JFSTs will deliver groundbreaking capabilities

HENSOLDT has been awarded a contract by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw to supply the equipment for the so-called dismounted Joint Fire Support Teams (JFSTs). Following the successful demonstration of the system’s capabilities – developed by HENSOLDT – in a previous contract, the series order has now been placed. The dismounted JFSTs will deliver groundbreaking capabilities for multi-domain operations.​

The dismounted Joint Fire Support Team (JFST) project involves equipping Joint Terminal Attack Controllers / Joint Forward Observers (JTAC/JFO), whose task is to request and direct close air support (CAS) for ground forces, as well as indirect artillery fire.

As the prime contractor, HENSOLDT is responsible not only for the procurement of equipment for the dismounted Joint Fire Support Teams but also for the complete integration work and the development of the software component for Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DaCAS). The software ensures the digital link between the JTAC and the aircraft. This also includes the integration of a video downlink system, which ensures the transmission of video data from the aircraft to the JFST. In this way, the tried-and-tested ‘man-in-the-loop’ concept is transferred from the air to the ground.

To enable the requesting of ground-based, indirect fire, the C4 and fire support system software “ADLER III” is fully integrated into the dismounted JFST.

This is complemented by modern communication systems and intelligent power supply and networking solutions. Corresponding electro-optical sensors for target measurement and laser target designators are also integrated. Last but not least, the field-ready design of the carrying system for accommodating the system components – with regard to weight distribution, cable routing and their ergonomically optimal arrangement – was also part of the specification for the dismounted JFST.

The delivery of the dismounted Joint Fire Support Teams strengthens the Bundeswehr’s capability for multi-domain operations within the framework of national and alliance defence.

HENSOLDT online