Army tests out kit which will change the way soldiers train and fight in the future

The Army's experimentation battalion has been testing a raft of new kit that could change the shape of combat in the future.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment were restructured as the Next Generation Combat Team (NGCT) to focus on integrating uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) at battlegroup, company and platoon levels.

The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza inspired the Experimentation and Trials Group recce-strike live fire event – demonstrating the increased complexity of operating in, commanding and controlling a three-dimensional battlespace.

• Race is on to find the next-gen tech to take down swarms of enemy drones
• New £20m silent hangar to help protect Armed Forces from increasing threat of GPS jamming
• New intelligent sighting system lets British forces SMASH aerial drones with a rifle

Interconnectivity between soldiers is vital to enable quicker dynamic decision-making.

A significant increase in company and platoon level kit is also needed, including UAS and counter-UAS equipment, including combat shotguns.

Drone40

In operation in the MOD-run village of Imber on salisbury Plain was the small DefendTex Drone40, which can be launched from a 40mm grenade launcher and used as part of a swarm.

It is capable of carrying several payloads and can be used as a loitering munition.

The Drone40 system weighs 190 grams and can fly for up to an hour, with a range of more than 12 miles. 

The British Army used them for surveillance and reconnaissance as part of its deployment to Mali, where they were hand-launched.

DroneShield

Also being showcased was the DroneShield-made portable pistol-shaped drone jammer, which is lightweight and easy to operate.

It works by jamming the radio frequency signals used by drones to communicate with their controllers, disrupting their ability to receive instructions and fly.

This makes the drone inoperable and forces it to land or return to its starting point.

Malloy T400

Another UAS being put through its paces was the Malloy T400, which can deliver heavy and difficult payloads in all weather.

With a declared payload capacity of 400lbs (180kg), it can lift and transport a casualty to a safe place.

The UK has donated some of these heavy-lift drones to Ukraine for medical evacuation and battlefield supplies, including weapons.