Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are cheap, readily available and difficult to detect using traditional radars, meaning enemy forces could use them to gather intelligence or even deliver a threat payload. Design consultancy Plextek has developed a novel way of using ground surveillance radar to detect and track these aircraft, so they can be intercepted and the controller pinpointed.

The post When drones go rogue – Plextek takes on small enemy UAVs appeared first on Army Technology.

Barack Obama has authorised the supply of non-lethal warfare equipment to the Syrian rebels, while the Netherlands announced plans to sell infantry fighting vehicles.

The post September’s top stories: Obama authorises anti-chemical weapons appeared first on Army Technology.

Most military robots draw on mechanical models as a means of locomotion – tracks, wheels, fixed wings, helicopter rotors and propeller screws – but whole new groups of robotic agents are now evolving, inspired by the world of nature. Dr Gareth Evans reports.

The post Bio-inspired locomotion opens new paths for military robot design appeared first on Army Technology.

In this issue: We look at whether PRISM is a benefit or a threat, consider Syria’s naval capabilities, assess the feasibility of the US Army’s equipment modernisation plan and investigate the “killer robot” debate.

The post Global Defence Technology: Issue 31 appeared first on Army Technology.

This month the Russian Ministry of Defence commenced construction of a new Voronezh-Class advanced early missile warning radar in the central region, while South Korea contracted Lockheed Martin for AH-64E Apache attack helicopter upgrades.

The post August’s top stories: Russian anti-missile radar, S Korea upgrades helicopters appeared first on Army Technology.

Despite being described by campaigners as posing the gravest danger to civilians since antipersonnel mines were banned in 1997, cluster bombs are still enjoying a healthy international market. Are modern variants being unfairly tarred with the same brush as their less reliable forbears, and could they actually offer a safer alternative to single-unit weapons?

The post Can the cluster bomb be rehabilitated? appeared first on Army Technology.

The use of sniffer dogs by security forces to detect explosives is well-established, but dogs are not the only creatures with a nose for explosives. Researchers are currently experimenting with bomb-sniffing bees in the fight to rid the world of landmines.

The post Bomb-sniffing bees – taking the sting out of landmines appeared first on Army Technology.

In this issue: We look at the latest approach to counter-IED training, find out about the latest AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, investigate the FREMM frigate, learn about the realistic training designed for marine personnel and more

The post Global Defence Technology: Issue 30 appeared first on Army Technology.

The 24/7 nature of modern operations puts unprecedented demand on the vigilance and alertness of today's service personnel - and highlights the damage that fatigue can do to morale, performance and even survival, especially during sustained round-the-clock missions. Dr Gareth Evans reports.

The post Fighting fatigue: cognitive science is transforming soldier attention spans appeared first on Army Technology.

However tight budgets are, defence departments are always willing to invest in body armour and helmets, and the US military is the world's biggest market for protective gear. With the US drawdown from Afghanistan underway and sequestration biting hard, Honeywell, 3M Ceradyne and BAE Systems explain how technological innovation and new opportunities will keep the sector buoyant.

The post Protection racket – keeping the military body armour business booming appeared first on Army Technology.