the return of the blue water focus and of emphasis on Cold War activities such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) raises the question of whether the importance of littoral operations will endure and whether the nature of such operations will change.
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Changing the game Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), told Armada that the requirement to conduct littoral operations remains, driven by “regional instabilities, the concentration of populations in the littoral, including increasingly in volatile megacities, and the continuing migration of economic activity offshore coupled with growing resource competition”. UK Maritime Power (Joint Doctrine Publication 0-10), published in October 2017, defined littoral regions as “those land areas (and their adjacent areas and associated air space) that are susceptible to engagement and influence from the sea”. Such a definition reflects how navies have always thought about littoral opera-
A Russian frigate in the eastern Mediterranean Sea fires a Kalibr cruise missile puportedly at a group of Daesh jihadists in Syria in 2017.
inshore is set to increase. The changing politico-strategic understanding of technology is also increasing the focus on the littoral environment. The majority of the world’s internet communications traffic travels via undersea cable, and key nodes in such networks are often found in littoral waters. When the flow of such communications is disrupted, the consequences can have significant shortand longer-term implications. It has always been known that undersea infrastructure (including oil and gas supplies, as well as internet connections and other forms of “There is a new risk to our way of life that is the vulnerability of the cables that crisscross the seabed”. UK’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach. The illustration shows a global map of submarine cable systems and their landing stations. TeleGeography
tions. Today, however, technology and the returning focus on blue water operations are changing the nature of the littoral landscape. For example, in the context of such definitions, the development by a small but growing number of navies of capabilities such as long-range land attack is not only increasing the geographic depth of littoral regions ashore – in terms of how far navies can reach in-land from the sea – but is blurring the boundaries between blue water and littoral operations. A particular system type that demonstrates the impact of this change is the longrange sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM). Previously the sole preserve of the United States Navy (USN) and the UK Royal Navy (RN), Russia has fired Kalibr cruise missiles from Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines, from Gepard-class and Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, and from Buyan-M corvettes in combat operations over Syria since October 2015. Some of the platforms involved were the newest in Russia’s fleet. France is in the process of introducing its own long-range SLCM, the Missile de Croisiere Navale (MdCN), on its surface ships and submarines. Other navies are also considering such capabilities. Denmark, in its 2018-23 defence agreement (announced in February 2018), stated that it will investigate the potential future acquisition of a long-range precision strike capability, beginning with “a preliminary study that will assess a possible subsequent acquisition in the medium term (2023-2026)”. One of Denmark’s primary areas of interest is, of course, the Baltic Sea, a focus of littoral activity for both Russian and Western naval forces. So these developments indicate that the number of navies able to attack further
Russian Defence Ministry
SEA POWER
communication) is a critical element of national security and that navies with particular undersea capabilities will seek to secure their own links and surveil those of others. Russia’s recent strategic re-emergence and its robust naval activity in European waters has seen the issue of underwater infrastructure security mentioned very explicitly in public debate.A case in point, in December 2017 the UK’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach told the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) that “Russia … continues to perfect both unconventional capabilities and information warfare. There is a new risk to our way of life that is the vulnerability of the cables that crisscross the seabed.” It is clear, thus, that littoral operations remain important today but are also being considered in the wider strategic context of blue water operations and overall national defence and security strategy. Strategies and operations In the Baltic Sea, two elements underscore the enduring importance of littoral operations in the context of wider navy-on-navy and state-on-state tensions. First is the increasing level of underwater activity; second is the focus of both NATO and Russia on the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. In the former context, Sweden’s detection of foreign underwater activity in its territorial waters in October 2014 was one of the key events in a year that many saw as a watershed moment in terms of a return to state-on-state naval confrontation (it search long and hard for a suspected Russian submarine).
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Commonwealth of Australia
SEA POWER
The Royal Australian Navy’s lead Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) HMAS Hobart and lead Anzac frigate HMAS Anzac sailing together off the east coast of Australia in February 2018. The three AWDs and the nine Project Sea 5000 Future Frigates (which are to replace the Anzac class) remain focused on littoral operations.
