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US Government Secures $73 Million Contract with UVision and Mistral for Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

Contract with U.S. Special Operations Command Expected to be Completed by May 2029

June 05, 2024 – UVision Inc., a global leader in aerial loitering systems, and Mistral Inc., a distinguished player in the US defense industry, have secured a $73,552,208 contract with the U.S. Government to supply Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions for the U.S. Special Operations Command. The contract includes munitions, spare parts, engineering change proposals, new equipment training, and conversion from organic precision fires-mounted to medium-range precision strike systems.

The Hero-120SF Loitering Munition System is a state-of-the-art, mid-range, anti-tank system designed specifically for heavy strikes against armored targets like tanks, vehicles, and other hard targets on the modern battlefield. With its ability to cause minimal collateral damage and equipped with a range of multi-purpose warheads, the Hero-120SF provides operational users with an unparalleled effective engagement solution.

Tailored for Special Forces operations, the Hero-120SF includes enhancements such as improved payload capacity, advanced guidance systems, and increased flexibility for deployment from various platforms.

Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UVision USA, stated, “This significant contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command, a uniquely important entity, supported by our strong partnership with Mistral, underscores the commitment of both UVision and Mistral to provide cutting-edge technology and operational expertise to safeguard US national security.”

Production of the Hero-120SF will take place at UVision USA’s facilities in Virginia and at the new SAIC plant that opened in March. Mistral Inc, the exclusive representative of UVision in the USA, and the prime contractor of this contract, offering the Hero series to meet the discerning needs of the United States military will oversee the industrial and commercial aspects of the contract.

The work under this contract is expected to be completed by 2029.

Posted in Contracts, Munitions, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on US Government Secures $73 Million Contract with UVision and Mistral for Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions

US, NATO Forces Showcase Tactics, Integration During Astral Knight 2024

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

GDYNIA, Poland (AFNS) —

NATO’s exercise Astral Knight 2024 concluded May 18 in Gdynia, demonstrating joint force interoperability and strategic readiness between U.S. forces and NATO allies. The exercise allowed the incorporation of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept, involving the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron from Vilseck, Germany; the 57th Rescue Squadron from Aviano, Italy; and members of Polish special forces.

The exercise emphasized United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s commitment to agile combat employment strategies, integrating advanced sensor technology and refining multinational tactical operations designed to enhance movement, maneuverability and security across NATO territories.

Throughout the training in Gdynia, the special warfare teams, comprising of tactical air control party members and pararescuemen, demonstrated the effectiveness of their combined operations. These operations are aimed at ensuring aircrews and Airmen are well prepared to deliver lethal combat power and conduct precise recovery operations in contested environments.

“Our presence here at Astral Knight 24 aimed to refine and test the Special Warfare Teaming strategy,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phonchai Hansen, 2 ASOS flight chief of Alpha Flight. “By combining our TACP capabilities with the expert medical and recovery skills of the PJs, we’ve created a dynamic force capable of addressing multifaceted threat scenarios effectively.”

The exercise featured simulated, dynamic targeting missions and personnel recovery drills, during which TACPs and PJs executed coordinated responses to simulated threats. One of the scenarios included a pilot emergency ejection from an F-16 Fighting Falcon and required immediate extraction from a hostile environment, testing the cohesion and interoperability of the newly formed teams.

“The integration of TACPs and PJs into a cohesive unit allows us to leverage our respective strengths,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. John Miller, 2 ASOS flight commander of Alpha Flight. “This exercise effectively assessed the current state of Air Force Special Warfare Teaming, allowing us to inform the development of the special warfare enterprise.”

This year’s Astral Knight also focused on testing and improving joint operational tactics, involving not only U.S. forces but also enhancing cooperation with Polish military units and other NATO partners. The seamless collaboration forged stronger alliances and demonstrated NATO’s capability to defend its members against any threat.

The Special Warfare Teaming Concept not only showcased tactical abilities but also strategic foresight in preparing NATO forces for future challenges.

“The gives us the ability to operate with our NATO allies in some pretty complex scenarios,” said a PJ participant. “This greatly improves our collective security and ensures we are always ready to respond to threats swiftly and efficiently.”

The lessons learned and relationships built in Gdynia will help future NATO exercises and operations. Furthering the success of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept — marking a pivotal advancement in military operations, enhanced cooperative capabilities and strategic deployment readiness across NATO.

By Capt Jacob Murray, 86th Airlift Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, International, SOF | 2 Comments »

Remembering An American Warrior – CPT Larry Dring (USA, Ret)

Monday, May 27th, 2024

When I was a kid, I read about Larry Dring’s Army exploits and they definitely influenced my own service. For example, I influenced my career in some unconventional ways and was often in hot water over being in the wrong uniform.

Unfortunately, he passed away even before I joined the Army myself, but I often went back and read the accounts written by SF Veteran Jim Morris and published in Soldier of Fortune magazine and now found in the book, “The Guerrilla Trilogy”. To me, Larry Dring was a hero.

