NZ Army coastal operations supported by new tactical communication system

Alpha Company, 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, has completed Exercise Alpha Dracula, which was based on a fictional counter gunrunning scenario in a Pacific nation, which involved the High Readiness Task Unit (HRTU) inserting via Zodiac Inflatable Boat before heading into the hills to locate and secure a weapon-smuggling camp. 

HRTU Officer Commanding, Major Jono Healey, said being able to successfully move forces by boat was a vital means of ensuring NZDF can get ‘boots on the ground’ to secure and hold points of entry, even in areas difficult to access.

The ability to rapidly deploy soldiers into high-risk or complex environments was increasingly important given the unstable global environment, he said. 

“It’s critical that we train together so we can fight together at short notice while coordinating all HRTU elements – infantry, combat engineers, signals, reconnaissance, snipers, medics, and drones.”

The potentially varied nature of HRTU taskings meant the unit needed to be highly skilled at all forms of insertion – by sea, land and air – and be able to operate seamlessly with other units. 

“This is the first time we’ve carried out exercises in a coastal environment in the last 12 months. Throughout the exercise I was impressed by the determination of the team and the way they worked together to overcome significant challenges.  They showed great adaptability and resilience executing what was a pretty complex task,” Major Healey said. 

Another key feature of the exercise was the use of modern tactical communications systems to support command and control and improve situational awareness throughout the activity.

The Mobile Tactical Command System, introduced by the Network Enabled Army programme was used, allowing commanders on the water and ashore to track the location of their teams and share orders and information remotely and securely. 

Land Development and Systems Integration Lead, Captain Sam McQuillan, said feedback from the exercise had been very positive, with the new tactical communications system significantly improving communication and visibility between commanders and soldiers.

“Through the new system, every soldier is equipped with a modern tactical radio, while commanders use military-grade smart devices that provide a clearer picture of what is happening across the area of operations,” Captain McQuillan said.

“This allows commanders to understand where their teams are, communicate changes quickly and share information reliably. The most consistent feedback from the exercise has been the improvement in communication between commanders and soldiers.”

Captain McQuillan said over the past six months there had been significant growth in soldiers’ confidence and trust in the system. 

“We've now seen that this new communication system will do what we need it to do and has the ability to scale further across all of Army. Going forward, our goal is to use this communications network alongside our key partners, including Australia, at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2027.”