As regards the three Baltic states, NATO has been moving to reinforce its collective defence of the region and its deterrence of any potential aggression by conducting robust exercises. In 2017, these included the land-based, US Army-led, Exercise Sabre Strike and, at sea, BALTOPS 2017. The latter had a firm focus on amphibious operations in the region, with landings conducted in Ventspils, Latvia and Ustka, Poland. Part of NATO’s focus in BALTOPS was to boost relations with regional partner states, namely Finland and Sweden. For the Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN), littoral operations in the Baltic remain an integral part of its output, despite the broader international focus on the return of blue water operational emphasis. Speaking at the IQPC Surface Warships conference in London in January 2018, Captain Fredrik Palmquist, commanding officer of the RSwN’s 4th Naval Flotilla, said that “geography and topography defines the littoral area, besides the opponent’s sensors and weapons.” Key operational challenges found in littoral waters, he added, are “the limited space and the shallow waters”. “The shallow waters create a real haven for submarine commanders,” he continued, and also increase the potential risk from mines. As regards littoral geography and topography and the benefits offered to the submarine, Capt Palmquist said “the topography creates reverberation that hampers … sonars. The salinity creates difficult layers,
together with additional layers that are created by differences in the water temperature.” While these geophysical challenges are significant in the Baltic’s littoral waters, he noted that a smaller submarine can still operate extremely effectively there. The confined spaces of the Baltic Sea and its approaches also create challenges for surface ships. “You can be detected by sensors and engaged wherever you place a surface ship,” Capt Palmquist argued. To offset the issue of limited space, he added that “the importance of using different stealth techniques cannot be exaggerated”. “If you are to stay alive in a confined environment, it is vital to reduce your signature in order to make (the ship) difficult to be detected,” he continued, pointing out the need for individual platforms “to consider all the different possible emissions, such as radar cross-section, heat signature, size of the wake, magnetic signature, and underwater noise”. Reducing all types of emissions, the captain added, is critical in enabling a platform to stay undetected even if inside an adversary’s sensor radius. Keeping a platform covert for as long as possible will leave an adversary preoccupied with finding it: this leaves more time “to get inside his OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop,” said Capt Palmquist. Effect ashore In delivering effective littoral operations – and implicitly recognising the link between
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events at sea and events ashore in this confined environment – Capt Palmquist said that, in order to prevail in such an environment, naval and marine forces must work in a co-ordinated manner, particularly as naval forces “rely on the control of parts of the shoreline or archipelago in order to find favourable positions when engaging the enemy, to find places for … logistics assets, or to be able to uphold … freedom of movement.” For this reason, he said, Sweden’s marines are part of the naval service, with the RSwN striving “to have a seamless relationship among the ‘green’ and the ‘blue’ resources”. According to UK Maritime Power, the relationship between amphibious manoeuvre and littoral operations is based around “exploiting the access and freedom provided by the sea as a basis for operational manoeuvre from which a sea-based amphibious force can influence situations, decisions and events in the littoral regions of the world.” This relationship is part of the concept of operations (CONOPS) for the UK’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers: UK operational planning sees the carriers as playing a key role in future UK littoral manoeuvre; ship two, HMS Prince of Wales, has also been adapted specifically to improve its ability to deliver amphibious capability. However it is worth noting that, at a time of increasing focus on the role of amphibious capability in littoral operations, there has been debate in the UK – within the context of an ongoing review of defence spending and capability – as to whether its specialist landing capability in the form of the amphibious assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, might be retired early, with cuts to Royal Marines Commando numbers also possible. At the time of writing, the results of this review are not yet known. However, during a recent House of Commons defence sub-committee inquiry session on Arctic security, the UK’s new Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM), Major-General Charles Stickland, said that the loss of such capability would “absolutely [have] an implication to how we would reinforce and how we would do our business”, in terms of supporting Norway in the event of crisis or conflict. NATO’s support for Norway in any such situation would in large part be effected from the sea, in what would by definition be a littoral operation. AsPac littorals The challenges in littoral operations are
of course not just confined to European waters. The Asia-Pacific region is by definition a maritime environment, with its large maritime spaces laced together in littoral regions by numerous island archipelagos, shallow waters, busy sea lines of communication (SLOCs), and narrow access and choke points, overlaid with overlapping territorial claims and increasing levels of naval activity (especially underwater). The focus on littoral activity here is reflected in the arrival of a number of key surface ship programmes across the region. In the case of several lower-end platforms, the littoral focus is evident in the ships’ typology. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is bringing into service a littoral combat ship (LCS), a 3,000-tonne ship based on France’s Naval Group’s Gowind 2500 corvette design: the first of at least six ships, Maharaja Lela, was named and launched in August 2017. In addition, the RMN is planning to build up to 18 littoral mission ships. The US Navy (USN) has its own LCS concept, in the form of the Freedom- and Independence-class LCS vessels. The USN has underscored its enduring commitment to delivering littoral capability. In his mission statement, A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority (published in January 2016), Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson stated that the USN’s effort to strengthen naval power at and from the sea includes an emphasis on maintaining a fleet “that is trained and ready to operate and fight decisively – from the deep ocean to the littorals, from the sea floor to space, and in the information domain”. With the USN keen to increase its forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region, in particular through using the two LCS types, Freedom-class vessels USS Freedom and USS Fort Worth and first-in-class USS Independence and sister ship USS Coronado have all deployed to Changi Naval Base in Singapore, under a rotational deployment programme. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) also has its own littoral capability, in the form of the planned eight Independence-class littoral mission vessels (LMVs). All eight ships are expected to be operational by 2020. Highlighting both the vast maritime nature of the Asia-Pacific region and the link between blue water and littoral operations, larger platforms arriving in the region are also designed to bring capability to operate in littoral environments. Captain Shane Craig, the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) naval adviser at
its High Commission in London, told the Surface Warships conference that two programmes that will form a central element of the RAN’s future force structure – the three Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) and the nine Project Sea 5000 Future Frigates – have a littoral capability as a core part of their operational requirement. Reflecting the enduring importance of littoral activity in the Asia-Pacific region in the longer term, Capt Craig noted that the future frigate will include, amongst a capability spread covering air, surface, and sub-surface warfare, electronic and cyber operations, maritime strike and joint fires, force protection, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), a core capacity to conduct littoral warfare as part of an overall capability package designed “to provide flexibility in government tasking, and operate effectively in a post-2030 threat environment”. SHIFTING THREAT The impact of technology in changing the nature of the littoral risk is not something that is confined to navy-on-navy activity. Asymmetric, non-state actor, risks are also emerging in the littoral environment. In something of a strategic shift, in October 2016 rebel forces operating in Yemen attacked the United Arab Emirates logistics support vessel Swift with a surface-tosurface missile (SSM). High-end warships have also been attacked. In that same month, the USN’s DDG 51 Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason was targeted on two occasions in the Red Sea, reportedly by rebel forces firing SSMs. According to the US Naval Institute, on one occasion Mason fired three missiles to intercept incoming missiles, and also employed missile decoys. Following these attacks, media reports said Mason’s Flight IIA sister ship USS Nitze conducted Tomahawk cruise missile strikes to destroy radar installations in Yemen. Childs argued that the increasing complexity of the littoral domain has meant that the littoral operational requirement “has evolved and become more demanding”. “More ‘grey zone’ actors,” he argued, are “almost literally muddying the waters”. This growing complexity, along with the proliferation of weapons technology to minor states and non-state actors, “raises the challenge particularly for major navies seeking to balance priorities ‘across the waterfront’”, Childs continued.
