Scudo 25: Pinerolo, Rombo, and Ranger Test New Digital Capabilities

The exercise “Scudo 25”, one of the most important field tests organized by the Italian Army, recently concluded, involving numerous units with a high technological profile. The exercise, which took place for over two weeks in Puglia, at the Torre di Nebbia range, aimed to test and refine the operational capabilities and innovative tools available to the Army. The activity concluded with a land operation conducted by a tactical group based on the 9th Infantry Regiment “Bari”, simulating a combat scenario with opposing forces (OPFOR).

One of the main innovations of this exercise was the integration of the units of the “Pinerolo” Brigade, the only fully digitalized Brigade of the Italian Army. On this occasion, the forces of the “Pinerolo” operated side by side with the 9th Cyber Security Department “Rombo” and the 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment “Ranger”, creating a cooperation between digital, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum capabilities. A fundamental step for the Italian Army, which aims to perfect the use of advanced technologies in the context of military operations.

Cyber and Technology for Security and Operational Effectiveness

One of the biggest challenges in the modern era of military operations is managing the security of communications and systems used during combat. For this reason, the 9th “Rombo” Department deployed a cyber-electronic tactical bubble, an innovative system capable of protecting sensors, weapon systems, and communication nodes.

This device played a crucial role in ensuring the security of the units involved, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of actions on the ground. The operations took place in a context where contemporary warfare is characterized not only by the use of traditional means, such as tanks and trenches, but also by the intensive use of drones and cyber attacks. In this scenario, where technology is a fundamental element, the Italian armed forces have developed solutions to face new threats from cyberspace.

General Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Army, emphasized the importance of these technologies, stating that “technology is the glue of cooperation between modern combat units – obviously in a joint and multi-domain perspective – for achieving military objectives through, all other factors being equal, superior engagement and defense capability.” The adoption of advanced cyber capabilities, combined with the use of drones and anti-drone defense systems, has demonstrated how the security of operations can be strengthened by cutting-edge technologies.

Cooperation Between Conventional Units and Special Forces

Another fundamental aspect of the “Scudo 25” exercise was the cooperation between conventional units and Special Forces. In this context, the 4th “Ranger” Regiment operated with a Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU), integrated into the broader scenario of conventional operations. The ability to operate in synergy between conventional and special forces allowed testing the effectiveness of modern Command and Control systems, which were fundamental to the successful outcome of the operation.

The use of AH-129D “Mangusta” helicopters from the 7th Army Aviation Regiment “Vega” provided the necessary support in Close Combat Attack operations, while remotely piloted vehicles and anti-drone defense systems were crucial in ensuring control of the operational areas. The use of satellite communication technologies based on artificial intelligence allowed managing logistics, communications, and information in real-time, increasing the effectiveness of operations on the ground.

The success of “Scudo 25” has thus demonstrated that technology is not just a support element, but an enabling factor for effective cooperation between digitalized units. Advanced technological capabilities have allowed Italian forces to operate in a multi-arm and multi-domain context, improving the response to threats and optimizing the use of available resources. In a world where military operations are increasingly influenced by technologies, “Scudo 25” marked a fundamental step towards the future of Italian Army operations.