British soldiers may soon be equipped with rucksack-sized paragliders capable of launching them up to 200 miles into enemy territory. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MOD) has provided approximately £6 million in funding to a startup company, Blackro, for the development of this foot-launched system.
The paraglider is designed to be triggered by running, utilizing only the pilot's momentum and wind for power, eliminating the need for wheels or engines. When folded, the glider fits into a case roughly the size of a large rucksack. It can reportedly be assembled in under eight minutes, even in complete darkness, and is engineered for a low acoustic, visual, and radar signature to facilitate stealth insertions.
The glider features a UK-made titanium airframe and is capable of carrying body armor, night vision equipment, and weapon mounts. The technology is already in operational use, with contracts established across the UK and with other NATO countries. The Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment are planning trials of the equipment in the coming months.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, stated that the MOD's support for small and medium-sized enterprises like Blackro through UK Defence Innovation is building a more resilient, homegrown defense supply chain and providing pioneering equipment to the armed forces. Sam Wedgwood, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Blackro, noted that the company rapidly progressed from base technology in 2024 to operational use in 2026 with the assistance of UKDI's funding and commercialization support.
Blackro, based in Wiltshire, has grown from three to 11 employees since receiving support from UK Defence Innovation and now holds three prime contracts. The MOD views this partnership as an example of the government backing agile, homegrown innovators to strengthen the UK's defense industrial base and maintain a strategic advantage against emerging threats.