Key facts
- The UK Ministry of Defence is set to trial new powered paragliders for airborne troops.
- The paragliders are backpack-sized and can fly up to 200 miles behind enemy lines.
- Manufacturer Blakcro states the machines can be assembled in eight minutes and launched on foot.
- The Ministry of Defence is investing £6 million in the system.
- The paragliders are designed for covert insertion, being harder to detect than aircraft.
- The government aims to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
British soldiers may soon be equipped with powered paragliders, enabling them to infiltrate hostile territory covertly and at night. The Ministry of Defence is investing £6 million in trials for these backpack-sized gliders, manufactured by Blakcro, which can cover up to 200 miles and are designed to be less detectable than traditional aircraft. Defence Minister Luke Pollard highlighted the initiative as part of building a stronger domestic defence supply chain and equipping forces with pioneering technology. The paragliders can be assembled in eight minutes and launched on foot, carrying essential equipment like body armour and night vision gear. This technology is already in use by other NATO countries. The government is also under pressure to increase overall defence spending, with a commitment to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035.