Training pits pilots against patriot missile system

Published Dec. 12, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Pilots from Spangdahlem battled an advanced missile system Dec. 9, 2014, to up the ante on their capabilities as a fighter Squadron.

"The Army provided their patriot system to allow us to integrate them into our training scenario," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jarod Digeorge, 52nd Operation Support Squadron wing weapons and tactics. "They utilized an actual radar emitter with specific guidelines and rules of engagements that we were able to incorporate into a base defense scenario for our phased-base training program."

The training offered the 480th FS an opportunity to train in a real-world scenario using a working integrated air defense system.

"They've set up a joint engagement zone, and the 480th is going to simulate a suppression of enemy air defenses mission," said U.S. Army Capt. Jason Bryant, 88th Delta Battery commander. "The 480th FS will come in and try to engage our radar site to see the standoff area, how far they can be away, how far before they can be detected."

The 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 88th Delta Battery headquartered at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern conducted training here on the capabilities and limitations of AN/MPQ-65 radar system against the fighter squadron pilots.

The system was set up with the AN/MPQ-65 Radar, a mobile power plant and an engagement control station. The engagement control station can support more than six patriot missile launchers, which were not part of this training.

"Together with the Army, we were able to show that we could transition to a new environment and execute the mission," Digeorge said. "We developed this training scenario with minimal time and we were able to make it a successful training opportunity for both the 480th and the Army."

"What they could gain from this, they could find out capabilities of the aircraft they might not know about," Bryant said. "Or they might know about it and this training could help verify that capability."

The AN/MPQ-65 radar is responsible for searching, detecting, tracking and identifying potential threats. The training tested the capabilities of the radar and the 480th's F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft.

"In a real world-sortie, the 480th would not be operating alone," Digeorge said. "We would be fighting alongside our sister services and we need to know and understand how they operate. Our missions are so unique but it is critical that we can integrate our separate roles to achieve the commander's overall intent."

This is not the first time the Army and Air Force conducted this type of training, pitting pilots against surface to air missile systems. They train on regular basis improving their tactics, techniques and procedures. The partnerships shared with sister services and allies assist in being ready and to maintain regional stability.