Page 75 - QDG Volume 9 No. 5

1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards Lethality Development
– the future is near
Lt Cav operations face an evolving
threat landscape, requiring innovation in
battle space management, intelligence
gathering, and interoperability. With elec-
tronic warfare (EW) threats on the rise,
the ability to securely pass timely and
accurate information about both physical
and human terrain becomes paramount.
This article examines solutions trialed
and proposed to enhance Lt Cav’s oper-
ational effectiveness, focusing on digital
situational awareness (DSA), intelligence
and information activities, interopera-
bility, and fires.
Currently units often rely on voice-only
communication for passing situational
updates, a practice increasingly vulner-
able to EW threats. To address this, B
Squadron trialed the Mantis Mobile
System, a digital solution installed on
issued burner phones over an LTE
network. This “fight tonight” capability
mimicked features of ATAK, used during
pre-deployment training on Ex Diamond-
back. Mantis significantly enhanced
situational awareness, enabling real-
time information sharing and reducing
the risk of compromise. Long-term solu-
tions lean toward integrating bearers like
the PRC-167, MPU5 or even Starlink for
reach-back communications.
The introduction of enhanced optics,
such as vehicle-mounted FTLRs, offers
a “fight tonight” solution to improve the
effectiveness of screens and enhance the
ability to collate, process, and dissemi-
nate actionable intelligence. During Op
CABRIT 15, Spy Point trial cameras were
also tested, showcasing their utility as a
stay-behind option. These solar-powered
cameras can operate autonomously for
months, providing long-term surveillance
in critical areas.
Furthermore, equipping each vehicle
with organic Unmanned Aerial Systems
(UAS) could revolutionize the Lt Cav’s
intelligence, surveillance, target acqui-
sition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR)
capabilities. Systems like the Parrot Anafi
UKR offer a cost-effective, off-the-shelf
solution for over-the-horizon intelligence,
especially when integrated with battle
space management tools like Mantis to
Fused Target Locator Reconnaissance –
a step change in Light Cavalry Capabiliy
The reality
share real-time imagery and video feeds.
Transitioning to a singular battle space
management tool, such as Mantis or
ATAK, could streamline interoperability,
enabling direct communication between
recce elements and follow-on forces.
Simplifying these processes ensures
timely situational updates and improves
multinational operational cohesion.
Enhancing Lt Cav’s capabilities
requires a multi-faceted approach
that leverages advanced technolo-
gies, improves intelligence systems,
and fosters interoperability. The trials
of systems like Mantis and Spy Point
cameras demonstrate the potential
for low-cost, high-impact solutions to
improve operational effectiveness. By
No one knows where any of
our shiny things have gone
A Jackal 3 – we don’t have these
depsite much promise from RHQ!
73
The present
Is this the future?
What we could have won
A Jackal Wolfram – it’s not real
addressing current limitations in commu-
nication, intelligence, and training, Lt
Cav can maintain its edge in the face of
modern threats.
TC
Future Mortars