Today is the anniversary of his death and I thought I’d introduce this legend to my readers.

Awhile ago, I ran across a great memorial website, complete with scans of the SOF articles, and found out that Larry’s son also served in the Army. They put a lot of work into it, so be sure to go check it out.

vietnamveteransmemoral.homestead.com/dringlarry

Posted in History, Memorial, SOF | 3 Comments »

MQ-9A Accident Investigation Report Released

Monday, May 27th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Today*, Air Force Special Operations Command released an Accident Investigation Board report on an MQ-9A Reaper mishap that occurred Sept. 5, 2023, at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The mishap resulted in no injuries, fatalities, or damage to civilian property. The damage to government property was valued at $2.9 million.

The aircraft and crew were assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing’s 12th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon AFB.

The AIB president found the causes of the mishap were pilot error, poor Crew Resource Management, and environmental conditions. When the aircraft touched down for landing, the
pilot was unable to control the aircraft’s trajectory due to inoperable nosewheel steering and no ability to utilize differential braking due to impact with three runway-shoulder illumination lights during a previous touch-and-go landing. The aircraft ultimately traveled off the prepared runway surface. The nose landing gear collapsed, causing the nose of the aircraft to strike the ground and the sensor unit to detach from the aircraft and be destroyed.

The AIB report can be viewed at www.afjag.af.mil/AIB-Reports

*Originally published May 22, 2024 by HQ, AFSOC

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF, UAS | No Comments »

Accelerator for Innovative Minds (AIM) Genomic Non-Specific Operational Matchmaking Enabled Systems (GNOMES)

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024

SOFWERX, in collaboration with the USSOCOM, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the Accelerator for Innovative Minds (AIM) Genomic Non-Specific Operational Matchmaking Enabled Systems (GNOMES) Team, will host an Assessment Event (AE) 09-10 July 2024 to provide awareness of biological agents/compounds in a far forward, resource-limited environment.

AIM is a collaborative initiative led by DoD in the CWMD and CBRNE space. The goal of AIM is to demonstrate an enduring Hybrid Accelerator model in coordination with Industry, non-traditional partners, and SMEs to develop technology, build networks/relationships, and develop processes targeting specific Warfighter problem spaces as identified by AIM government collaborators. AIM requests information from Industry, Academia, Laboratories, and non-traditional partners on approaches, products, and/or services to support CWMD technology requirements. Once these are reviewed, the collaborative DoD group intends to align transition pathways across the full technology maturation spectrum.

The Chemical and Biological Defense Program’s vision through AIM is to identify capabilities which provide insight of chemical and biological (CB) contested environments. The objective is to develop a system with maximum utility for the warfighter to overcome current limiting factors in providing awareness of biological agents/compounds in a far forward, resource-limited environment.

Submit NLT 09 June 2024 11:59 PM ET.

Details here.

Posted in CBRNE, Research, SOF | No Comments »

Combined Special Forces Selection Course a First for Australia

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024

For the first time, Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) has run a combined selection course, allowing ADF personnel to apply for either special forces (SF) operators or SF integrators – such as medics, signallers or engineers.

About 250 candidates from across the ADF travelled to Bindoon Training Area in Western Australia for the 2024 Special Forces Common Selection Course, to be assessed for service based on personal and professional attributes.

They will then be selected for reinforcement training for SOCOMD core capabilities as SF operators or SF integrators.

Commanding Officer ADF School of Special Operations Lieutenant Colonel A said the significant weight of effort the command has put into orchestrating common selection demonstrated the importance it placed on finding the right people.

“We select people for service in SOCOMD using an attribute-based assessment, where the course builds in intensity and applies pressure to ensure the candidate’s true character can be observed,” Lieutenant Colonel A said.

“The Special Forces Common Selection Course is the main effort for SOCOMD for the month of May, with all SOCOMD units working together for the planning and execution of this key force-generation activity.”

During the first week, before sunrise, candidates woke to conduct a timed 20km pack march, already feeling the effects of sleep deprivation and fatigue.

Senior directing staff from Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) J said the fatiguing nature of the program was developed purposely and collaboratively across the command to align with real-world demands of special operations.

“Fitness levels and cognitive behaviours are observed throughout the course, and the data points we collect enable candidates to have a genuine opportunity to demonstrate leadership and collective or individual skills,” WO2 J said.

“This also ensures all of SOCOMD’s candidates go through the same experience during selection no matter the role they apply for.”

At the end of the course, successful candidates will move into the reinforcement cycle or specialist training.

Story by Major Roger Brennan

Posted in Guest Post, International, SOF | No Comments »

Distinguished Flying Cross Posthumously Awarded to 2 Air Commandos

Sunday, May 19th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Commandos, families, community leaders, and friends gathered at Hurlburt Field to honor Maj Randell Voas and Senior Master Sgt JB Lackey. The commander of Air Force Special Operations Command posthumously presented the Distinguished Flying Cross to Maj. Voas and Senior Master Sgt. Lackey during a ceremony here today for actions taken April 9, 2010, during a combat mission near Qalat, Afghanistan.

