Tactical Proving Grounds on the Operational Frontline

摘要

The Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC) has been a recurring event since 1971, most recently involving elements of defence forces from 22 countries in 2018. Exercise operations occur in and around the Hawaiian Islands, although other Pacific locations have been used for specific events. It has been the world's largest multi-national military exercise and one largely characterized by a maritime focus. Officially, the objectives are to promote stability in the region, foster cooperation and bolster interoperability between involved forces. Typically, participating countries conduct gunnery, missile, antisubmarine and air defence exercises, as well as maritime interdiction and vessel boarding, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, mine clearance operations and an amphibious landing. All are fairly standard fare for naval exercises, though this one adds an international flavour. This, however, has begun to change, with RIMPAC becoming a proving ground for investigating emerging technologies, demonstrating and validating new weapon systems and innovative tactical concepts in a 'near real world,' setting not only for navies, but for land forces as well.