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).

Una delle principali novità di questa esercitazione è stata l’integrazione delle unità della Brigata “Pinerolo”, unica Brigata completamente digitalizzata dell’Esercito Italiano. In questa occasione, le forze della “Pinerolo” hanno operato fianco a fianco con il 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

Una delle sfide più grandi nell’era moderna delle operazioni militari è la gestione della sicurezza delle comunicazioni e dei sistemi utilizzati durante i combattimenti. Per questo motivo, il 9° Reparto “Rombo” ha messo in campo una bolla tattica cyber-elettronica, un sistema innovativo in grado di proteggere sensori, sistemi d’arma e nodi di comunicazione.

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

Un altro aspetto fondamentale dell’esercitazione “Scudo 25” è stata la cooperazione tra unità convenzionali e Forze Speciali. In questo contesto, il 4° Reggimento “Ranger” ha operato con una Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU), integrata nel più ampio scenario delle operazioni convenzionali. La capacità di operare in sinergia tra forze convenzionali e forze speciali ha permesso di testare l’efficacia dei moderni sistemi di Comando e Controllo, che sono stati fondamentali per la buona riuscita dell’operazione.

L’impiego degli elicotteri AH-129D “Mangusta” del 7° Reggimento Aviazione dell’Esercito “Vega” ha fornito il supporto necessario nelle operazioni di Close Combat Attack, mentre i mezzi a pilotaggio remoto e i sistemi di difesa anti-drone sono stati cruciali nel garantire il controllo delle aree di operazione. L’utilizzo di tecnologie di comunicazione satellitare basate su intelligenza artificiale ha permesso di gestire la logistica, le comunicazioni e l’informazione in tempo reale, aumentando l’efficacia delle operazioni sul terreno.

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.

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/conclusa-esercitazione-scudo-25-250424.aspx