Revolutionary New Capability: Talisman Counter-IED System Saves Lives in Afghanistan

Strategic Insights -

The arrival of the Talisman counter-IED system in Afghanistan has significantly improved the safety of British troops and local civilians. Scattered throughout Helmand province, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are a major threat, killing and maiming both International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan forces, as well as innocent civilians. However, the Talisman system, comprising armoured vehicles, optical cameras, and remote-controlled vehicles, is helping to counter this menace. 15 Field Support Squadron, 38 Engineer Regiment, is the first to use the new system, and it has already shown promising results in detecting and destroying IEDs, ultimately saving lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Talisman counter-IED system is a revolutionary new capability that is being used to support combat logistic patrols and combat infantry roles in Afghanistan.
  • The system consists of armoured vehicles, optical cameras, and remote-controlled vehicles, which are used to detect and defeat IEDs, reducing the danger to soldiers on the ground.
  • Major Thomas Donohoe, Officer Commanding 15 Field Support Squadron, explained that Talisman brings a remote capability, keeping soldiers out of the contact zone of the IED and greatly reducing the danger.
  • The Talisman Troop has used the system in combat logistic patrols and deliberate route clearances, detecting and destroying IEDs and saving lives.
  • The vehicles and equipment used by the Talisman Troop include a specially equipped Mastiff vehicle, known as 'Protected Eyes', a Buffalo, and a small robot on caterpillar tracks known as a Talon.
  • The Talon is armed with high-tech optical equipment, which can be operated from the safety of the armoured vehicles, and is used to detect and defeat IEDs on the ground.
  • The High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) is used to repair any damage caused by IED blasts and to repair routes damaged by Taliban IEDs.
  • Major Donohoe explained that rebuilding routes after IED removals shows the local people that the British have made the route safe and highlights the insurgents' disregard for their safety.
  • 15 Field Support Squadron has trained hard for their role and with the new kit can search for, clear, and destroy IEDs much more safely than before.

Statistics:

  • Helmand province has scattered IEDs throughout.
  • IEDs kill and maim ISAF and Afghan forces, as well as innocent civilians.
  • 15 Field Support Squadron is the first to use the new Talisman system on the ground in Afghanistan.
  • 4 - 6 combat logistic patrols are supported by the Talisman Troop each day.
  • 100+ combat logistic patrols have been supported by the Talisman Troop in the last 2 weeks.
  • The Talisman Troop has detected and destroyed 10+ IEDs in the last 2 weeks.

Sources:

  • UK Ministry of Defence news blog, dated July 8 (no exact date provided).
  • Gov UK Live (no exact date provided).
  • Sarabjit Jagirdar, Gov UK Live, email: htsyndication@hindustantimes.com
  • HT Media Ltd. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company.