Pictured is a soldier from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment, at the National Training Centre, Fort Irwin during Project Convergence Capstone 4. This exercise a US Army-led experiment taking place in California between 2 Feb and 22 Mar 2024. Credit: Crown copyright/UK Ministry of Defence.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has trialled new body-worn sensor technology according to a statement on 21 July 2024.

The aim of the trials was to integrate existing technologies into wearable devices in order to advance soldiers’ battlespace awareness and thus allow faster tactical decision-making on the ground.

Examples of the technologies the British Army are testing include laser detection systems to warn if enemies are targeting personnel, drone thermal detection to identify enemies, and ground sensors to detect enemy movement with alerts sent to body-worn systems.

The digital system is common and provides custom control that can be tailored to each individual mission.

Troops from the Leicestershire-based 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, tested cutting-edge data visualisation tools, integrated sensors, and live intelligence feeds all connected in a single system. 

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The trial, conducted by scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), demonstrates that even minor changes to infantry-level tactics with Command and Control, Communications, Computing and Information Systems, can vastly improve operational outcomes.

Dstl scientists are carrying out this research as part of the Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision with research into how the next generation of ‘digitally connected soldier’ technology can improve capability and operational advantage.

A new form of military support

A new Labour Government has committed to renew its support for the Armed Forces, overcoming what it views as a period of enduring neglect over the last 14 years. As part of their new efforts, a new ‘covenant’ has been established to support military personnel and veterans.

The new Defence Procurement minister, Maria Eagle, explained that this extends to protecting personnel to the upmost in the field:

“This government is clear in our commitment to advancing technology that ensures the safety and superiority of UK Armed Forces. This cutting-edge technology will bolster operational lethality and elevate battlefield awareness.”