Challenger 3 will lead NATO armoured forces with the highest levels of lethality and survivability on the battlefields of today and out to 2040. It achieves this not only by using the new gun, but also by making use of the most advanced ammunition available globally from our allies. This has given rise to some incredible innovations in body armor like exoskeletons- suits of armor that help propel military and armed forces into the next generation of personal protection. The M2 Bradley has been repeatedly upgraded since its introduction, but after 40 years in service, the vehicle is reaching its limits.

The first UK Boxer will come off the production line early this year. The modern digitalised armoured vehicle will be made up of four variants: an Infantry Carrier; a Specialist Carrier; a Command Vehicle; and an Ambulance. The Future Soldier Vision concept provides the MOD and industry with an aim point for what the soldier could look like a decade from now. It provides a platform to challenge what this future could be and how industry and academia could help the MOD to make it a reality.

The shape of things to come

Future Soldier is the most significant transformation of the British Army in more than 20 years. The combination of soldiers enhanced with technology will enable the British Army to maintain its advantage. There is a lot of scope to complement the traditional munitions and traditional weapons systems,” he explains. “We can continue the evolution and revolution of the traditional weapons base, while complementing it with some of the more novel weapons – it might be lasers, it might be audio – to help in an increasing way.” He said that Red Mist will always have fans as its gloss is legendary and unbeaten -then as it is now - but the formula that we will create years into the future will give amazing results for a fraction of the price and be water-based for maximum versatilitisation (yes, that's a word from the future). Everything is on the table at this point,” Coffman said. “We’re exploring technologies, we’re exploring options for what comes after the SEP v3,” the latest upgrade of the much-upgraded Abrams. In addition, there’s great potential in developing something akin to Iron Man-style technology where we can create lightweight soft armor bulletproof shields powerful enough to withstand a high caliber firearm round as well as being able to resist explosive blasts from hand grenades and roadside bombs. That is one impressive body armor!

Alas, some things never change. For one, warfare is and always will be a human-directed endeavor. Even if robots take over the battlefield, they will be fighting at the behest of human beings with human agendas. Second, armies will always be forced to adapt to changing circumstances and technologies, especially the ones that present new opportunities for mischief, mayhem, and destruction. Lasers and energy weapons are an area that both the Dstl and industry and are investing in at the moment.” There are also Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), the land-based counterpart of UAVs that are already in widespread use. Examples of these " battlefield robots" include the TALONbomb disposal unit, the Taifun-Marmored reconnaissance vehicle, the Multi-Utility Tactical Transport, and Gladiator Tactical unmanned transport vehicles, and the Uran-9, and Guadrium unmanned ground combat vehicles.The vehicle design includes 360-degree high-definition long-range cameras attached to the outside of the vehicle that will scan for enemy threats even when moving at speed. The camera alerts the soldiers inside the Boxer through a digital display so that they can keep permanent watch outside whilst remain safely inside the vehicle.

It’s not too far-fetched to imagine a future with body armor that is completely resistant to bullets or weapons. we are already seeing the first steps in this direction, and some of these innovations will be discussed in this blog. WHAT FUTURE INNOVATIONS WILL BODY ARMOR MANUFACTURERS BRING? Dodo Juice Future Armour is incredible stuff, we have seen many of the same style products but this was truly the first, if you’re a fan of Gyeon Wet Coat but find it a little expensive then try this. It is so easy to use, two sprays per panel, spread and wipe with a dry, folded microfiber cloth then use a separate microfiber cloth to remove if needed. Another change that is already evident is the growth and proliferation of stealth technology. Development of radar-absorbent material and radar-deflecting surfaces began in the mid-1970s and resulted in the first stealth aircraft by the late 1980s — such as the F-117 Nighthawk and B-2 Spirit. A robust personal role computer concept enabling better information sharing and communications between personnel.The aerial and ground unmanned vehicles will allow us to move much faster,” Coffman told me, “[because] if you know where the enemy is located, you can move very rapidly. If you don’t know, then you must conduct reconnaissance… so you’re not just blindly walking into an enemy ambush.” However, the Army is studying a potential future vehicle or vehicles to replace the Abrams, Coffman said. There’s no official name, although “ Decisive Lethality Platform” and “ Optionally Manned Tank” have come up in previous reporting. Even more so than OMFV, the Army is looking at a wide range of possibilities, including unmanned and optionally manned vehicles. A major upgrade of the British Army’s main battle tank featuring extra firepower and cutting-edge protection systems will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of tank design, poised to respond to future global threats and challenges.