Page 9 - Bugle Spring 2025

EX PANZERJÄGER 24
ANTI TANK CAPABILITIES FROM
THE UK AND GERMANY
September saw the reiteration of Exercise
PANZERJÄGER, a joint force deployment of
NATO allies coming together to enhance
anti-tanking capabilities. Over three weeks,
German and British anti-tankers conducted
dry and live firing exercises on Sailsbury
Plain Training Area (SPTA). The focus was on
interoperability, planning, and execution of
operations.
The first week of the exercise consisted
of dry firing serials, with British and German
forces conducting fire support to a raid, an
anti-armour ambush and mobile defence
against the enemy using Challenger 2.
After a quick turnaround both Riflemen
and Paratroopers deployed back onto the
ground for live firing. Day one consisted of
firing SPIKE missiles (the German’s anti-tank
guided weapon) before both forces turned
their attention to small arms. British soldiers
had the opportunity to fire the G36 and MG5
while the Germans tried their hand using
the SA80 and GPMG. The day ended with a
shooting competition with our Rfn being the
victors. Putting the competitive spirit to one
side, the two forces moved on to Live Firing
Tactical Training, carrying out combined arms
shoots with the dismounted troops conducting
a fighting withdrawal under support of the
20mm autocannon.
The final week began with a patrol
competition. Teams were given a 25km route to
follow with check points to test their soldering
ability and teamwork under pressure. After
moving to the start via CH47, teams were
released to carry out the patrol overnight.
Identifying armoured vehicles, battle damage
assessments on Challenger 2, and a military
escape room were some of the challenges
faced. Once recovered back to camp the teams
went into the final fitness event: a 5km march
carrying NLAWs, pushing Land Rovers and
moving with burdens.
While not the first time that the exercise
has taken place, it did include several firsts on
the training area. Firing SPIKE missiles and the
mounted 20mm autocannon was a novelty
for SPTA. Also, a first for the German Wiesel
armoured fighting vehicles deployed alongside
British troops on the Plain. The significance
of this was highlighted by the appearance
of both national and regional media to cover
the exercise and interview the Riflemen and
Paratroopers.
The exercise brought the two forces closer
together, enhancing tactical understanding
and friendship between Riflemen and
Paratroopers.
Capt Rob Treasure, OC Anti-Tank Pl
1 RIFLES
Deploying onto patrol
Rfn firing the German 20mm
autocannon mounted on the Wiesel
The exercise brought the two
forces closer together, enhancing
tactical understanding and
friendship between Riflemen
and Paratroopers
A unique partner force exercise
attracted a lot of attention
RIFLES The Bugle 9