The short version
- British troops will soon test a new infiltration system that allows soldiers to fly up to 200 miles behind enemy lines using motorized paragliders.
- The equipment, developed by Wiltshire-based firm Blakcro, is designed for rapid assembly and covert entry, offering a lower detection profile than conventional aircraft.
- This procurement aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and meet long-term NATO spending commitments.
The British Ministry of Defence is preparing to initiate trials for a new class of airborne infiltration equipment that could significantly alter how special forces enter contested zones. The system involves motorized paragliders, compact enough to be transported in backpacks, which are intended to enable Royal Marine and Parachute Regiment personnel to operate deep behind enemy lines. Unlike traditional parachute drops that require large aircraft and create significant noise and visual signatures, this technology aims to facilitate quieter, more discreet entries during nighttime operations.
The equipment is manufactured by Blakcro, a small company based in Wiltshire that was established in 2023. Despite its recent founding, the firm has already secured government backing for multiple projects and maintains working relationships with the United States Department of Defense. The paragliders feature titanium frames and are powered by fans, allowing them to cover distances of up to 200 miles. According to the manufacturer, the units can be assembled and ready for launch on foot within eight minutes, a speed that supports rapid deployment in dynamic tactical scenarios.
A key advantage of this system is its potential stealth capabilities. The manufacturers assert that these gliders are considerably harder to detect via radar or acoustic sensors compared to standard military aircraft. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for covert insertion into hostile areas where maintaining a low profile is critical. The devices are also designed to carry essential combat gear, including body armor, night vision equipment, and weapon mounts, ensuring that operators remain fully equipped upon landing.
The Ministry of Defence has committed £6 million to this initiative, with testing scheduled to commence in the near future. This investment reflects a strategic shift toward acquiring specialized, high-tech equipment that provides tactical advantages on modern battlefields. Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasized the importance of developing a resilient and domestically sourced supply chain, noting that such pioneering tools are essential for maintaining an edge over potential adversaries.
The procurement also underscores a broader political and economic strategy to favor British firms in defence contracting. By supporting smaller entities like Blakcro, which employs just 11 people, the government aims to diversify its industrial base and reduce reliance on larger, established contractors. This approach is part of a wider effort to ensure that UK-made equipment meets the evolving needs of armed forces while stimulating local economic activity within the defence sector.
This technological development occurs against a backdrop of intense debate regarding national defence spending levels. Chancellor John Healey recently resigned from his post in protest over what he perceived as insufficient investment plans, criticizing the lack of a clear timeline to reach the target of spending 3% of national income on defence. Although he is expected to advocate for further increases, no specific financial details will be included in his upcoming October budget.
Instead, the government plans to outline a revised defence strategy during a comprehensive spending review scheduled for the spring. Officials have stated that this review will establish a pathway toward meeting NATO’s commitment of 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035, while also setting intermediate targets to achieve the 3% threshold. The administration maintains that fully funding the defence investment plan remains a priority, balancing fiscal responsibility with the imperative of national security.
As trials begin, the success of the paraglider system will likely be measured not only by its technical performance but also by its integration into existing operational doctrines. If effective, this technology could redefine infiltration tactics for British special forces, offering a versatile alternative to heavy airlift assets. The outcome of these tests may influence future procurement decisions and signal a growing emphasis on agile, low-signature capabilities within the UK’s military modernization agenda.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗UK soldiers could get paragliders to drop behind enemy lines
