The 9th MATC Steering Committee Meeting was held on 20th October 2021 at the Croatian military air-base Zemunik – Zadar, Croatia. The main SC meeting subjects were the new SC Chairman election, the Plan of Work (POW), MATC Multinational Budget (MMB) and MATC FIN Plan 2023 – 2025 approval.
As a new SC Chairman was voted BG Robert Tóth, SVK AF Commander, by SC members. The next regular SC meeting is agreed to be held in Slovakia in autumn 2022.
The status of the MATC Directorate was reported, followed by a summary of MATC’s training activities with a view to next year and possible future new training opportunities. The success of MATC MBAR project conducted in cooperation with participating nations MAAs and its continuation was emphasized.
Steering committee members were also informed about the status of the amendment to the MATC MoU, following work on a functional and convenient legal framework, such as the MATC Credit Mechanism and the VAT Refund System, aiming to allow simplified access to certain products provided through MATC.
The graduation ceremony for the specialists from Slovak aeronautical radio navigation service was held on the premises of the Multinational Aviation Training Centre (MATC) on Friday, November 12, 2021.
The MATC Airworthiness Officer awarded 7 successful course graduates with certificates and congratulated them on the results achieved.
All courses were hold in Czech language and were tailored to the requirements of Slovak Air Forces Military. The lectors of the Military Academy of Vyškov educated these courses with focus on ILS (Instrument Landing System) and DME (Distance Measuring Equipment).
The RL-4AM radiolocator course was extended to familization with radiolocator RL-2000.
The MATC representatives (Director and Airworthiness Officer) attended the Global Defence Helicopter in Warsaw, which was held in November 2021. The MATC main presented topics were differences between live and simulated training, and the second topic was aimed to clarify benefits of signed MBAR for MATC participants.
The first MATC Aviation and Airworthiness meeting after ceremonial signature of MBAR (Mutual Bilateral Airworthiness Recognition) in 2019 took place from 5th to 6th of October 2021 in Liptovský Mikuláš, the Slovak Republic. The meeting was organized by the MATC Directorate in coordination with the Slovak Military Aviation Authority (MAA).
In two days, subject-matter experts were discussing the following topics: – assessment of the MBAR current state, – the state of implementation of EMAR’s into the national environment, military regulations or decrees, – the process of recognition of national authorities by the NATO side (knowledge, experience, positives and negatives), – the current status of MATC – ongoing courses and outlook for the upcoming years.
Besides that, the meeting attendees had an opportunity to visit the simulation centre in Armed Forces Academy Liptovský Mikuláš.
After a long break caused by circumstances around Covid-19 illness, MATC successfully coordinated another run of a tactical simulated training for tactical pilots and C2/GCIs in the Tactical Simulation Centre (TSC), Pardubice AB, Czech Republic in the term 12-16 July 2021. The training was focused again on the Counter Air Operations (CAO) training in peace, crises and wartime. A multinational training audience was assembled of both rookies and experienced pilots and C2/GCIs from the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia. The training was exceptionally well-supported by assistance of Subject-Matter Experts (SME) from the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) from Albacete, Spain, and the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) from Kalkar, Germany.
The MATC CAO Tactical Simulated Training is a specific training based on NATO standards, which reflects all required training needed for NATINAMDS/QRA pilots and C2/GCIs. The Training contributes significantly to the regional and NATO interoperability. The regional interoperability is enhanced by this kind of training by providing opportunity for pilots and C2/GCIs to train and interact in international environment during cross-border operations. The greatest benefit of this training is secured by the support of TLP and JAPCC specialists, who contribute to both Academic and Practical phase of this training.
MATC plans to run this kind of training, which would be focused on Counter Air OPS (AP, DCA, BVR tactics), again for second half of this year in the TSC Pardubice AB, Czech Republic.
