As part of a military research project, over 100 soldiers spent five weeks training for underground combat under complex operating conditions at the “Zentrum am Berg” tunnel training site in Erzberg, Styria.
Project manager Colonel Peter Hofer: “We are continuing to develop the urgently needed underground combat capability. The Montanuniversität mountain center provides us with the perfect infrastructure for training, applied research and development.” The four kilometers of facilities at the Research, Development and Training Center of the University of Leoben pose special challenges for all emergency services. Major Rosche Fruhmann, commander of the battle group: “Operations below the surface involve different and higher risks and we train soldiers to fight against military attackers in a tunnel system with heavy breathing protection under simulated danger of collapse after a bomb attack and at the same time in complete darkness after a power failure – because we are assuming a complex operational scenario.”
The company-sized exercise force was made up of professional soldiers from Jäger Battalion 18, an engineer and explosive ordnance disposal platoon as well as NBC defense specialists. These elements were used to train cross-unit cooperation in underground infrastructure. A considerable amount of experience was gained, particularly when fighting in toxic underground systems. The first test deployment of an Ulan infantry fighting vehicle in a road and railroad tunnel proved to be an effective means of protection and support for the soldiers in the event of military attackers. As a highlight of the five-week test block, all units were made to work together underground in the most realistic operational scenario possible.
Colonel Peter Hofer sums up: “We have gained very important insights with the completion of this research phase. These will now be analyzed in detail and will be available for further testing and training regulations. After all, this is about dealing with a complex threat to our fellow citizens – and doing so with the greatest possible protection for our soldiers. We have taken a major step forward in the development of capabilities in underground military combat under complex conditions.” The NIKE research project (Nsustainable Interdisciplinarity in complexEunderground operations) develops the armed forces’ ability to fight underground. The project group coordinates the research and development work and brings together military and civilian experts from the University of Leoben, specialists with mining know-how from the militia and experienced representatives from the various blue light organizations. “This exchange is an excellent example of civil-military cooperation and interdisciplinary research activity,” says the head of the research group, Colonel Peter Hofer.
