A strong military defense certainly requires substantial development in terms of strategy. This is where the role of technology has received much attention in the recent past. Reports say, Britain is set to spend over £800m on a next-generation military technology which will include ‘dragonfly drones.’
This project has been given the name, ‘Skeeters’ and is a part of a new defense innovation initiative to speed the transition of new systems from laboratories to actual battlefields.
Skeeter infographic (Credit: Animal Dynamics)
The design principle of this dragonfly ‘micro-drone’ is built on the biology of a dragon fly, itself. This concept is believed to have a great impact on operations in urban environments. It weighs less than two pound coins, and is less than five inches long. It is equipped to fly at speeds of up to 45mph. It will further consist of a camera and a microphone which will enable carrying out covert surveillance. This drone is being developed by an Oxford-based company called Animal Dynamics.
There are numerous other similar projects that are under consideration such as the ‘hyper-reality’ helmet by Close Air Solutions in Ripon. This is being developed with the purpose to help soldiers train in calling in air strikes in a virtual environment. Apart from that, there is a demonstrator to show the ability of the next generation of laser weapons to deal with aerial threats such as missiles, drones and warplanes.
Hyper-reality training tech developed by Close Air Solutions (Credit: MOD/Close Air Solutions)
The ‘Quantum Gravimeter’ from the University of Birmingham is also being considered. What this concept essentially proposes is the use of quantum effect comprised of cold atoms in combination of paired gravimeters to make very precise measurements of the Earth’s local gravitational field with high resistance to external noise sources. According to the Ministry of Defense, this will help soldiers seek enemy out of tunnels or even hunt for survivors in disaster areas within minutes.
"This new approach will help to keep Britain safe while supporting our economy, with our brightest brains keeping us ahead of our adversaries," says Defense Secretary Michael Fallon. "Backed by a defense budget that will rise every year until the end of the decade, it will ensure that the UK maintains its military advantage in an increasingly dangerous world."