The 1st 2020 MATC Training Conference was held from 3rd to 5th March 2020 in Olomouc, Czech Republic. During this Conference, the Participants had an opportunity to visit two of CZE tactical simulation centres belonging to MATC Training Facility Pool: HTP (Helicopter Training Point) Ostrava CZ, and TSC (Tactical Simulation Center) Pardubice.
The main topic of the conference was an application of Distributed Training (DT) (Simulation delivery), where MATC currently investigates, supported by GAF SCC (Simulation Control Center) and WPC/DTC (Warrior Preparation Center/Distributed Training Center), a possible way for MATC Tactical Simulation Facilities´ involvement into the Distributed Training network.
What DT means: “Distributed training is an instructional model that allows instructor, trainees, and content to be located in different, noncentralized locations so that instruction and training can occur independent of place” (Wikipedia).
Firstly, MATC has to coordinate an analysis concerning means and expenses needed for a DT connectivity establishment. Secondary, if such expenses are in balance with a training value. To be honest, based on the interview below, it is possible to express that DT has a justification to be incorporated in the simulation training system of MATC both rotary and fixed wing air crews in the future.
The SMEs experienced in DT were invited for the MATC Training Conference in order to establish close cooperation with MATC and its tactical simulation facilities´ managers, additionally also to contribute with their knowledge to MATC DT analysis start up. To what extent the MATC DT would be developed depends on MATC nations´ training needs regarding a cooperation with NATO and other partners.
The Interview with 1st2020 MATC Training Conference participants
We interviewed subject-matter experts, who participated on 1st 2020 MATC Training Conference, for their personal opinion regarding Distributed Training (DT):
LtCol Oliver Schmidt,
Head of GAF Simulation Control Center,
Cologne, Germany
Sir, which personal experience with DT you have and where you see DT´s main benefit?
LtCol Oliver Schmidt: Distributed Training is the core task of my Center. We create a virtual training area where soldiers in their different weapon system simulators can exercise jointly from their respective unit’s home location. Thus, they prepare for complex missions, gain a deeper understanding of the character and limitations of other participants´ systems and learn to fight successfully. The approach is to move information, not people.
What is usually the main obstacle for a NATO member country which would perform a first DT project?
LtCol Oliver Schmidt: So far, we have encountered a wide variety of obstacles – incompatibility of data transmission formats, lacking access to a network in the respective security domain, uncertified bandwidth, no match of crypto devices and keys, missing national and network accreditation, failed device synchronization, non-availability of object models, faulty projection of weapons impact into federated systems, non-establishment of fair fight conditions and many others. It is hard to say which one is the main hurdle. However, one thing is clear: Eventually we’ll pass over it.
LtCol Christian Reichel,
Bundeswehr HSG 64 LTGrp Sim Ausb,
Bückeburg, Germany
MATC Reporter: Sir, do you have any positive experience with DT regarding your aviation simulation centers?
LtCol Christian Reichel: Yes, our experience with DT has been a good one. DT is easier to set up/organize and with less overhead when compared to real life exercises, driving up the benefit to cost ratio. There are, however, aspects to keep in mind prior to training, such as ensuring a stable network connection and database correlation. These are required to achieve a good training session.
MATC Reporter: From your point of view, if it is possible in the future, would you see any benefit in mutual GAF/Bundeswehr – MATC participants helicopter crews on-line training?
LtCol Christian Reichel: Personally, I believe the benefit for a joint DT session between GAF/Bundeswehr and MATC to be quite significant. This activity allows us to share and exchange experiences within the European military helicopter community, which is already being done since several years through real life exercises (Blade – Exercise) in context of the Helicopter Training Program of the European Defence Agency.
Mr. Rolf T. Breier,
USAFE Warrior Preparation Center (WPC),
Distributed Training Center/OLI-Operations Lead Integrator- Exercise Director,
Einseidlerhof, Germany
MATC Reporter: Sir, from your point of view, could you specify some of the most significant advantages of a DT?
