British Troops Begin Testing Future Battlefield Technology

The exercise will last for four weeks (Picture: Crown Copyright).

British troops have started a military exercise involving futuristic technology in what the Defence Secretary says "will be the biggest exercise of its kind".

The exercise, known as Autonomous Warrior, will last four weeks and test technology designed to reduce the danger to troops during combat, including prototypes of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles.

It will also consist of a battlegroup experiment where equipment will be tested in simulated operational scenarios.

Gavin Williamson said: "Our troops now have the chance to test out a huge range of robotic kit in what will be the biggest exercise of its kind in our history.

"This equipment could revolutionise our Armed Forces, keeping them safe and giving them the edge in an increasingly unstable world."

During the four-week exercise, technologies in surveillance, long-range and precision targeting, enhanced mobility and the re-supply of forces, urban warfare and enhanced situational awareness will all be tested.

The Royal Tank Regiment Battle Group from 1 Armoured Infantry Brigade is providing the majority of personnel for the exercise, while there will be more 200 multi-national, cross-service personnel involved in total.

The US Army, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) will be working alongside them, experimenting with over 70 pieces of equipment.

Earlier this year, the Royal Navy began trialling its first ever autonomous minesweeper system that can safely clear sea lanes of mines.