The European Defense Agency is introducing a web-based tool to help member countries deal with improvised explosive devices.

The European Union agency said the counter-IED application will promote information sharing between counter-IED operators and is expected to be released next month.

"The tool will help users to gain a better situational understanding by projecting, with several degrees of probability, the next actions that the enemy or other threat elements are likely to carry out," EDA said. "Thereby, further exchanges of information between military and other involved agents such as host nations, law enforcement, governments, NGOs, private companies, etc. can be ensured."

The application is being issued under the existing Framework Cooperation Agreement with the C-IED Centre of Excellence in Spain.

It is to be a common information exchange tool, with restricted access, available to different services, agencies and private organizations. It will help them to collect information, show it on maps and generate models which can subsequently identify expected paths or ways of action.

C-IUSAT will be a web based tool -- accessible by computer or mobile phone -- that stores its own map data, which can be used to generate different data layers for various events, activities and sources.

Rheinmetall to supply combat training technology for African country
Berlin (UPI) Nov 17, 2016 - Rheinmetall has received a contract to modernize and expand a live combat training facility from a country in the Middle East-North Africa region.

Under the $10.6 million contract, the German defense company will supply up-to-date hardware and software components for the customer's Mobile Combat Training Center. The order includes new laser engagement simulator to support combat vehicle and weapon systems training.

According to Rheinmetall, the unnamed customer will receive a modernized Legatus combat simulation training system. The company guarantees the system provides a realistic training experience, which includes battlefield equipment exercises for various environments.

The system is already used by Germany's armed forces. Rheinmetall is supplying the German army with 2,000 new legatus laser transmitter units for small arms in addition to 1,500 soldier target sets with laser sensors.