US Army getting its sting back
The 7th Army Training Command's Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) of the US Army will soon begin observing, coaching and training soldiers using the FIM-92 Stinger Man-Portable, Air Defense System (MANPADS).
In preparation for the training, around 50 observer coach/trainers (OC/Ts) have attended their own training on the Stinger system at the Hohenfels Training Area.
The FIM-92 is being reintroduced to brigade combat teams across the army.
JMRC was the first combat training centre to receive the Stinger training for OC/Ts. JMRC will primarily observe, coach and train the individual two-man Stinger teams using the shoulder fired configuration, though the Avenger and other variants may also be used.
The Stinger teams will be evaluated on the mission-essential tasks of site placement, determining air avenues of approach, defending a critical location, de-conflicting engagements of enemy aircraft based on sector of fire and proper operation of the FIM-92 Stinger.
The FIM-92 Stinger IR-homing MANPADS is effective against helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and fixed wing aircraft.
Lt Col Aaron Felter, the director of training and doctrine for the Air Defense Integrated Office, said: 'Bringing back the Stinger addresses a self-identified gap that the army created and has recognised. We're getting back to the basics and providing short range air defence to manoeuvre units.'
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.
-
Company formed to lead Franco-German main battle tank replacement
Launched at the initiative of the French and German governments, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project aims to replace the German Leopard 2 and French Leclerc main battle tanks with a multi-platform ground combat system by 2040.
-
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
-
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.