Mrs. Jill Voas, widow of Voas, a CV-22B pilot, and Mrs. Cassie Lackey, widow of Lackey, a CV-22B flight engineer, accepted the medals from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations at the Voas-Lackey Roundabout, named in honor of the two men, who were members of the 8th Special Operations Squadron here.

Voas and Lackey were critical to executing an emergency landing of their CV-22B, callsign Rooster 73. Their superior airmanship saved the lives of two crew and fourteen servicemembers aboard the aircraft.

1 servicemember and 1 interpreter, as well as Voas and Lackey, were killed in the mishap.

“Randy and JB did not have the option to sit back and let the situation unfold around them. They recognized the danger and through their expertise and their professionalism took action to lessen the impact of a compounding situation,” said Bauernfeind. “Every day that we put on our uniform, we stand on the shoulders of giants those who came before us paved the path we walk, including Randy and JB,” Bauernfeind added.

This is the second award for Lackey, who received a Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in combat in 2002.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the armed forces of the United States for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

“We are honored to recognize their exemplary airmanship, calmness during duress and dedication to our Joint Force. Maj. Voas’s and Senior Master Sgt. Lackey’s heroism and courage in the face of disaster is a shining example of the spirit and determination that we ask of all Air Commandos,” said Bauernfeind. “They are loved, greatly missed, and will never be forgotten.”

By Lucelia Ball

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Memorial, SOF | 2 Comments »

DAGGER ATHENA Addresses Barriers to Readiness with AFSOC Senior Leaders

Friday, May 17th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

On March 4-6, the Air Force Special Operations Command Women’s Initiatives Team hosted the third annual DAGGER ATHENA, named DA24, and outbrief the AFSOC commander and senior leaders.

Each year the WIT hosts an action event, known as DAGGER ATHENA, as a concentrated, rapid-action effort to solicit grassroots-identified barriers and propose actionable solutions by Air Commando from across the AFSOC enterprise.

DA24 kicked off with a leadership development event and barrier analysis workshop where the team of volunteers developed lines of effort based on the readiness barriers identified from across the AFSOC enterprise. The team consisted of Total Force Air Commandos from every AFSOC base, including guard, reserve, civilians, and spouses. Once LOEs were established, actionable solutions were developed.

Participants presented four LOEs they identified optimize Air Commando readiness as they continue to be force-multipliers to the joint force: pregnant Airman voluntary deployments, post-partum specialized case manager, cold weather gear and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and bladder relief and fitment issues for tactical vests. Fitment is gear or equipment purpose-built for a specific task or mission.

Some of the solutions, like obtaining a waiver to use the identified bladder relief device on all AFSOC aircraft, have been implemented because of the access to the proper approval authority on staff, while others require additional development.

“Each initiative briefed to the AFSOC commander focused on improving the readiness and lethality of our Airmen and we hope that by pathfinding solutions within AFSOC, we can share these best practices with our sister MAJCOMs to bring change to the entire Air Force,” said Master Sgt. Klarissa Mendonza, DA24 Senior Enlisted Leader.

Following the outbrief, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander, expressed his gratitude stating the briefers were exceptional across the board.

“DAGGER ATHENA is all about maximizing readiness,” he said. “We’ve got to knock these barriers down. As Air Commandos, we don’t have the luxury to not be ready as more is being asked of us.”

This year’s iteration of DAGGER ATHENA brought the proposed solutions into the AFSOC staffing process to ensure integration and normalizing the process of addressing identified barriers, ensuring success and longevity past DA24.

“These are not simply DAGGER ATHENA initiatives,” said Maj. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, AFSOC deputy commander. “We are normalizing these efforts into the staff process to deliver a more lethal, capable force and normalize taking care of Air Commandos. These are not women’s issues. These are Airmen’s issues. These are leadership issues.”

Speaking at the outbrief, DA24 co-lead, Maj. Samantha Lang said, “The AFSOC WIT and DAGGER ATHENA event began three years ago. Today we continue to march our efforts forward and have begun to normalize our integration with the AFSOC staff to continue barrier identification and ensure we maintain coordination through the staff process to sustain momentum, accountability and ultimately bolster Air Commando readiness and increase lethality.”

The AFSOC WIT is led by co-leads Lt. Col. Meghan O’Rourke and Maj. Kate Hewlett, Senior Enlisted Leader, Senior Master Sergeant Nicolette Newton, and Spouse Lead, Ms. Jenni Kain. DA24 was led by co-leads Maj. Monica Abongan, Maj. Samantha Lang and Master Sgt. Klarissa Mendonza.

The AFSOC WIT is a volunteer-based Barrier Analysis Working Group with Maj. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, serving as senior champion. The mission of the AFSOC WIT is to increase operational readiness, retention, and recruitment; reduce risk to force and risk to mission; and optimize resources.

Courtesy of Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, For the Ladies, Guest Post, SOF | 4 Comments »