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IWI
LAND WARFARE
SOF
SMALL ARMS
Sig Sauer’s MCX Rattler Short Barreled Rifle (SBR). Current SOF requirements call for short barreled weapons capable of being easily manoeuvred in confined spaces..
The trend for contemporary and future operating environments towards urban-style warfare has prompted special operations forces (SOF) to look for weapons best suited to congested battlespaces. Andrew White
T
here is a wide range of small arms weapon systems, including handguns, personal defence weapons (PDWs), carbines and assault rifles; as well as support weapons including light machine guns (LMGs), sniper rifles and anti-tank munitions available to SOF OPERATORS. The selection of smaller weapons continues to drive the counter-terrorism (CT) market in particular, where SOF and other special mission units can be called upon to investigate buildings, compounds and subterranean networks dominated by Violent Extremist Organisations (VEOs) as illustrated during recent operations against Daesh. Mission requirements for SOF weaponry in this type of environment revolves around short-barreled weapons with integrated optical sights and designators for rapid target acquisition, allowing maximum mobility and flexibility during engagements. The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), on 1 February 2018, selected Sig Sauer to deliver a total of 10 conversion kits capable of upscaling the Colt Defense M4A1 carbine from a 5.56mm x 45mm calibre into a 7.62mm x 35mm (300BLK) calibre weapon. According to an official announcement for the PDW solicitation, published on the Federal Business Opportunities website, the US Army Contracting Command (on be-
half of USSOCOM) will take delivery of the conversion kits after confirming Sig Sauer was the only progrmame participant able to provide a suitable solution to the requirement for a commercial off the Shelf (COTS) conversion kit for the M4A1 to create a PDW that meets the specifications identified. USSOCOM had been seeking a solution since 9 March 2017. According to defence sources associated with the requirement at USSOCOM, the command has been seeking a replacement upper receiver and stock capable of being swapped with M4A1 parts within three minutes, providing operators with the ability to upgrade from 5.56mm to 7.62mm lethality. Previously, operators have had the ability to choose from an armoury of weapon systems featuring fixed calibre carbines and assault rifles. However, the ability to carry a 5.56mm M4A1 with conversion kit for 7.62mm capability would, according to the same source, reduce logistics footprints and maintenance costs during expeditionary operations as well as providing increased flexibility for operators during missions. USSOCOM’s PDW conversion kit comprises a variant of Sig Sauer’s MCX Rattler Short Barrelled Rifle (SBR) which features a gas piston operating system; 5.5 inch barrel; and folding stock. Speaking to Armada International, a company spokesperson for Sig Sauer explained how the MCX Rattler SBR had
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been designed to provide operators with the company’s most ‘accessible and compact’ weapon system to date, allowing fast moving operations in confined battlespaces. The Rattler MCX SBR meets USSOCOM programme requirements for an upgraded PDW weapon system weighing less than 2.5kg as well as accuracy levels of two Minute of Angle (MOA) at 100 yards. Additionally, the PDW has a maximum length less than 26-inches, company officials confirmed. The selected conversion kits will be delivered to the NSWC Crane Warfare Center in Indiana by the middle of 2018 where an acquisition team from USSOCOM will evaluate the weapon system ahead of a larger procurement to USSOCOM force component commands including the US Army Special Operations Command and Naval Special Warfare Command. Deliveries will include Sig Sauer’s MCX 300BLK PDW upper receiver group and MCX 5.56mm x 45mm barrel; as well as the company’s own 7.62mm x 35mm SRD suppressor with protective handguard. The contract also includes the delivery of a variety of stock options including folding, skeleton and telescoped variants; quick detachment sling adaptor; Wilcox 300BLK optical gun-sight; 300BLK magazines; and Sig Sauer’s Juliet4 X4 magnification weapon sight. USSOCOM’s potential transition into 300BLK calibre weapons follows a wider trend across the international SOF commu-
LAND WARFARE
