British Army receives stolen ‘bug’ drones that can search targets up to a mile away | Science and Technology News

The British Army has acquired its first new ‘buck’ nanotrons – machines that can fit in a soldier’s palm and fly in high winds for reconnaissance at a distance of 2 km (1.2 miles).

The miniature quadcopters weigh 196 grams (6.9 ounces) – which is almost the same IPhone 12 Pro Max – and 40 minutes of battery life includes flying, recording and video back to the troops.

The device was the only one able to cope with the “uncompromising weather” during a recent military combat test conducted by the Ministry of Defense.

“Even in harsh weather, the bug can provide vital tactical insight into what is in the corner or on the next hill, and works autonomously to provide troops with a visual update,” said James Gerrard, chief technician at PAE Systems Applied Intelligence.

Due to its size, the device has a “stealthy low display profile”, according to BAE Systems, developed in conjunction with UAVTEK, and can fly even in strong winds of more than 50mph

The first 30 units have now been delivered to the British Army, which has been testing the drones in a series of tests designed to follow the challenges they may face in a war situation.

This small distribution comes amid a period of great uncertainty about the future of the British Armed Forces and global stability.

Earlier this year, the head of the British Armed Forces warned Sky News that a multi-year settlement from the Treasury to the British Army The danger of a new world war At present, small conflicts are out of control and continue to draw on more countries and weapons.

Boris Johnson He then announced the charge The biggest investment in security After the Cold War, it provided the military with an additional $ 16.5 billion over the next four years.

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The investment also came as other government departments received single-year budgets COVID-19 International spread.

But the prime minister also confirmed the delay in the government’s long-awaited joint review of the armed forces until the New Year.

The review will set the UK’s global priorities and assess the security risks facing the country and how British forces are adapting to meet them.

In a speech on defense reform earlier this month, Secretary of State Ben Wallace warned that “we are no longer at the forefront and have not made enough innovations,” citing a variety of threats, from missile technology to hostile warfare.

“We are in danger of being ready only for the big fight that will never come, while at the same time our enemies may choose to expel it even if it does,” the defense secretary said.

“There is a tendency in the West to divide the conflict between warfare (a ‘legitimate’ act of violence known as firing)) and sub-gate (everything before the shooting begins), in fact when today’s conflict is generally nonviolent but through hostile actions.”

He added: “Some difficult choices still need to be made [despite the settlement and extra funding]. But those choices will allow you to invest in new domains, new equipment and new ways of working. “