Elbit Systems UK has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence to provide the British Armed Forces with Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and Fire Support Teams.
The contract will be performed over a five-year period and is valued at approximately £100 million.
“The D-JFI to be provided by Elbit Systems UK, is a networked, passive and active target acquisition solution that acquires, generates and communicates target information to effector systems for effective engagement of joint precision and non-precision fires. The solution is empowered by Artificial Intelligence and will interface with the radio communication systems of the British Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Marines.
The D-JFI solution draws on the Company’s operational experience in providing dismounted network combat solutions. It integrates several of its technologies, including: the TORCH-XTM Battle Management Application; the HattorixTM system for undetectable generation of high-precision targets, the CORAL Multi-Spectral electro-optical payload for enhanced target acquisition in day and night and the powerful RattlerTM XR laser designator. The D-JFI will enable fast and secured transition of target information across the British and Allied Armed Forces, allowing swift and accurate utilization of artillery and close air support.”
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK, said:
“The UK is a significant market for Elbit Systems and the Company intends to continue with its efforts to support the British Armed Forces and expand the cooperation with the UK industry. The systems to be supplied by Elbit Systems UK represent our commitment to continuously provide the most advanced technology to those on the frontline. The adaptability to multi-domain warfare is a core part of Elbit Systems UK’s offering, combining brand-new hardware and proven-software systems. This continual evolution provides the cross-force adaptability which is vital for successful contemporary warfare. At its heart, D-JFI will provide operational advantage to the British Armed Forces in an increasingly technological battlefield.”
Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said:
“This contract with Elbit Systems UK not only delivers the very latest in battlefield technology to our frontline soldiers, but also invests in the British defence industry, sustaining more than 500 jobs across the UK.”
JTACs and FSTs force multipliers bar none. Herrick realy did bring the concept together so much better. On Herrick 4 we were still using FOO parties, with attached MFCs, FACs etc. Out of neccesity the seperate groups (which have exercised and worked together for years) became a more organised unit, training and operating together full time. Subsequent Herricks proved the value of the FST teams, who not only act a force multipliers, but with the JTAC, also operate airspace management and deconfliction. The good thing was anyone, infantry, other arms, can become a JTAC, or STA, and this brings a level of understanding between the various arms. While the Arty lads still control the teams, the mix you can have in them is great.
Mate. These FS teams with the JTACs.
Are these teams stand alone outfits or are they embedded in a parent unit, like an infantry battalion, 5 RA, and so on? I think the latter at present?
I ask as my knowledge is a bit clouded by the TACPs which used to exist and were numbered in the 600s I recall and assigned a handful per brigade.
I know the RA regs all have their own FS Batteries, I assume these are the same thing.
Could they end up a fully independent unit considering their specialist nature, like 5 RA, and det’d out as needed, or is it best that they are an integral part of their Battle Group / battalion?
As you said mate the RA FSTs are full time within their own Regts. Previously each Bty would have enough for x 2 teams. Nowadays, gun batteries have been reduced to 2 with the third now being the FSTs. I know the 7RHA FSTs were always allocated to one of our rifle companies and therefore would work hand in glove with the MFCs. Since Herrick we in Battalion would do pre-deployment training with these lads, and they or us could supply the JTAC.
There is 473 By, who takes volunteers from any Rgt or Corp, and they provide decent STA and can provide Joint fires. Its a development from the RA and its “stay behind OPs”. It is a specialist job, but one which is more and more common, as the concept is very successful and maximises our dwindling OS. As for independant units containing only FSTs, it will have it’s pros and cons mate, saving money and centralizing a specific asset and trade, leading to a common standard. But, the loss of quality lads from Battalion, the loss of a sideways move/transfer etc in your career etc.
Not sure either way mate and be aware my info is now 5 years out of date, and the speed of development and the introduction of new kit and concepts is fast and furious. I always loved it, always busy, always a force multiplier and always in demand. It’s good to actually have a dynamic physical impact on the battlespace, both shaping and kinetic. However always the heaviest loads and last ones back….lol
Cheers mate. Yes, I’m well aware of 473 Sphinx. Stay behind specialists augmented by the HAC as required.
Like 148, a key outfit.
So this is equipment to help decide who destroy what?
This kit ensures quicker and more network enabled target information and data, to be communicated to all those who need to know and who are involved in the loop. The Coy Commander still decides who and what, he wants destroying.
Thanks. Thought was something at higher level.