Elbit Systems UK’s Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer (JFST) has officially achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC). JFST provides immersive training utilising state-of-the-art simulation to provide real-time training for British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel who integrate Joint Fires, including both surface-to-surface and air-to-surface fires. Successfully integrated at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill, and the Air Ground Operations School (formerly Joint Forward Air Control Training and Standardisation Unit) at RAF Leeming, JFST has delivered over 4700 hours of training.
“We are delighted to have worked in close collaboration with DE&S and ESUK to develop and deploy such a highly capable synthetic environment which is a game changer for Joint Fires training,”Richard Smart, the Joint Effects Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for JFST said.
“This is an important milestone in the delivery of such a complex project. Elbit Systems UK is delighted to have delivered IOC. We look forward to the opportunities and benefits JFST will continue to bring to the UK MOD and our Allies,”Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said.
Having been deployed at these sites since 2022, over 300 service personnel have been trained from both the British and Allied forces, including those preparing for immediate front-line deployments. The Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill has five operational systems in place, including an armoured capability provided by the mounted version of the trainer. Three systems are in operation at AGOS of which two are simulator domes providing 270-degree vision, resulting in a high fidelity, immersive training experience.
As part of the IOC process, Interim Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) accreditation in accordance with US and NATO JTAC regulations has been conducted by the UK Joint Air Land Organisation (JALO). It is envisaged that the US and NATO Combined Standardisation Team will conduct validation and subsequently issue full accreditation on their visit to the UK in November 2023. The Elbit Systems UK open architecture which underpins the entire JFST will allow integration to enable joint coalition and partner exercises, as well as customisation for potential export customers.
Elbit Systems UK Ltd. holds three wholly owned subsidiaries as well as two joint ventures. In total, over 600 personnel are employed by the Elbit Systems UK companies in the UK, in high tech roles in the defence, aerospace and rail sectors. The two joint ventures were formed in order to deliver the Watchkeeper programme for the British Army and to supply and support three fleets of aircraft within the UK MOD Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) programme. Elbit Systems UK is an established supplier to the UK Armed Forces, participating in several major Defence programmes such as MEWSIC Increment 1 and the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer.
