The Ministry of Defence announced that British soldiers will trial man-portable paragliders for long-range covert operations.
The Ministry of Defence announced that the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment will begin trials of man-portable paragliders for long-range covert operations starting in late 2026. Developed by the Wiltshire-based startup Blakcro, these backpack-sized gliders allow soldiers to fly up to 200 miles behind enemy lines independently of aircraft. The machines can be assembled in under eight minutes and launched on foot, offering a low acoustic, visual, and radar signature for covert movement. The administration announced a £6 million investment into Blakcro as part of the UK Defence Innovation programme. Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated that the government is building a more resilient, homegrown defence supply chain to ensure armed forces receive pioneering equipment. The paragliders can accommodate body armour, night vision equipment, and weapon mounts. While the technology is already in use by NATO allies, the UK government aims to use these gliders to provide soldiers with a tactical edge on the battlefield.