The world’s largest naval exercise, RIMPAC 2024, concluded in early August. For the first time, two German warships participated in the five-week multinational exercise: the frigate “Baden-Württemberg” and the German Navy’s task force provider “Frankfurt am Main.” This year’s major exercise, organized by the US Navy, took place in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands and on the islands themselves, with PLATH solutions also in use.
The exercise commenced at the end of June and ran until August 1. During the initial harbor phase, crews from the 29 participating nations coordinated extensively and used the time for logistical preparations. Land-based training, such as exercises for explosives experts and ordnance disposal specialists, had already been underway during this phase.
On July 9, most of the 40 naval vessels set sail from the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, signaling the beginning of the nearly four-week naval phase of the exercise.
One key objective of the exercise was the setup and operation of LINK16 for the exchange of situational and object data. A highly mobile PLATH direction-finder system was deployed to provide bearing and position data for the CESMO system (Co-operative Electronic Support Measure Operations). This system operated both in mobile and semi-stationary modes in collaboration with German reconnaissance forces.
The exercise demonstrated that PLATH’s modular system solutions, with their high degree of automation and exceptional sensor sensitivity, significantly enhance situational awareness. The consistently positive feedback and enthusiasm throughout the exercise highlight the value of PLATH’s solutions and confirm that CESMO compatibility will continue to be a priority in future system designs. Through projects like #RIMPAC, PLATH is committed to contributing to the further development of the CESMO standard.