calibre configuration which, according to company spokesperson Anne Devroye, has been “specifically adapted for mobility and flexibility”. Comprising a total weight of 3.15kg, the SCAR-SC features a 7.5-inch barrel which contributes to a total weapon length of 21-inches when fully retracted; and 25.7-inches when fully extended with either foldable or telescopic stock system. Additionally, company officials described to Armada International how the SCAR-SC also featured Picatinny-style rail adaptor systems in the 12-, 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions for the integration of tactical accessories including laser designator; torchlight; optical sight; and red dot sight. Other SBR options now available to users include Lewis Machine and Tool’s Confined Space Weapon (CSW) which was unveiled to the market at the SHOT Show, Las Vegas on 23 January 2018. Available in 300BLK, the CSW features an upper receiver capable of featuring an enclosed barrel and the company’s own Virtual Baffle System or integrated sup-
pressor assembly. The weapon was initially placed to participate in the competition for USSOCOM’s Suppressed Upper Receiver Group (SURG) competition which is currently in an observation phase as it awaits further maturity in technology to satisfy strict programme requirements. The CSW measures 24-inches in total length, comprising a 12-inch barrel and rail adaptor system, according to the company’s chief operating officer, Jeff Jestel. The weapon can also be fitted with LMT’s PDW Mini stock to reduce form factor yet further and also features flexibility to feature alternative calibre types including 6.8mm, he added. However, despite the slow proliferation of alternative calibres across the SOF community, many force components continue to stick to NATO standard 5.56mm x 45mm variants as standard issue carbines for operators. HK416A7 FOR KSK Illustrating this trend is the German Army Special Forces Command (KSK) which
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nity which has already seen units including the Netherlands’ Maritime SOF (MARSOF) selecting Sig Sauer’s MCX in 7.62mm x 35mm to augment Heckler & Koch’s 5.56mm x 45mm HK416 carbine. On 7 February 2018, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a $179 million (€145 million) contract to provide Dutch SOF with additional 5.56mm x 45mm HK416A5 carbines. Beyond the PDW solicitation, the wider commercial market has also responded to requirements for small weapons with the unveiling of multiple products capable of providing SOF operators with a solution optimised for confined environments. On 15 November 2017, Belgian weapons specialist FN Herstal revealed the latest and smallest form factor in its small arms family of Special Operations Combat Assault Rifles (SCARs). To date, FN Herstal has designed the SCAR-Light in 5.56mm x 45mm; and SCAR-Heavy in 7.62mm x 51mm NATO standard calibres. However, at the Milipol event in Paris, the company introduced the SCAR-Subcompact Carbine (SC) in 5.56mm x 45mm
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FN Herstal
LAND WARFARE
FN Herstal has unveiled its SCAR subcompact carbine (SC) to react to emerging requirements for smaller form factor weapon systems.
selected their next-generation general service carbine to replace the 5.56mm x 45mm Heckler & Koch G36 carbine as part of the Sturmgewehr Speziakräfte programme. On 10 October, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, announced the selection of the 5.56mm x 45mm HK416A7 an an initial order of 40 weapon systems for qualification by KSK and its maritime equivalent, Kommando Spezialkräfte Marine (KSM). Due to be designated the G95 or Gewehr 95, a total of 1,745 carbines are planned to be delivered to force elements over the course of 2019 following its successful qualification by KSK and KSM operators over the first half of 2018. Speaking to Armada International ahead of its final selection, programme officials described how the G95 will be supplied to force components with suppressor, laser designator and pointer technology, as well as other tactical accessories including torches, capable of being integrated on board the carbine’s rail adaptor system. The carbine features a 14.5-inch barrel with total weight of 3.69kg which will be delivered to German special forces in a ‘flat earth’ colour for enhanced camouflage across multiple environments. After witnessing requirement to upgrade the lethality effects of its M4A1 with the 300BLK PDW conversion kit, Colt Defense is now promoting the latest member in its small arms inventory- the M5 Enhanced Carbine. According to international sales manager, Matt Fehmel, the M5 is available in NATO standard 5.56mm x 45mm calibre with option for multiple barrel lengths including 10.3-; 11.5-; and 14.5-inch variants.
