Driving combat capability

The Army’s ability to generate combat power relies on more than advanced weapon systems, it depends on the logisticians who ensure those capabilities can be delivered wherever and whenever they are needed.

This capability was on display as soldiers from 9 FSB, belonging to 17 Sust Bde, conducted the strategic road move of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), demonstrating how combat-focused logistics underpins Army’s operational readiness.

Transporting a capability as significant as NASAMS requires detailed planning, precise coordination and disciplined execution.

Working alongside the capability’s operators, 9 FSB soldiers safely moved the system across a long-distance route, ensuring it arrived ready to support training and operations.

The activity showcased the brigade’s role as a critical enabler of Army capability, delivering the mobility that allows combat systems to be positioned where commanders need them most.

Capt Oscar Harrington, Battery Captain, 16 Regt, 10th Fires Brigade, said that contemporary warfare requires speed; therefore, the ability to efficiently transport capability becomes incredibly important. 

“NASAMS has a lot of mission systems and vehicle variants that requires effective planning to transport our capability,” Capt Harrington said.

“Working with 17 Sust Bde allows us [to] operate on short-notice tasks. [By] collaborating with logisticians, 16 Regt can get the NASAMS into the battlespace.”

For the soldiers behind the wheel, the mission represented more than transporting military equipment.

Cpl Joshua Crase, the task commander for the road move, said it was about ensuring a critical capability reached its destination safely, efficiently and on time.

“This was a huge responsibility, not just for me, but the whole team,” Cpl Crase said.

“Moving equipment like NASAMS across the country gives soldiers the ability to test themselves in different training environments.”

From route reconnaissance and convoy planning to vehicle preparation and disciplined driving, every stage of the operation relied on the professionalism of 9 FSB soldiers.

“Everyone in the team has roles and responsibilities to ensure that equipment is moved safely,” Cpl Crase said.

“It’s a great feeling being able to do my job and move such an important capability for Army.”

The strategic movement of NASAMS highlights the essential contribution of 17 Sust Bde to Army’s ability to manoeuvre and sustain combat capability.

While systems such as NASAMS provide vital ground-based air defence, they only achieve their full operational value when logisticians can move and sustain them effectively.

As Army continues to strengthen its readiness, activities like this reinforce the brigade’s role in delivering combat-focused logistics and the ability to fight, protect and respond.