JF-17 fighter fills expanding niche in a competitive geopolitical market
With orders from three countries, 2024 is unlikely to be the last of the export years for the joint Pakistan-Chinese fighter jet.
US Air Force launches new test series for C2 capabilities
U.S. Air Force Airmen participating in the 705th Combat Training Squadron’s virtual Tactical Operations Center – Light experiment at Kirtland Air Force Base. (Photo: USAF)
The USAF conducted the first experiment of its TOC-L’s capabilities, with more to follow before exercise Virtual Flag.
The USAF recently undertook a virtual Tactical Operations Center – Light (TOC-L) experiment to provide an initial assessment of the functions and staffing required to meet combatant commander needs for a rapidly mobile and configurable tactical C2 node to accelerate the kill chain.
A TOC-L is a lightweight, scalable BMS that enables tactical C2 elements to quickly relocate, establish advanced datalinks, connect to a variety of sensors via a resilient communication structure and successfully operate in a denied, degraded or contested operational environment.
The event’s primary focus was to leverage the Distributed Mission Operations Center’s capability to conduct iterative experimentation with Air Component Control System elements.
From this, TTPs could be developed which are focused on the agile control integration team and cross-functional concepts within the TOC-L framework.
The DMOC’s simulated scenarios were designed based on current US Indo-Pacific Command threats and encompass the vast span of oceans that characterise that environment.
The next two TOC-L experiments will test the USAF’s ability to integrate a host of networked systems as well as co-located and distributed Internet Protocol-based sensors.
The team will execute the second experiment in mid-July in order to integrate the TTPs and other lessons into the exercise Virtual Flag.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![JF-17 fighter fills expanding niche in a competitive geopolitical market]()
-
![Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant]()
Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant
Japan and South Korea plan major enhancements to their F-15 programmes.
-
![Industrial benefit or political distraction? Navigating the final assembly line]()
Industrial benefit or political distraction? Navigating the final assembly line
Using the example of the F-35, does rolling out a domestic final assembly line make economic or industrial sense for countries wanting to purchase new aircraft?
-
![Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?]()
Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?
What are the realistic options for replacing or replicating the C-5’s unique capability when it finally reaches its end of life?
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![US Congress limits F-35 procurement]()
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
