RAF Deploys Inflatable SAM Replicas for Advanced Pilot Training
The Royal Air Force has introduced the "Sting" system, using inflatable replica surface-to-air missile sites and electronic emitters to simulate enemy air defenses for pilot training. Delivered by Draken, the rapidly deployable system was demonstrated near Saltburn by the Sea, Teesside. It integrates with the Phantom Sky range control for real-time response, supporting suppression of enemy air defenses training for fourth and fifth generation aircraft. Air Commodore Steve Berry called it a significant step in responding to evolving threats.
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RAF introduces inflatable SAM sites for pilot training
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has deployed a new ground-based threat simulation system called Sting, using inflatable replica surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and electronic emitters to train combat pilots. Delivered by long-term training partner Draken, the system creates simulated enemy air defenses for pilots flying fourth and fifth generation aircraft. A demonstration near Saltburn by the Sea, attended by senior RAF commanders, featured a large inflatable Buk-style SAM replica. The Sting system integrates with Draken's Phantom Sky range control, allowing real-time response and assessment. It supports suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) training and can replicate various modern SAM systems. Air Commodore Steve Berry of the RAF's Air and Space Warfare Centre called it a significant step in responding to evolving threats. The capability is part of the RAF's Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service contract, providing multi-domain adversary training for the RAF and allied nations.
UK Defence JournalRAF introduces inflatable SAM sites for pilot training
The Royal Air Force has introduced a new ground-based threat simulation capability called Sting, using inflatable replica surface-to-air missile systems and electronic emitters to prepare combat pilots for modern air defence environments. Delivered by long-term training partner Draken, the system creates simulated enemy air defences for pilots flying fourth and fifth generation aircraft. The Sting system is rapidly deployable, can replicate various modern SAM systems, and integrates with Draken's Phantom Sky range control system for real-time response. A demonstration near Saltburn by the Sea was attended by senior RAF commanders. Air Commodore Steve Berry of the RAF's Air and Space Warfare Centre said the capability marks a significant step in responding to evolving threats. The system is part of the RAF's Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service contract and Draken's broader Red Force adversary training model.
UK Defence JournalRAF using inflatable SAM sites for pilot training
The Royal Air Force has introduced a new ground-based threat simulation capability using inflatable replica surface-to-air missile systems and electronic emitters to prepare combat pilots for modern air defence environments. The system, known as Sting and delivered by long-term training partner Draken, creates simulated enemy air defences for pilots flying fourth and fifth generation aircraft. Imagery shows a large inflatable replica of a Buk-style SAM system deployed near Saltburn by the Sea, where a demonstration was held with senior RAF commanders. Each Sting system is rapidly deployable and can replicate various modern SAM systems, including threat emitters and rotators. It integrates with Draken’s Phantom Sky range control system for real-time response. Air Commodore Steve Berry of the RAF’s Air and Space Warfare Centre called it a significant step in responding to evolving threats. The capability is part of the RAF’s Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service contract and Draken’s broader Red Force adversary training model.
UK Defence JournalRAF introduces inflatable SAM sites for pilot training
The Royal Air Force has deployed a new ground-based threat simulation system called Sting, using inflatable replica surface-to-air missile systems and electronic emitters to train combat pilots. Delivered by long-term training partner Draken, the system was demonstrated near Saltburn by the Sea, Teesside, with senior RAF commanders present. Sting can replicate various modern SAM systems, including Buk-style launchers, and integrates with Draken's Phantom Sky range control for real-time, reactive threat environments. The capability supports suppression of enemy air defenses training and is part of the RAF's Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service contract. Air Commodore Steve Berry of the RAF's Air and Space Warfare Centre called it a significant step in responding to evolving threats, enabling crews to train against credible adversaries. The system is rapidly deployable, reconfigurable, and can be networked to simulate integrated air defense networks.
