US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
Rheinmetall has received a contract with a gross value of $420 million from the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) to supply Future Soldier Expanded System (IdZ-ES) to equip 68 infantry platoons, the company announced on 28 June.
The IdZ-ES integrates infantry and mechanised infantry platoons and their vehicles, which are specially equipped to serve as base stations, into the network-enabled warfare loop.
The system enables troops on the ground to detect, recognise and identify targets, either by engaging themselves or by calling in additional fire support. The IdZ-ES has been in service with German troops in Afghanistan since summer 2013.
Since 2012, the Bundeswehr has acquired three lots, a total of 90 systems. Each of the systems is designed to equip a ten-man section or squad and the 68 platoon systems are capable of equipping more than 2,460 soldiers.
The battery-powered core computer, worn on the soldier’s back and known as the ‘electronic backbone’, controls all the devices and sensors carried by the soldier through various interfaces. Its principal functions include power supply management, access control and monitoring, the soldier information system for map and situation display, navigation, reporting, exchange of reconnaissance and target data, processing sensor data, operator interfaces and visualisation as well as system configuration.
Through a manually operated control and display unit known as the BAG, the soldier can control the Soldier Command System and communication. All relevant data of the current situation, the position of friendly forces, mission and system status is displayed either on the BAG or on the OLED helmet display.
The modular battle dress uniform can be adapted to meet the current environmental and temperature conditions. Other features include the ballistic body armour (Protection Class 1) with integrated ventilation shirt and a modular harness for carrying ammunition, ordnance, the electronic backbone and additional equipment.
The IdZ-ES protective vest comes with chest rig and hip belt and ballistic inserts, providing protection up to German Level 4. A rifle-mounted push-to-talk button enables wireless communication even when the operator leader has raised his weapon. Small arms can also be fitted with optical and optronic devices of the latest generation.
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.