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Future soldier All guns blazing
All military personnel rely on the latest technology to optimise their performance – but securing the right kit is especially crucial for special forces operatives. From backpacks to hi-spec weapons, there are constant efforts to innovate, with the US military’s new lightweight medium machine gun, due to go live in 2026, as the latest example. Spokespersons from US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Nato’s allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) tell Jim Banks why new small arms could be among several potentially game-changing developments.
N
ight vision. Suppressors. Backpacks. Advanced sniper scopes. Effective special forces operations would be impossible without them,
and no wonder. Operating in high-risk environments, tasked with complex missions that can turn the tide of a conflict, and often alone with minimal support, special forces are highly dependent on a refined skill set – coupled with cutting-edge technology. With the return of high-intensity conflict in many parts of the world, not least Ukraine, special operations are intensifying. The effectiveness of these operations relies on a host of systems for command-and-control in heavily contested environments, communications and connectivity, as well as unmanned robotics and the latest weapons systems.
“Special operators often work in austere environments far from the nearest friendly forces,” says a spokesperson from US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). “They can’t always rely on the logistical or fire support of their conventional counterparts. Their physical footprint most often
must be very light. Because of this, each piece of equipment they take on a mission must be highly effective, or they simply won’t take it.” When there is so much at stake, no compromise can be made on the quality of any equipment. “Compensating for quality with mass is not something special operators do,” our source explains. “SOCOM’s team works closely with government, academia, and industry to meet its mission to provide rapid and focused acquisition, technology and logistics support to warfighters, delivering the most effective capabilities to our Special Operations Forces.” Nato’s defensive alliance is facing complex challenges – assertive authoritarian regimes, terrorism, cyber and missile threats, climate change and disruptive technologies. In response, Nato is undertaking its largest adaptation with the Deter and Defend Family of Plans (DDA) so forces can maintain their technological edge.
“The global security environment is challenging, and technological innovation is essential for allies to
Defence & Security Systems International /
www.defence-and-security.com
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