The British military is set to test a new system of powered paragliders that could allow soldiers to enter hostile territory covertly and without aircraft. The Ministry of Defence is investing £6 million in trials for the backpack-sized gliders, manufactured by Wiltshire-based Blakcro. These devices are intended to enable Royal Marine and Parachute Regiment troops to fly up to 200 miles behind enemy lines during nighttime operations.
According to the manufacturer, the paragliders can be assembled in eight minutes and launched on foot. The titanium-framed machines are designed to be harder to detect by radar or sound than traditional aircraft, making them suitable for covert entry into enemy territory. They are capable of carrying essential equipment such as body armour, night vision gear, and weapon mounts.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated that the government is focused on building a resilient, homegrown defense supply chain and equipping the armed forces with pioneering technology. The technology is already in use by other NATO member countries.
Blakcro, founded in 2023, has received government support for other projects and also collaborates with the U.S. Department of Defense. The British government has expressed a commitment to increasing investment in UK-made defense equipment and incorporating smaller companies into its supply chain. Defence Secretary John Healey is reportedly under pressure to boost defense spending, with plans for increased investment to be outlined in a future government spending review in the spring. The government has committed to meeting NATO's defense spending target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035.