Various counter-UAS kit as well as techniques, tactics and procedures were tested by British and US formations during Project Vanaheim.
The UK side in Bemowo Piskie was led by Task Force Rapstone, the army’s project to accelerate delivery of new technology to troops.
Significant support was provided by personnel from the Land Ground-Based Air Defence programme, which is modernising the army’s air defences.
Troops from 1st Battalion, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment served as the primary exercising force, supported by the Experimentation and Trials Group and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, who led on data analysis.
They worked closely with the US Army’s 5 Corps and a Stryker company from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, following initial trials in Germany in June.
“We tested a range of capabilities,” Maj Christopher Bolton (AGC (ETS)), Task Force Rapstone’s Counter-UAS project lead, explained to Soldier.
“These included both hard and soft kill systems such as radio frequency detection and jamming, radars, smart sights including the Smartshooter Smash X4 (pictured above), acoustic detection, and interceptor drones.” Offensive and defensive operations were staged to assess performance in a fluid and prolonged engagement.
“This enabled us to better understand how capabilities and sustainment hold up under pressure,” added the officer. “This was more than just a test of counter-UAS capability, it was a collaborative effort to develop and refine the tactics and technologies that will help define the future battlespace.”