Mr. Rolf T. Breier: Distributed training (DT) allows war fighters to train with large numbers of entities over an area size and distance that could not be accomplished over an actual country or coalition’s borders. It allows the white force (or exercise director) to control friendly unit tasking while managing the level of the enemy threat presentation over an actual, depicted, regional theatre database.
From a leadership perspective DT allows government observers and military leaders a high situational awareness view of their air/sea/land assets on the modern battlefield. Obviously, there are huge cost savings in synthetic blended training (virtual and constructive) over using and wearing out actual equipment. DT’s inherent safety benefits totally protect live personnel and preserve actual assets for future conflict or training.
MATC Reporter: Which DT (exercises) does your WPC support?
Mr. Rolf T. Breier: The WPC squadrons support over 100 exercises per year from EUCOM, NATO, USAFE/AFRICOM, coalition, and Partners for Peace at all Tier1-4 levels. At the Tier 3 and 4 levels, The DTC runs six to twelve 4-day Spartan Series exercises per year that concentrate on multinational/multiservice unit specific training. These various type exercises emphasize achieving tactical training objectives while practising mission planning, coordination, and execution.
Note: The WPC will soon become the USAFE/AFRICOM Warfare Center as it grows to meet future training requirements!
MATC Reporter: Based on your personal experience, how your WPC might support NATO members which firstly joining the NATO DT system?
Mr. Rolf T. Breier: The WPC DTC facilitates a mature Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) that runs through 3 planning conferences, 1-2 weeks of testing followed by a week-long exercise and operational/technical debrief. This process is continually supported throughout by experienced subject-matter experts specializing in operations, technical, network, and communications support.
This is an exciting time for Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training and 4th/5th Generation aircraft integration. We at the “new” Warfare Center love exercises and look forward to a more robust “distributed” future that might include space, cyber, and beyond?!
Col Mario Pleša,
Croatian AF HQ Representative,
Zagreb, Croatia
MATC Reporter: Sir, from your point of view, how you can determine the main benefit of a possible DT between MATC and NATO partners´ simulation facilities?
Col Mario Pleša: From my point of view, first of all for smaller countries developing specialized training facilities only for they own need is too expensive and does not serve the purpose of making trading chipper and affordable. Secondly, distributing training have mutual benefits, for nation simulation facility becomes profitable or less expensive therefore more can be invested in further development, and for user nations becomes affordable and more nation funds can be addressed for development of other nation training needs which as well can be offered for DT. Thirdly, exchange of this nature in between partners is strengthening alliance and our interoperability, for we all use and practice same doctrine, tactics and procedures and all partners are aware of each other abilities and level of training.
MATC Reporter: MATC manages the Counter Air OPS (CAO) Training in Tactical Simulation Center (TSC) Pardubice, which is supported by TLP SMEs. Based on the survey, which was held on 4th March 2020, of this MATC simulation facility, where you can see a potential of in the future possible CAO DT and a possible on-line connectivity with NATO partners?
Col Mario Pleša: Training as in TSC Pardubice, not only for pilots but for interceptor controllers as well, in controlled environment, where any situation can be created (matter of scenario/mission creator imagination or nation training request), rehearsed and practiced without all the aircraft running expenses, airspace reservations, long term planning etc. and involved risk of mishaps is invaluable. Lunching countless and different types of missiles and evaluation during mission is just not possible in a real life. TSC Pardubice makes it possible and affordable. On-line connectivity with NATO partners brings it up to a different level and creates an environment for large simulator based exercises, as US WPC (Warrior Preparation Centre) has already developed in so-called “Spartan series” exercises. As they say, it is “way ahead”.
Mr. Miloš Pecha (Lt Col ret.),
HTP Ostrava CZ, Manager of Tactical Training,
Ostrava-Mošnov, Czech Republic
MATC Reporter: Sir, do you admit that your Helicopter Tactical Simulation Center would consider any possibility for DT in the future in order to train on-line MATC rotary wing crews with other NATO partners?