UK Defence JournalRAF introduces inflatable SAM sites for pilot training
The Royal Air Force has deployed a new ground-based threat simulation system called Sting, using inflatable replica surface-to-air missile systems and electronic emitters to train combat pilots. Delivered by long-term training partner Draken, the system creates simulated enemy air defenses for fourth and fifth generation aircraft. A demonstration near Saltburn by the Sea featured a large inflatable Buk-style SAM system. The Sting system is rapidly deployable, integrates with Draken's Phantom Sky range control for real-time responses, and can replicate various modern SAM systems. Air Commodore Steve Berry of the RAF's Air and Space Warfare Centre stated the capability marks a significant step in responding to evolving threats. The system is part of the RAF's Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service contract, providing integrated multi-domain adversary training to the RAF and allied nations.
UK Defence JournalRAF introduces Sting system for enhanced combat pilot training realism
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has implemented a new training system named Sting to help frontline pilots prepare for modern air defence threats. The system creates highly simulated enemy air defences, allowing pilots operating fourth and fifth generation aircraft to practice identifying, reacting to, and overcoming potential threats in live scenarios. Sting was recently demonstrated to senior RAF commanders at Saltburn by the Sea, near Teesside. The system was delivered by Draken, the RAF's long-term training provider, and integrated with its Phantom Sky range control system for real-time dynamic training. Sting is included in the RAF's Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service (IMSORTS) contract, which provides integrated multi-domain adversary training for the RAF and partner nations. Air Commodore Steve Berry called the capability a significant step in responding to current and evolving threats.
Airforce TechnologyRAF introduces Sting system for enhanced combat pilot training realism
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has implemented a new training system named Sting to help frontline pilots prepare for modern air defence threats. Sting creates highly simulated enemy air defences, allowing pilots operating fourth and fifth generation aircraft to practice identifying, reacting to, and overcoming potential threats in live scenarios. The system was recently demonstrated to senior RAF commanders at Saltburn by the Sea, near Teesside. Draken, the RAF's long-term training provider, delivered Sting and integrated it with its Phantom Sky range control system, enabling real-time responses and a dynamic training environment. The system is part of the RAF's Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service (IMSORTS) contract, which provides integrated multi-domain adversary training for the RAF and partner nations. Air Commodore Steve Berry called the introduction a significant step in responding to current and evolving threats.
Airforce TechnologyRAF introduces Sting system for enhanced combat pilot training realism
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has implemented a new training system named Sting to help frontline pilots prepare for modern air defence threats. Sting creates highly simulated enemy air defences, allowing pilots operating fourth and fifth generation aircraft to practice identifying, reacting to, and overcoming potential threats in live scenarios. The system was recently demonstrated at Saltburn by the Sea near Teesside in the presence of senior RAF commanders. Draken, the RAF's long-term training provider, delivered Sting and integrated it with its Phantom Sky range control system, enabling real-time responses and a dynamic training environment. The system is part of the RAF's Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service (IMSORTS) contract, which provides integrated multi-domain adversary training for the RAF and partner nations. Air Commodore Steve Berry called the introduction a significant step in responding to current and evolving threats.
Airforce TechnologyRAF introduces Sting system for enhanced combat pilot training realism
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has implemented a new training system named Sting to help frontline pilots prepare for modern air defence threats. Sting creates highly simulated enemy air defences, allowing pilots operating fourth and fifth generation aircraft to practice identifying, reacting to, and overcoming potential threats in live scenarios. The system was recently demonstrated at Saltburn by the Sea near Teesside in the presence of senior RAF commanders. Draken, the RAF's long-term training provider, delivered Sting and integrated it with its Phantom Sky range control system, enabling real-time responses and a dynamic training environment. The system is part of the RAF's Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Service (IMSORTS) contract, which provides integrated multi-domain adversary training for the RAF and partner nations. Air Commodore Steve Berry called the introduction a significant step in responding to current and evolving threats.
Airforce Technology