Designed to achieve an ergonomic balance for “weight, comfort and adaptability” on the modern battlefield, the M5 comprises a lower receiver featuring multiple ambidextrous controls including fire selector, magazine release and safety catch. In addition, the upper receiver includes an ambidextrous charging handle as is standard across the company’s inventory of small arms systems. The M5 has a maximum weight of 3.6kg; and maximum length of 35.2-inches in its largest possible form factor with 14.5-inch barrel. In its smallest form factor with 10.3-inch barrel and with telescopic stock retracted, the weapon system measures 26.2-inches in length. Increased Lethality Meanwhile, SOF continue to rely upon heavier calibres than 5.56mm x 45mm and 300BLK as they seek enhanced stopping power to neutralise combatants at short, medium and long ranges. Examples include the Russian Armed Forces which on 25 January 2018, accepted into service the AK-15 assault rifle as designed by the Kalashnikov Group. Qualification of the rifles follows their unveiling to the international community at the Army Exhibition, conducted close to Moscow, back in September 2016. A derivative of Kalashnikov Group’s historic family of AK-47 variants, the gas operated AK-15 assault rifle is chambered in 7.62mm x 39mm calibre to provide operators with high levels of lethality and extended effective range out to 600m. This compares to a maximum effective range of 400m for 5.56mm x 45mm solutions. With a total weight of 3.75kg, the AK-15 features ambidextrous controls as well as
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rail adaptor system in the 12- and 6-o’clock positions for the addition of the usual accessories. The rifle can be fitted with a folding, telescopic or fixed stock for specific user preference and measures a total length of 100cm when fully extended. The company official confirmed how the AK-15 was a heavier calibre representation of the AK-12, available in 5.45mm x 39mm and NATO standard 5.56mm x 45mm calibres, which has also been certified for service with the Russian Armed Forces. Neither Kalashnikov Group nor the Russian MoD would comment on how many weapon systems had been supplied to ‘Spetsnaz’ SOF elements. Ukraine SOF are also set to benefit from a significant switch in calibre, reverting from 7.62mm x 39mm AK-variant armaments to the M4-WAC47 in 5.56mm x 45mm, as manufactured by Aeroscraft. Acknowledging similar demand for increased levels in lethality is Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) which, on 30 October 2017, extended its inventory of small arms offering yet further with the unveiling of the Tavor 7 assault rifle in NATO standard 7.62mm x 51mm calibre. Speaking to Armada International, corporate vice president for marketing and sales, Ronen Hamudot explained how the company’s range of assault rifles, including the new Tavor 7, had also been designed to feature flexibility in calibre to accept 300BLK conversion kits for example. Echoing current efforts by USSOCOM, he stated: “We believe that armies will keep using traditional ammunition types while increasing the use of alternative ammunitions - mostly by special operation units.” However, Hamudot also described a current trend in the SOF community to procure lighter weight weapons for maximum mobility in confined spaces. IWI’s Tavor 7 retains the same bullpup design of its predecessors in 5.56mm x 45mm calibre with Hamudot explaining how such a feature naturally provided operators with a smaller form factor without restrictions on barrel length and subsequently range. Featuring a fixed stock, the Tavor 7 measures 72.3cm in length with options for 17- or 20-inch barrels. The rifle has a total weight of 4.1kg and relies upon a short stroke gas piston operating system which features a four-position variable gas regulator with ‘Off’ option to close it out- a characteristic which Hamudot explained had been
LAND WARFARE
specifically designed with the SOF customer in mind. Tavor 7 features a series of ambidextrous controls and rail adaptor systems around the weapon for the addition of accessories, he added. Weapon systems were made available to armed forces and SOF units worldwide during the first few months of 2018 for evaluation testing, he concluded. SNIPER SOLUTIONS Finally, sniper systems remain a critical weapon in the wider armour of SOF components with both the USSOCOM and Danish Special Operations Command both pursuing sizable requirements for various technologies. On 3 November 2017, the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) unveiled a double requirement for the Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) and Precision Rifle Medium (PRM) programmes as it seeks to upgrade its inventory of legacy systems. Speaking to Armada International, a SOF source within the Danish Special Op-
erations Command explained how the PSR would comprise a 7.62mm x 51mm rifle in semi-automatic for counter-terrorism and urban warfare missions. The selected weapon must have a maximum effective range of 800m, sources confirmed. It was explained how semi-automatic solutions provided a more rapid target acquisition cycle for multiple targets as opposed to the slower yet more accurate bolt-action design. The PRM meanwhile, is focused on the procurement of a 300BLK calibre rifle, potentially in bolt action design, capable of allowing sniper pairs to engage targets out to a maximum range of at least 1,200m. Sources confirmed a test and evaluation programme was scheduled to be conducted in April 2018 ahead of a downselection. USSOCOM is also in the process of selecting its next-generation Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) following a Request for Information (RfI) published on 6th April 2017 demanding a modular weapon system capable of accommodating multiple conversion kits for calibre changes. The command is interested in a single
form factor with bolt-action operating system which, with the necessary upgrades with the conversion kits, could house 7.62mm x 51mm; .300 Norma Magnum; and .338 Norma Magnum ammunition types. The move forms part of a gradual move to replace the USSOCOM armoury of legacy bolt-action rifles which includes the Mk13, Mk40 and M24. CONCLUSION Beyond applications in confined and urban areas, smaller form factor carbines and PDWs will provide SOF operators with more covert lethality, ideally suited to clandestine mission sets. As defence sources from across the NATO SOF community highlighted to Armada International, such a capability allows operators to covertly carry weapon systems when conducting intelligencegathering missions as well as more discreet close protection duties. Weapon systems can be carried in rucksacks and laptop bags allowing operators quick and easy access when required.
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USMC
LAND WARFARE
The Forward Observer (FO) remains the primary eyes for supporting arms. Recent technologies, many drawn from the commercial sector, have enhanced the capabilities of the Call for Fire including better targeting and simpler, faster communication. Here a US Marine Corps FO team observes fires.
