The British Army has announced that it is testing a series of Portable military technologies for your soldiersincluding drone control and laser detection through wearable devicesThe 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment, based in Leicestershire, is testing the technology to assess its usefulness.
‘The next generation of wearable technology has been put through its paces by British soldiers, bringing a modernised advantage to the battlefield. The aim of the trials is to Integrate available wearable technology for soldiers, improving situational awareness on the battlefield and enabling faster tactical decision making‘, explained the British Ministry of Defence, MOD, in a press release.
One of the technologies being tested is used to alert when the lasers They are targeting the troopsAccording to the MOD, the technology detects the wavelengths of incoming lasers, which triggers a warning so the soldier can take appropriate action. Other technology includes a wearable device that allows soldiers operate unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs, directly.
Other wearable technologies being tested include a drone thermal detection systema laser rangefinder, advanced day and night digital optics, and a mesh network that extends its range using soldiers’ radios. The digital system is standardized and offers customized control that can be tailored to each specific mission.
The image at the top of this article shows a helmet-mounted strobe warning system that can identify friend or foe and includes an electronic beacon to help identify the soldier. Other technology includes a ‘smart hub’ or ‘brain’ of integrated power and data supply for all digital devices. Soldiers’ equipment will also include Ground sensors to detect movementswith alerts sent to wearable systems.
The objective of testing with these technologies is increase the pace at which a battle develops. The MOD explains that this will help British troops outmaneuver their enemies, allowing them to understand the combat situation and act quicklyThe technology is also expected to help increase the British Armed Forces’ situational awareness, enabling better informed, real-time decision-making.
It will also help them to more easily differentiate between friend and foe in the heat of battle, as well as gain a better ‘overview’ of resources. Technology, being interconnected, also will allow troops to send data, images and full motion video with ease.
‘This Government is clear in our commitment to advancing technology that ensures the security and superiority of the UK Armed Forces. This cutting-edge technology will strengthen operational lethality and raise situational awareness on the battlefield‘, has explained Maria EagleMinister for Defence Procurement and Industry. ‘I welcome the continued collaboration between government, industry and scientists on this innovative programme,’ she added.
The next generation of technology ‘digitally connected soldier’ to improve its operational capability and advantage is being investigated by scientists at the Defense Science and Technology LaboratoryDstl, as part of the program Vision of the Integrated Dismounted Soldier (Infantry on foot) of the FutureFIDSV, which plans to deploy its capabilities by 2030.
‘The next phase will involve exploring vehicle-mounted options and developing a joint soldier system with our UK allies. Further development and experimentation will continue over the next five years. and will evolve as new technologies become available,’ the MOD added.