This is part of an immediate procurement measure to meet
the needs of the Bundeswehr forces deployed in Afghanistan
in the context of the International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) mission. It means that another 400 Bundeswehr
soldiers will be supported by the tried and tested soldier
system for mission preparation and execution. This new delivery
will raise the Bundeswehr’s total number of IdZ BS
equipment sets to 2,900.
An
IdZ BS system for equipping an infantry squad (ten soldiers)
consists of an identical basic configuration for all soldiers
(including modular bullet-proof vest in protection class
I to IV, C4I equipment including NaviPad for situational
awareness and transmitting messages, target data and images,
night vision device, tactical radio) and various special
items (such as laser range finder, camera, thermal image
sighting device).
The
system entered service with the Army, Navy and Air Force
back in 2004 and has since proved its worth on the Bundeswehr’s
foreign missions. It offers soldiers not only protection
but also highly increased capabilities in terms of command
and control, navigation and weaponry.
In
view of the increasingly asymmetric threat situations arising
and the challenges presented by missions within the context
of network-enhanced operations, enhancing effectiveness,
assertiveness, protection and rapid and secure information
exchange via more powerful information and communication
systems for the deployed infantry forces is of ever greater
importance.
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