Global electronic countermeasures (ECM) specialist Allen-Vanguard has donated the training version of their SCOPRPION ECM manpacks to support future courses at the centre.
The donation was given after was given after the event; global developments in Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) at the 5th African Annual C-IED Conference held the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) Nairobi, Kenya.
Following a counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) Technology Update briefing, Stuart Wilson from Allen-Vanguard presented Major General Leuria (Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces, Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training) inert versions of their SCORPION ECM manpacks, given their extensive use on the continent, to support future C-IED training for United Nations and African Union forces who deploy on peace keeping operations.
The International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) was established through a collaborative effort involving the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Kenya, Germany, and the United Nations Development Programme. The center aims to be the leading institution for Peace Support Training, Research, and Education in Africa. Its mission is to conduct comprehensive training, education, and research, providing military, police, and civilian personnel with the knowledge and skills needed for effective peace support operations in complex emergencies within African Union nations and other countries. Allen-Vanguard, a key participant, emphasized the significance of the annual C-IED (Counter-Improvised Explosive Device) conference, a three-day gathering of international experts spanning policy, research, and operations. The primary objective of this conference is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and future developments to enhance the training and support provided to over 6,000 students passing through IPSTC before deploying on peacekeeping operations.
Stuart Wilson, Business Development Director MENA at Allen-Vanguard, delivered a keynote speech during the C-IED conference on the topic of “C-IED Technology Update,” focusing specifically on Electronic Countermeasures (ECM). In his presentation, he elucidated the fundamentals of ECM, highlighting its continued relevance and how it reinforces various aspects of the C-IED pillars. Stuart also provided valuable insights into potential future developments in ECM technology while addressing design and operational constraints that may arise. As a gesture of goodwill, Stuart formally gifted SCORPION training aids to the attending Generals, underscoring the commitment to equip the peacekeeping community with the necessary tools and knowledge.
To further enhance the capacity of IPSTC instructors, Stuart conducted practical training on the deployment and usage of the SCORPION training aids. This hands-on approach aimed to familiarize the instructors with the equipment’s proper utilization, ensuring they can effectively train and equip the peacekeeping personnel who pass through the center.
The involvement of international partners and experts in the C-IED conference signifies the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during peace support operations. By sharing knowledge and best practices, the IPSTC can enhance the capabilities of its students, enabling them to respond more effectively and safely in high-risk environments.
As the IPSTC continues to evolve as the premier Peace Support Training, Research, and Education Centre in Africa, it remains steadfast in its commitment to provide top-notch training and education, foster research initiatives, and equip peacekeeping personnel with the necessary tools to make a positive impact in complex emergencies. The C-IED conference serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and insights, empowering the peacekeeping community to confront the challenges of peace support operations with greater confidence and efficiency.
Bobby Strawbridge, Director Business Development for Allen-Vanguard, said, “We at Allen-Vanguard are very conscious that ECM equipment alone does not defeat the threat. Our vision is to create local capability, share knowledge, provide training and help to develop regional expertise so that those facing the greatest risk in peace keeping operations get the maximum possible protection. The IPSTC is a superb facility, training African nations in all aspects of peace keeping operations and we are more than happy to help contribute by supporting the defeat IED capability with our SCORPION training aids.”
Allen-Vanguard has been carrying out works for African forces for a number of years especially Somalia.
Last October, Allen-Vanguard announced that it will deliver electronic countermeasure (ECM) equipment to Somalia in a multimillion Canadian dollar deal, the company announced on 21 September. The electronic countermeasures company received USD5 million Canadian dollar funding from an undisclosed customer to provide more electronic countermeasures (ECM) equipment to protect those at risk working in Somalia.
Last May, there was a high-profile visits to the Allen-Vanguard team – based in Mogadishu – to better understand what protection the company’s systems can provide against the threat from RCIEDs and UASs. Allen-Vanguard is the prime contractor with SKK International and Artios Global delivering the logistics and training aspects of the explosive threat reduction training team (ETRT) courses to the Somali National Army and the Somali Police Force. The company delivered two explosive threat reduction training team (ETRT) courses to the Somalian National Security Forces.
Allen-Vanguard’s Business Director for Africa, Stuart Wilson, stated that “the increase in demand for high-quality ECM equipment across the African continent is reflective of the continuing insurgencies and unrest in the region. Having supported the UN, various Contributing Nations and African Union members for over a decade, Allen-Vanguard continues to grow our footprint and have now established a permanent Field Support Representative (FSR) team in the region.”