INTEGRATING AND CONTROLLING FIRE SUPPORT Delivering timely and effective fires using supporting weapons is a capability that combat organisations train hard to achieve. Stephen W. Miller
E
mploying mortars, artillery, naval guns and missiles, as well as fixed wing and rotary wing attack aircraft and armed unmanned aerial systems (UAS) requires proficient and well schooled control, coordination and communication. However, its return can be many times greater than those of a frontline combat unit’s organic weapons. Putting ordnance on the ground where and when it is needed is a process that involves multiple parties that must be closely coordinated. It must be done increasingly on today’s battlefield faced more and more by sophisticated efforts to counter the delivery of this support by one’s opponent. Electronic warfare consisting of signal detection, interception, location and targeting has complicated the fire support control process. As was demonstrated in the conflict in the Ukraine, control facilities and guns can be readily targeted and neutralised unless countermeasures and protective measures are implemented. It is possible for air and indirect fires can be planned and delivered based on targeting
intelligence from a range of sources. These can include aerial photography, satellite imagery, signals intelligence, a combination of sources or simply coordinates from a map. Engaging these disrupt, confuse, harass and possibly destroy though often without observing the impact and result in real time. Results can be less than ideal and at best only as good as the accuracy of the data on the target, particularly its exact location. Even the latest precision guided GPS ordnance will hit only the coordinates programmed. An error there and the target will be missed. This method also cannot be used against moving or dynamic targets and has substantial risks if employed in proximity to friendly forces or where there is a high possibility of unintended or collateral damage. THE FORWARD OBSERVER The preferred application of fire support is using direct and positive control. This means there are eyes on the target and real time direction and coordination. The Forward Observer and Forward Air Controller are the tools to provide this capability. They are the key link in the initiation and
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direction of the most effective fire support. They can be in a foxhole or in a vehicle on the ground, in a manned aircraft, or be a UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) overhead or a ship off-shore. In each there is a specially trained and equipped person who can see or directly sense and monitor a potential target and who has communication link with those actually delivering the fires. If supporting a ground force the observer should ideally be located with that force to better assure coordination. The sequence of delivering indirect ground, naval, and air fire support are largely similar. First the target is detected, identified and accessed, its exact location is determined; and a request for support is prepared and transmitted. This request is monitored by a centre that coordinates and de-conflicts various requests, while it is also provided to the firing asset or aircraft. Most often direct contact is made between the observer and the delivery asset to allow for adjusting the fires as necessary. The attack is made under the direction of the observer who can then provide corrections to most effectively engage the target and achieve the desired result or to request and bring additional fires to bear. How each of these steps is executed has evolved as new technologies have been made available and introduced. The wired phones used by teams in World War I gave way to radios. Maps and compasses are replaced by GPS and laser rangefinders. Teams requiring six or eight can now accomplish the same task with two or even a single person. Yet, the process itself remains essentially the same. Many of these new technologies have made fire support more responsive and accurate while also offering solutions to many of the challenges found on today’s battlefields. LOCATION Target location accuracy is the single most important aspect in delivering effective fire support. The more precise this can be determined the higher the probability that the first mortar or artillery round fired will impact within their CEP (Circular Error Probable) and have the desired target effect. First salvo on target is ideal as it provides no warning to the target that they are being attacked. This then reduces any chance of taking cover or leaving the impact area. Secondly, it allows the fire mission to be concluded in minimal time thereby allowing engagement of another target or for the
LAND WARFARE
firing guns to displace to a new position preventing them from being engaged by enemy counter-battery fires. The wide scale introduction of Global Positioning System (GPS) has made accurate individual location readily available. Miniaturisation has permitted it to be included in instruments from personal cell phones, cameras and personal vehicles. This trend is mirrored in many military systems including its use in guiding aerial bombs and artillery projectiles. By including a GPS plus a heading reference system in a binocular and/or laser rangefinder as is mow commonly done it is possible to provide any soldier with the capability of determining his location to 10 meters accuracy. Knowing ones location, the relative bearing and then range to a target allows determining its grid location. This basic calculus is behind every forward observer system. One of the latest is the US Army’s Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS). JETS is a modular sensor suite consisting of a Hand-held Target Location Module (HTLM), the Precision Azimuth and Vertical Angle Module (PA-
VAM), and the Laser Marker module (LMM). Combining these capabilities allows the observer to quickly acquire and precisely locate targets. LTC Michael Frank, Product Manager Soldier Precision Targeting Devices (PM SPTD) stated that the objective of JETS, “Is to allow a mission that can drop that first round on target.” Lighter at (5.5 lbs) for the HTLM plus more compact and capable it is intended to complement the Army’s current 31 lb Lightweight Laser Designated Rangefinder (LLDR) and Vector 21 Laser Target Locator (LTL). JETS includes a colour camera and can be linked to a Portable Forward Entry Device (PFED) that forwards target data directly to fire support units using digital “text”. DRS Network and Imaging Systems has a US$339million contract to manufacture JETS which has been in acceptance testing through 2017 with fielding beginning in 2018. The French Army has focused on facilitating fire control at the small unit level in its FELIN system (Fantassin à Equipements et Liaisons INtégrés). The JIM LR thermal binocular is fielded to squad level. Devel-
