Defence Online

Dstl fund research into futuristic solar panel shirts

Land June 26, 2018

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is funding research into new super-thin materials that could mean front line troops have solar panel shirts and data storage in their combats. Nicola Townsend is researching the properties of new super-thin materials for a PhD at the University of Exeter with Prof Saverio ...

AI Lab announced at US-UK Defence Innovation Board meeting

Homeland May 25, 2018

During the very first joint US-UK Defence Innovation Board meeting Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the creation of the AI Lab, a brand new hub for artificial intelligence. Based on the grounds of the Defence Science and Technology Facility in Porton Down, the AI Lab will centralise development of artificial intelligence, ...

‘Extreme’ USB supports effective C2 in a jungle environment

Land May 23, 2018

“Jungle is neutral. It attacks everything, and attacks it very effectively. Having kit that works as well in that environment as in the office is priceless.”  Steve Heaword, Trials Director, Crib Gogh  Keeping mission data secure, while equipping soldiers with the timely and accurate intelligence needed to carry out mission-critical actions, is a significant challenge in jungle environments.   Interested parties in the UK recently completed a unique tropical trials project, run ...

From surveillance to resupply: How autonomous technology is being tasked with supplying troops on the front line

Land May 17, 2018

Dubbed ‘the last mile’, the final stage of transporting supplies to troops on the front line in hostile and challenging environments can be a dangerous undertaking.  Gone are the days of the British Mule Pamphlet, issued in 1928, advising that a mule should carry more than 25% of its bodyweight. Now, 90 years on, in order to reduce resupply uncertainty, the modern-day infantry soldier carries around ...