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<\/a> From April 21 to 22, the 5-4 ADA, alongside the Romanian \u201cSky Defenders\u201d air defense unit, engaged aerial targets side by side. The fire support coordination exercise, a live-fire exercise, was designed to incorporate direct fire, indirect fire, air defense, and attack aviation, involving multiple NATO Allies and Partners. This exercise developed integrated air and missile defense and provided an opportunity to showcase the U.S. Army\u2019s newest air defense platform, the M-SHORAD, with its multiple capabilities to support maneuver forces.<\/p>\n \u201cOur mission during this exercise was to enhance our tactical interoperability while also forging new personal and professional relationships with our NATO Allies,\u201d said U.S. Army Capt. Paul Zavislak, Charlie Battery 5-4 commander. \u201cThere were many opportunities that tested interoperability during this exercise. But that\u2019s why we train this way, as by training together in a tough and realistic environment we improve our capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to developing integrated air and missile defense with NATO Allies, the exercise provided an opportunity to showcase the U.S. Army\u2019s most modern short-range air defense capability. Not only does the M-SHORAD have increased maneuverability compared to previous short-range air defense platforms, but it can also fire Stinger missiles, 30 mm rounds, or 7.62 mm rounds to provide protection and support to ground forces from aerial threats.<\/p>\n \u201cFor us, engaging the targets with our Gepard and the M-SHORAD was a new experience. We enjoyed working together with other air defenders,\u201d said Romanian Lt. Alexandru, spokesperson for the Romanian air defense.<\/p>\n This was the first time in history that the M-SHORAD and the Romanian Gepard fired together. The Gepard is a German-designed anti-air vehicle that fires multiple 35 mm cannons to engage and destroy aerial threats. A challenge from the live-fire was how to share information and data rapidly and accurately to ensure an accurate understanding of aerial targets.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a challenge at first just because of the language barrier and different platforms, but we worked through it and now have a much better understanding of each other\u2019s capabilities and how to best work together to ensure we are hitting the right targets with the right ammunition at the right time,\u201d said Zavislak.<\/p>\n Building interoperability didn\u2019t stop at the firing line at the range. Soldiers from the Romanian, Spanish, U.S., and Italian armies all shared meals, swapped patches, and exchanged stories about what it’s like to serve in their respective armies.<\/p>\n
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\n U.S. Army air defenders with Charlie Battery, 5-4 ADA, and Romanian Soldiers pose for a photo after the Fire Support Coordination Exercise for Saber Strike 2024 April 22 in Poland. During the exercise, Charlie Battery conducted live fire engagements alongside Romanian Geperd air defense vehicles in support of U.S. and NATO forces.
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\n From April 21 to April 22, Charlie Battery, 5-4 ADA participated in the Fire Support Coordination Exercise for Saber Strike 2024. During the exercise, Charlie Battery conducted live fire engagements alongside Romanian Gepard air defense vehicles in support of U.S. and NATO forces.
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\n U.S. Army 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Still Photo of M-SHORAD during Saber Strike 2024 April 22 in Poland. During the exercise, Charlie Battery conducted live fire engagements alongside Romanian Geperd air defense vehicles in support of U.S. and NATO forces.
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