oped by SAGEM, JIM’s embedded capabilities include GPS, north finder, rangefinder, and imaging and video systems. Thus, it can determine target coordinates for calls for fire while detecting a soldier at 5 km and a vehicle at 10km. Safran/SAGEM, in fact, goes a step further by also providing a tripod with a data link that will automatically capture the target range and azimuth. It then correlates this information to determine the military map grid coordinates of the target designated by the observer. It can offer a ‘Call for Fire’ digital template that the observer uses to complete the fire mission request. With a push of a button it is sent off as a digital message. Rheinmetall’s Vingtaqs II and FOI 200 offer a similar capability with day/night electro-optics providing long-range reconnaissance, observation and surveillance. A company spokesperson reflected that “As it is a standalone system, it can be deployed in static or dismounted mode, as well as, capable of mounting on a wide variety of vehicles. In addition, as it also features laser-enabled target detection it can be used
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to mark targets for precision homing attack by aircraft or artillery.” The FIO2000 uses the FLIR Systems ThermoSight FTI, specifically developed for this application. FLIR states that “it provides a cable free connection between the laser rangefinder, thermal imager and goniometer.” The US Marines are fielding the Target Handoff System Version 2 (THS v2). This is a portable system for use by dismounted Marines to locate targets, pinpoint global positioning coordinates and call for close air, artillery and naval fire support using secure digital communications. Capt. Jesse Hume, THS V.2 project officer for Marine Corps Systems Command indicated that “it is an upgrade to the previous and uses commercial off-the-shelf smartphones that reduce the system’s total weight to 10 pounds while also featuring more intuitive software. Together it enhances the ability to hand off target data to fire support and get rounds on target more quickly.” The military have, however, an additional challenge – reliably maintaining the same location capability when GPS signal is denied. This could be due to natural obstruction of the signal such as tree cover, or it being actively jammed by ones opponent. This requires inertial navigation (INS) and positioning systems that autonomously and continuously can track its position independent of outside input. SAGEM’s SIGMA 30 is such a system. A company spokesperson indicated that it “used in more than 25 international programs for towed and tracked howitzers, multiple rocket launchers and mortars including Nexter's Caesar and BAE Bofors' Archer”. IAI offers its Advanced Modular Azimuth and Positioning System (AMAPS and TMAPS) for the direct installation in self propelled and towed guns. Leonardo, with its LINAPS Artillery Pointing System, provides a self-contained gun mounted INS navigation, pointing and weapon management system for artillery and mortar platforms that can be employed in day, night, and GPS denied environments. This system is in full service with the UK, Canada, UAE, Oman, South Africa, Malaysia and Thailand. Fire Control and Direction Benefits of the self-contained forward observer devices are that they provide exceptionally accurate targeting data which by being send in a digital format is able to link directly with fire direction computers at the guns. Typically a Fire Direction Centre
A target acquisition and ranging device like the US Army LLDR can include zoom magnification optics, a laser rangefinder, GPS, and azimuth reference. Combined these allow a forward observer to determine a targets position to within better than 10 meters.
(FDC) has been provided for each battery, usually 6 to 8 guns grouped together. The FDC receives the Call for Fire from the forward observer. Using this information and comparing that to their location plus selected ammunition types, metrological updates, and other details they calculate, the data needed to lay each gun to hit the target. This data is then passed to each gun which applies it and then fire on command. With the introduction of GPS and smaller yet much more powerful computers it is now possible to determine all the necessary firing details directly at each gun if desired. The move toward decentralised fire direction is not new. In fact, it was being adopted with some self-propelled artillery systems as early as the 1980’s. The French GCT-155 by GIAT (now Nexter) was one of the first utilising an inertial heading reference and navigation system and on-board ballistic computer from SAGEM. The size, weight, power requirements and cost at the time restricted this capability to self-propelled systems. It provide the benefits of allowing a single or pair of guns to under-take fire missions independently and to move-stopfire- and move again in minutes. The miniaturisation of electronics, greater memory and faster processing allow this same fire direction capability to be adopted for all self propelled guns and increasingly for towed weapons as well. Integrating fire direction on the gun platform when coupled with a digital link into the forward observer permits a designated gun or section to directly respond to mission requests. Doing so can significantly reduce the time to get rounds on-the-way. It also facilitates the ability of guns to displace quickly to avoid enemy counter-battery fires. Rheinmetall’s PzH2000 self propelled system is optimised to achieving this capability. It fully integrates not just the firing solution through an on-board MICMOS computer from EADS but has automatic
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US Army
Land WARFARE
ammunition selection and loading. As a result the PzH2000 can fire three rounds in nine seconds and be on the move again in seconds. SAGEM provides its CADET 2G fire control solution for French artillery. Derived from the company’s Storm FCC (Fire Control Computer), it meets artillery and mortar requirements for managing tactical firing data; determining firing solutions; ballistic calculations; fire control and adjustment. SAGEM’s solutions are fielded with twenty countries for towed and self-propelled artillery. Similar integrated on gun capability is also provided in the Republic of Korea’s K-9 Thunder from Hanwha Techwin, the latest US M109A7 from BAE, and Russia’s 2S19 "Msta-S”. Fires Coordination Technology is closing the loop between the observer and the gun. There is, however, inefficiency in dedicating a specific artillery asset to one manoeuvre unit. Ideally it is desirable to mass the fires of a number of guns across the battle space or to select those that are best positioned and equipped for a mission. There is also the need to coordinate indirect fires with other supporting arms, particularly aircraft. The US military’s answer is the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) developed and built by Raytheon and employed by both the US Army and USMC. A Raytheon spokes person indicted that AFATDS provides automated support for planning, coordinating, controlling and executing fires and effects. In December 2016 Leidos unseated Raytheon in a competition to develop the next iteration of AFATDS that was first introduced in 1996. Other systems that provide similar capability include the United Kingdom’s BATES (Battlefield Artillery Target Engagement System), the German ADLER III by ESG, French ATLAS, and Italian SIR.
