“Ample Strike“ is a NATO Close Air Support Exercise, with the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and pilots as the main training unit. The objective was to practice Close Air Support procedures in an international environment with counterinsurgency scenario (COIN) and a scenario featuring a simulated action by an enemy’s air defence system in the operation area (High Threat)

The Exercise “Ample Strike“, conducted in the Czech Republic from 3 to 15 September, was the fourth consecutive NATO Exercise which saw the participation of the Croatian Armed Forces.

“Ample Strike“ was a Close Air Support Exercise (CASEX), with the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and pilots as the main training unit. The objective was to practice Close Air Support procedures in an international environment with counterinsurgency scenario (COIN) and a scenario featuring a simulated action by an enemy’s air defence system in the operation area (High Threat).

The Exercise engaged a total of 19 NATO nations and the following equipment: Czech, Lithuanian, Dutch and Slovakian L-39; Czech L-159 Alca; Czech and Hungarian JAS-39 Gripen; German Tornado GR-4; German and Dutch Lear Jet; German Eurofighter Typhoon; British Hawk; Polish Su-22M4; Slovenian PC-9M; the U.S. B-52, KC-135R and F-16 aircraft as well as Czech Mi-24 and Mi-171š and Slovakian Mi-17 and  UH-60M helicopters. One of the three available scenarios was exercised on a British Close Air Solutions simulator. The Dutch Armed Forces engaged the RQ-11 Raven UAV.

The JTACS also used the CZ 805 and BREN2 Czech rifles to perform guidance.

Unlike a similar exercise conducted in Slovenia – “Adriatic Strike“ – the entire scenario was exercised in the training ranges and in barracks: in the “Náměšť” Airport, in the Barracks “Vicenice” and in the training ranges “Boletice”, “Libava” and “Bechyně”. Live controls (with the use of live-fire ammunition) were performed in the training ranges “Boletice” and “Libava”, while the rest of locations hosted only dry controls.

The Croatian Armed Forces were represented by four certified JTAC teams (three in the team and one as instructor) and one certified Joint Fires Observer (JFO).

The Exercise was successfully completed, and the Croatian participants received commendations for their performance.