British Army looking to robot soldiers to attack enemy forces, and to mini-drones to scout the battlefield

Dec. 8, 2020
In addition, the U.K. military also demonstrated an Android Team Awareness Kit (Atak), which is like a track-my phone-app for military use.

LONDON – The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence showcased new high-tech equipment this fall, including the Nano Bug mini drone that can fit in the palm of a soldier's hand. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

8 Dec. 2020 -- The Nano Bug drone can travel at speeds as fast as 50 miles per hour, and provides the troops on the ground with a bird's eye view of the battlefield.

The U.K. Chief of Defence, Gen. Sir Nick Carterm suggests that the British Army could fill out its ranks with robot soldiers. The deployment of robots could address the recruitment shortfalls that the U.K. has faced in recent years, but could also give its forces an edge in combating the enemy.

The Nano Bug drone can send information to soldiers on the ground, and link to the larger ground-based X3 unmanned autonomous vehicle, which has a speed of 12.4 miles per hour and a range of 1.2 miles. The X3 can be linked with other vehicles and drones, which can share information along a chain up to 15 miles long. This could ensure that infantry as well as armored vehicles avoid entering a battlefield until it has been properly scouted.

Related: Army robotics expert urges industry to get involved with unmanned enabling technologies development

Related: Army asks Leonardo DRS to build vehicle-mounted counter-drone systems with sensors and machine guns

Related: Liquid Robotics to build long-endurance unmanned surface vessels, sensors for ocean persistent surveillance

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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