Mr. Miloš Pecha: Our training centre is fully supporting any effort in multi-platform distributed simulation training. We have been discussing this topic with our current and potential customers since the beginning of the tactical training delivery in 2016. MATC provides the optimal consultation framework to continue the multinational discussions on connectivity issues and potential distributed synthetic training delivery.
MATC Reporter: What is your opinion regarding to a possible comparison and verification of rotary wing crews´ training standards via a DT?
Mr. Miloš Pecha: Real time functional distributed simulated training undoubtedly provides higher level of interoperability and very effective experience exchange. It also brings higher demands on synchronization of mission planning conduct as well as technical functionality. Any distributed training effort needs to be well coordinated with the clearly defined criteria to deal with the existing various levels of tactical preparedness among the NATO/PfP nations. This could be done by establishing an DT authority, composed by the coalition of NATO/PfP nations participating in DT.
MATC Reporter: Which sort of tactical simulation Training you would like to execute with NATO partners, if your facility is capable for that?
Mr. Miloš Pecha: Having purpose-built helicopter tactical simulator in place and more important – having the Qualified Helicopter Tactical Instructor cadre in HTP Ostrava, the tactical simulation training would continue by the way we currently provided, with adding the new dimension – real time interaction with other units around the world. That way of training would speed up the tactical procedures’ standardization process enormously. With having DT system available, we would focus on training complex COMAO scenarios.
Thank you for the interview!
(The MATC web page article is based on personal view and experience)
The graduation ceremony for the specialists from Slovakian aeronautical radio navigation service was held at the Multinational Aviation Training Centre (MATC) premises on Friday, March 8, 2019. The MATC director together with representatives from the Military Academy awarded 13 successful course graduates with certificates and congratulated them on the results achieved. The Course was specially tailored for SVK Aviation Specialists and has been provided in the Czech language. The Course consisted of only the Academic part. The current courses were extended for specialists of the power supply systems for radio navigation equipment. Based on the continuing requirements for realizing the next courses both states agreed to continue with courses focused on ILS (Instrument Landing System), DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), RL-4 (Radiolocator) and the power supply systems for radio navigation equipment. The main objective is retaining successful cooperation between the Czech Air Force and the Slovakian Air Force.
On Friday 15th February 2019 was successfully finished the 9th Operational English Language Course for RW (Rotary Wing) Door Gunners, Flight Engineers, and Pilots (OELC-DG/FE/P-9). The course lasted from 21st January till 15th February 2019 and was held in the facility of the Helicopter Training Point (HTP) in Ostrava – Mošnov, Czech Republic.
This traditional, very useful and popular four-week language training is coordinated by MATC (Multinational Aviation Training Centre) and besides crew from Czech Air Force participated also crews from Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia. The course was instructed by two experienced British Qualified Helicopter Tactics Instructors (QHTI) and was focused on operational English language training with the aim to unify and standardize English terminology used by NATO aircrews to increase mutual interoperability among member states.
The MATC representatives attended the 20th AAT PTC Conference (Air Advisory Team Pre-deployment Training Course) which was held in Budapest, Hungary from 4th to 6th of November 2018. The main purpose of the MATC presence there was an endeavour to find possible ways for mutual international training continuation. All participants have agreed on the importance of such cooperation in the future to keep once established close cooperation and have promised to make an effort to enhance desired interoperability.
The first Mutual Bilateral Airworthiness Recognition (MBAR) conference after MATC activation as NATO Military Body took place in the DAP hotel in Prague from 4th to 5th December 2018. The event was attended by the Military Aviation Authorities (MAA) directors representing the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, and the Slovak Republic as well as by the MATC Director. The participants signed the joint bilateral documents in order to prolong MBAR certificates of procedures, rules in training the aircrews and maintenance personnel in the scope of MATC elements to 31st of December 2019.
In addition, this act has simultaneously confirmed successful mutual cooperation among the Czech, Croatian, Hungarian, and Slovakian MAAs not only for the benefit of the MATC but also, in a broad scope, for an exchange of lessons-learned and further harmonization of procedures applied in the air forces of individual participating countries.
