Specialist Drone Training with the Czech Army

Location:

HTP Facility, Ostrava Airfield, Czechia 

Mission Objectives:

• Teach Czech Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) operators to integrate aircraft into larger airspace operations.  

• Develop search tactics for a range of tasks. 

• Help Czech personnel to develop and practice their English-speaking skills. 

Mission Detail:

The Eagle Eye Innovations team were invited by HTP and their sub-contractors, Contactics Ltd, to deliver UAS training for the Czech Army. Known for their helicopter and emergency procedures training, HTP provided a fantastic training location at the Ostrava airfield, custom-made to provide the most engaging learning experience. This included a state-of-the-art synthetic device for demonstrating and practicing various tactics to ensure the safe integration of UAS into different tactical environments. As Contactics Ltd specialises in helicopter training, our unique experience and expertise in military UAS positioned us as the best choice for the task. 

Trainees were experienced UAS instructors from the Czech Army, each with diverse operational experience, and our team focused on NATO tasking processes, mission planning, and search tactics through a combination of theory-based lessons, all of which were later put into practice using the cutting-edge simulator. Despite the simulator being new to the EEI team, our experienced instructors quickly adapted, learning to manipulate and operate the simulator while simultaneously teaching tactics to the students. As former instructors for the Royal Air Force MQ-9 Reaper crews, our team skilfully provided valuable feedback to HTP on improving the facility, as well as in-depth training.  

This environment proved to be an excellent tool with which students could practice and solidify the techniques being taught. One of the course objectives included practicing English-speaking skills, which the team achieved by making trainees communicate with Air Traffic Control agencies, tactical airspace controllers, and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs). Our team also trained students in conducting target handovers using voice procedures.  

Our training designers designed a variety of tactical scenarios that challenged trainees to consider the broader implications of effective mission planning and deliver practical solutions to a ground commander’s tasks.  

Mission Results:

The course was a huge success, with students showing noticeable improvements in English-speaking skills and understanding of the commander’s intent. This led to more effective, efficient, and secure searches, allowing smoother and swifter progression of the commander’s mission.  

This was a fantastic opportunity for Team EEI to work alongside other European training organisations, allowing us to showcase our adaptability and flexibility in delivering world-class UAS training.