Two soldiers are pictured during a training exercise for the British Army on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshre. More than 300 soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (Royal Welch Fusiliers) have been embarking on a five day live-firing exercise on the Castlemartin ranges in Pembrokeshire from January 29 to February 2, 2012. The exercise tested the combined arms firepower and put soldiers through their paces in the most demanding and realistic scenarios available outside of theatre. On Wednesday, February 1, B Company, 1 R Welsh, were on the platoon level ranges firing at ‘live’ targets, working with military vehicles and practicing their casualty drills. The Fusiliers will also be practicing their drills to counter IEDs. This exercise is conducted in preparation for a six-month tour to Afghanistan in 2012 as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Some of those involved have previous Afghan experience – from their 2009 deployment – although for some troops this will be the first time they have trained for an operational tour. NOTE TO DESKS: MoD release authorised handout images. All images remain Crown Copyright. PHOTO CAPTION TO READ - Cpl Paul Morrison RLC Email: paulmorrison@mediaops.army.mod.uk richardwatt@mediaops.army.mod.uk shanewilkinson@mediaops.army.mod.uk Paul Morrison - 07846 716 171 PIC ED: Richard Watt - 07836 515306 DEP PIC ED: Shane Wilkinson 07901 590723Photographer: Cpl Paul Morrison RLC Image 45153574.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk For latest news visit: www.mod.uk Follow us: www.facebook.com/defenceimages www.twitter.com/defenceimages

Thales Australia and Microsoft have collaborated with Australian small and midsize businesses (SMEs) to launch a strategic Cloud computing capacity.

Called Nexium Defence Cloud Edge (NDC Edge), the secure mission-ready solution has been developed in Australia for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The Microsoft Azure Stack technology-built alternative NDC Edge is designed to provide’timely access’ to key data and applications critical for the ADF.

The autonomous capability offers advantage right from the headquarters to the tactical advantage. It includes all of the components of military command posts.

Thales Australia chief executive Chris Jenkins said:”The targeted capacities are more agile in their own installation, more interoperable in their use and deliver a more critical effect on the battlefield.”

In addition, it’s compatible with’Five Eyes’ countries, Nato Federated Mission network, humanitarian support and civilian programs.

The modular and integrated capability allows deployed forces to’securely share crucial information’ across multinational coalitions and other agencies to allow a’shared common operating picture’.

Additionally, it meets performance needs concerning size, power and weight (SWaP) to’simplify installation’ and reduce the logistical footprint.

According to Thales, the 3 SMEs are incorporating their newest technologies to enable the capacity to run at the’tactical edge’ for the ADF and coalition forces.

Myriad Technologies tactical associate manager Perry Smith stated:”Myriad Technologies and S2IX are pleased to play a major role in delivering a brand new world class C4ISR capacity in partnership with Thales.

“Our product provides the data fabric capabilities for the Thales Nexium Combat Cloud platform.

“S2IX was born and bred in the battlespace. Developed over ten years while encouraging military actions in Australia and driving innovation in the way defence works on a global scale.”