The “SFIDA 24” exercise (Digitized Indirect Fire Artillery System) has concluded, which saw the “Pinerolo” brigade engaged for over three weeks, at the occasional shooting range of Torre di Nebbia.
The large combat unit, the only one capable of operating in a completely digitalized environment, has deployed its dependent regiments, with the integration of highly technological assets from across the Armed Forces.
During the exercise a Operational Integration Session (SIO) of the Joint Digital Indirect Fire Support System (JDIFSS), a system of command and control (C2) for the digitalized and integrated management of indirect fire support of the land and naval components.
This activity represents the last project in the process of finalizing the “Forza NEC” program, which will allow, in the future, the digital management of all indirect fire weapon systems.
The brigade command Pinerolo It was divided into two digitalised multi-weapon tactical groups, based on the 82nd infantry regiment "Turin" and the 21st land artillery regiment "Trieste", reinforced with specialist assets from the artillery command, specifically the fire targeting and info ops center (CFTIO), as the reference body for the development of the JDIFSS, in addition to personnel and weapon systems drawn from the training regiment and the 5th land artillery regiment “Superga”.
The activity was developed through the conduct of different tactical activities, in an operational context warfighting, managing to exploit all the advantages generated by digitalisation in exercising the command and control function.
The maneuver integrated assets from the 41st “Cordenons” regiment with mini UAV (unmanned vehicle) STRIX DF assets which ensured observation of the “battlefield” and from the 232nd Avellino transmission regiment which provided satellite connections, ensuring the full efficiency of all the IT services necessary for carrying out the exercise.
The “CHALLENGE 24” has allowed us to conclude, through the Operational Integration Session, the technical-tactical testing campaign of the JDIFSS, conceived, organized and conducted by the IV logistics department of the Army General Staff and to verify the ability to integrate into the digitalized architecture of the “Pinerolo” brigade, through initial interoperability with the C2 “Imperio” system.
Furthermore, a control room at the 'Integration Test Bed (ITB) of the Army simulation and validation center (Ce.Si.Va.), with the aim of providing technical-operational support to the brigade personnel Pinerolo on digital systems of command and control.
The commander of the South Operating Forces, Army Corps General Angelo Michele Ristuccia, who expressed words of appreciation towards the personnel trained for the high level of preparation achieved and for the ability to operate with technologically advanced systems, highlighting how today, all other factors being equal, the winner is the one who has technological superiority, together with trained and educated soldiers, since even the most advanced technology must always be understood as a tool, never as an end.