Shield 25: Pinerolo, Rombo and Ranger test new digital capabilities
The 'Scudo 25' exercise, one of the most important field tests organised by the Italian Army, which involved numerous high-tech units, has recently come to an end. The exercise, which took place for over two weeks in Puglia, at the Torre di Nebbia polygon, was aimed at testing and perfecting the operational capabilities and innovative tools available to the Army. The activity ended with a ground operation conducted by a tactical group based 9th Infantry Regiment 'Bariwhich simulated an opposing party combat scenario (OPFOR).
One of the highlights of this exercise was the integration of the units of the 'Pinerolo' Brigade, the only fully digitised Brigade in the Italian Army. On this occasion, the forces of the 'Pinerolo' operated side by side with the 9th Cyber Security Department 'Rombo' and the 4th Paratrooper Regiment Alpini “Ranger”cooperation between digital, cyber and electromagnetic spectrum capabilities. This is a fundamental step for the Italian Army, which aims to perfect the use of advanced technologies in the context of military operations.
Cyber and technology for security and operational effectiveness
One of the greatest challenges in the modern era of military operations is managing the security of communications and systems used during combat. For this reason, the 9th 'Rombo' Department has fielded a tactical cyber-electronic bubble, an innovative system capable of protecting sensors, weapon systems and communication nodes.
This device played a crucial role in guaranteeing the security of the units involved, but also in enhancing the effectiveness of actions on the ground. Indeed, the operations took place in a context where contemporary warfare is characterised not only by the use of traditional means, such as tanks and trenches, but also by the intensive use of drones and cyber attacks. In this scenario, where technology is a key element, the Italian armed forces have developed solutions to deal with new threats from cyberspace.
General Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Army, emphasised the importance of these technologies, stating that 'technology is the glue of cooperation between modern combat units - obviously in an inter-force and multi-domain perspective - for the achievement of military objectives through, other things being equal, a superior engagement and defence capability'. The adoption of advanced cyber capabilities, combined with the use of drones and anti-drone defence systems, has shown how the security of operations can be enhanced by state-of-the-art technologies.
Cooperation between conventional units and Special Forces
Another key aspect of the 'Shield 25' exercise was the cooperation between conventional units and Special Forces. In this context, the 4th 'Ranger' Regiment operated a Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU), which was integrated into the broader conventional operations scenario. The ability to operate in synergy between conventional forces and Special Forces made it possible to test the effectiveness of modern Command and Control systems, which were fundamental to the success of the operation.
The deployment of AH-129D 'Mangusta' helicopters of the 7th Army Aviation Regiment 'Vega' provided the necessary support in Close Combat Attack operations, while remotely piloted vehicles and anti-drone defence systems were crucial in ensuring the control of the areas of operation. The use of satellite communication technologies based on artificial intelligence made it possible to manage logistics, communications and information in real time, increasing the effectiveness of operations on the ground.
The success of 'Shield 25' has thus demonstrated that technology is not just a supporting element, but an enabling factor for effective cooperation between digitised units. Advanced technological capabilities have enabled Italian forces to operate in a multi-armed and multi-domain context, improving threat response and optimising the use of available resources. In a world where military operations are increasingly influenced by technology, 'Scudo 25' marked a fundamental step towards the future of Italian Army operations.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
