NATO tests deployable tactical weapons system in Latvia
Xinhua, November 12, 2015 Adjust font size:
NATO tested its deployable tactical command and control weapons system DARS in Exercise Ramstein Dust II in Latvia, the security organization said in a press release Thursday.
NATO Deployable Air Command and Control Center's Recognized Air Picture Production Centre and Sensor Fusion Post, called DARS, has arrived in Latvia's Lielvarde air base last week after leaving its garrison location in Italy.
The exercise will allow DARS to connect with the Baltic air tactical data link network, and produce a recognized air picture for higher headquarters.
It is the first exercise the DARS has embarked from outside of its host nation, Italy. It continues until 27 November.
"It took many man hours and a great degree of cooperation from both the hosting Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) of host nation Latvia, and the deployed German radar team, to ensure connectivity on all fronts for DARS," said Col. Klaus Nolte, DARS director.
RADT II-15 exercise will test the DARS operators in conducting several live sorties with various assets, including Baltic Air Policing alert aircraft, according to NATO.
"We are here to prove ourselves, both operationally and technically, as a vital asset for NATO Air Command," Deployment Commander, Squadron Leader Rob Hames said. Endit