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www.sofexjordan.com
, 2018
media alert sea power
MEDIA ALERT FOR JUNE/JULY 2018 EDITORIAL TOPICS ■ Unmanned Air Force for Today and Tomorrow ■ Light Armoured Vehicles ■ Manned and Unmanned Submarine Development ■ Night Vision Systems ■ Counter-terrorism ■ Special Ops & Expeditionary Forces Debrief ■ Compendium Equipping the Modern Soldier Electronic Warfare
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Andrew White discovers what is ‘hot’ in the special operations vehicles market for SOF operators.
Eurosatory 11-15 June Balt Military Expo, Poland 25-27 June Army, Moscow: 21-26 Aug
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AiR POWER PASSING ON JTAC SKILLS Regional forces that have opposed Daesh in Syria/ Iraq are now being certified in calling in close air support. By Andrew Drwiega.
SMALL SMART RADARS Peter Donaldson discovers that technology developments, such as those in the civil cellular industry, are making smaller radars much more useful.
SEA POWER LITTORAL INTENT Naval assets that can deliver on littoral operations remain key despite an renewed focus on ‘blue water’ strategies. Dr. Lee Willett reports.
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LAND WARFARE INTEGRATING AND CONTROLLING FIRE SUPPORT Stephen W. Miller takes a look at how technology is contributing to the integration of fire support.
38 ARMADA cOMMENtARy
SOF SMALL ARMS Is smaller, better? Andrew White looks at options for smaller weapons available to SOF forces having to fight in urban environments.
WHEN WILL FUTURE VERTICAL LIFT TAKE OFF? Andrew Hunter discusses the challenges that still face the Department of Defense ahead of any decision that will deliver a Future Vertical Lift platform to the US Army.
armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
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ARMADA COMMENTARY
WHEN WILL FUTURE VERTICAL LIFT TAKE OFF? Andrew Hunter
O
ut of the massive confusion that was the US government’s budget process for FY2018 has come a surprising result: a significant budget increase for defence, much of it focused on military modernisation. The United States Army has organised its plans for modernisation around six priorities. One of these is Future Vertical Lift (FVL). But unlike the other Army modernisation priorities, FVL is a joint effort and final approval for FVL planning remains with the Secretary of Defense. There is much about the pace and timing of FVL that is out of the Army’s direct control as a result. FVL is also different in that among the Army’s six modernisation priorities, only FVL and the next generation combat vehicle are efforts to achieve generational leaps in capability rather than incremental improvements. The Army’s track record on such leap ahead development programmes has been decidedly poor. Perhaps as a reflection of these complications, the Army’s budget shows little sign of advancing FVL in the near term. In fact, compared to previous budget projections, the recently released FY2019 budget request shows a two year delay in the beginning of FVL’s technology development phase, to 2021, and a corresponding delay in releasing a request for proposals to industry. This delay allows the Army to complete its Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMRTD) programme in 2020, which comprises two vertical lift demonstrators as well as an effort to define a mission systems architecture for FVL. So instead of accelerating the development of FVL, the Army devoted much of its FY2019 modernisation budget increase to active production lines. The overriding question for the Army is how to put FVL on a different path than past Army efforts to achieve generational capability leaps that didn’t succeed, and how to afford development without idling production lines. One key difference for FVL is already apparent. Industry made a substantial investment in cost-sharing on JMRTD and may be prepared to continue investing funds in FVL in the early stages. Support from industry could help the Army afford FVL development even as it keeps current production lines hot, but it comes with a major tradeoff. Industry will expect a return on this investment, and will need to see a clear path to future revenues to keep its FVL workforce intact. If it takes the Army eight to 10 years
38 armadainternational.com - april/may 2018
to get FVL into production, industry loses its incentive to invest alongside the Army. The prototypes built under the JMRTD effort have given the programme momentum and the mission systems architecture demonstration has extended this momentum to the lower tier suppliers who would build FVL mission equipment. The question is how much of this momentum can be carried forward when the JMRTD effort finishes? And further, how will the Army down select to a preferred variant, whether it is Bell’s V-280 Valor Tiltrotor or the Sikorsky-Boeing SB.1 Defiant. The problem of how to achieve a generational leap in capability is not a new one. It is only relatively recently, however, that the US DoD has sought to make generational leaps in capability as part of single programme. In past transitions, such as the development of aircraft carriers, jet fighters, and later, supersonic jets, the military built and operated a series of designs before entering serial production. Given the ambitious nature of the FVL programme, and the need for industry to see a clear return on its investment, it may make sense to do FVL development in a more traditional, staged manner. This would be done by making a limited initial buy of aircraft of both variants, so that the Army can evaluate their operational utility and supportability, their mission architecture, and their ability to enable new concepts of operations, before committing to serial production. In addition to easing the transition to the next generation of vertical lift technology, this approach would keep two new technical approaches to vertical lift viable until it becomes clearer what the true operational advantages of each are. The major down side of this approach is the expense of pursuing two designs simultaneously, and this would have to be largely offset by the industry cost share. There is every reason to think that avoiding a rush to judgement on the next generation of vertical lift technology may pay off big in the long run. Andrew Hunter is director of the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and senior fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. The views presented in this commentary are his own. Email: AHunter@csis.org.
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