British soldiers test smartwatch that controls drones in rollout of latest battlefield tech
British soldiers are using a new smartwatch that can control drones as part of a rollout of the latest battlefield technology.
The watch forms part of a range of wearable equipment tested out in a pilot to mark the start of the Future Soldier Programme.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) scheme aims to give the next generations of troops an edge over their adversaries while using a range of technology to improve wider military capability.
Watches that give the wearer the ability to both control and pre-programme drones were used by troops from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment in Leicestershire.
Other technology that is set to be deployed more widely after the trial includes a helmet-mounted strobe alert system which the MoD said will help “identify friend or foe”.
New laser detection equipment warns troops when they are being targeted, while a laser range finder can be used to calculate the range of an object or target.
Ground sensors that were used in the pilot can detect the movement of enemies and proceed to send an alert to body-worn systems.
Digital day and night systems for weapons will be introduced through their Picatinny rail, a platform which is used to attach accessories to firearms.
The development of new technology under the Future Soldier plan is set to continue for the next five years and the next phase of the trial will focus on vehicle-mounted operations.
Maria Eagle, the procurement minister, said: “This Government is clear in our commitment to advancing technology that ensures the safety and superiority of the UK Armed Forces.
“This cutting-edge technology will bolster operational lethality and elevate battlefield awareness.”
The scheme is being developed by scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), an agency of the MoD that has about 5,000 staff across three sites.
Dr Paul Hollinshead, chief executive of Dstl, said it was working to develop technology aimed at “transforming our Armed Forces” and making them “more capable and lethal”.
The MoD said the technologies that have been tested out in recent days will allow faster tactical decision-making while also improving soldiers’ awareness on the battlefield.
A separate initiative launched in September will see British troops armed with new hi-tech software that works with drones to create 3D models of maps within minutes.
The Telegraph revealed this year that special forces are now using virtual reality technology that will help them to prepare for covert operations worldwide.
Earlier this month, Sir Keir Starmer announced a “root-and-branch” strategic defence review within days of becoming Prime Minister, which will commit to state-of-the-art capabilities.
The report will “look at everything on the table” including troop numbers, which fell to their lowest level since the Napoleonic era under the previous government.