Photo File: Here comes the KSK

The air base Faßberg was again the meeting point for fans of the colorful vehicles and aircraft of the Bundeswehr on this year's "Day of the Bundeswehr." Among other things, the Special Forces Command demonstrated its skills with a larger presence. In an impressive demonstration on Saturday starting at 3 PM, the specialized forces convinced the large audience and showcased the complex interaction between soldiers and technology. For the first time, the combined use of NH 90, H 145 M, and CH 53 in such a tight space could be seen.Our regular photographers from the Spotter site “www.spotter.photo” were once again on-site this year and delivered an impressive series of photos. It's rare to get this close to the soldiers of this special unit.In addition to the static exhibition of vehicles and aircraft and the numerous dynamic demonstrations of the Bundeswehr's range of operational vehicles, the show on the "Hostage Rescue" by soldiers of the 2nd Company of the Special Forces Command from Calw was one of the highlights of the event.

Exercise Scenario: In the crisis country XYZ, a German citizen was kidnapped by forces of a militia unit and taken to an initially unknown location. After the location was identified by intelligence services, the KSK was tasked with rescuing the hostage.Exercise Location: The building complex (represented by stacked containers) where the hostage was held was visible to thousands of spectators at a distance of about 300 meters on an open area.Course of Action: Due to strong winds at the drop altitude, the HALO - High Altitude Low Opening - jump of the first commando team from a CH 53 GS helicopter was temporarily canceled, and the soldiers were dropped directly at the deployment site as Plan B. They were secured by snipers who had infiltrated beforehand.The assault team quickly and with only brief gunfire made its way through the rooms. Individual doors had to be opened with cutting tools and small explosive charges. A fleeing militiaman was subdued and tackled to the ground by the K9 dog accompanying the team. With a steep approach angle, a tactical medium-sized transport aircraft of the type C160 Transall landed in the immediate vicinity and deployed a series of fast, heavily armed operational vehicles.Startled by the unusual events at the "hostage house," the militia members now regrouped in small groups and vehicles to confront the commando. Immediately, strong fire from the 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns on the two SERVAL vehicles of the KSK was directed at them. The attacking vehicles were ultimately stopped by the RGW 90 anti-tank weapon carried on the ATV.A team of KSK soldiers surrounded the hostage and escorted them to the waiting H 145 M helicopter. For the evacuation of the wounded soldier, an NH90 with appropriate emergency equipment landed to provide initial medical care on the return flight. The demonstration received great applause from the audience. The Faßberg air base alone welcomed over 30,000 visitors on that day.Currently, the reconnaissance and combat vehicle (AGF) SERVAL from Mercedes is still in use as a group vehicle and mother ship, but there are already discussions about procuring a new one as the lack of mine protection has been a significant drawback in Afghanistan.The highly adaptable ATV Yamaha Kodiak 400 serves as a "pack mule" for the signaler and medic (up to 150kg payload possible) carrying extensive radio equipment, anti-tank weapons, as well as stretchers and rescue sheets.The primary task of the light multi-purpose helicopter H 145 M from Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) is the rapid insertion of the commando soldiers, but it can also provide significant covering fire with a considerable weapon payload.NH90 in the Forward Air MedEvac (Medical Evacuation) configuration. The second aircraft remains in the air as a security component (with MG3 and/or M3M).