As demand for personal protection equipment (PPE) continues to rise, armed forces are also considering its integration into more holistic soldier modernisation concepts aimed at enhancing the situation awareness (SA).
Industry is not only looking for lighter ballistic protection to maximise soldier mobility, but looking at how this can be integrated with C4ISTAR (Command and Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaisance) systems to increase an individual soldier’s situational awareness (SA).
According to market research company Technavio’s Military Lightweight Armor Systems Market 2017-2021 report, published on 9 June 2017, soldier protection and safety remains a ‘prime concern for the defence ministries’ with armed forces ‘adopting various measures to facilitate the development and procurement of systems and equipment that enhance the protection level of the soldiers’.
Referring to ongoing collaboration with soldier modernisation efforts, the report also stated how another trend gaining momentum is the integration of electronic components:
‘The incorporation of electronic components into body armour is trending in the market. With the highly dynamic war environment, soldiers must be provided with more situation awareness and connectivity for their constant interaction with command centres.
‘Therefore, designers are focusing on making mission-centric, scalable and modular armour (solutions), supported by advancements in electronics that have made it possible to include sensors, communication and data gathering instruments in body armour,’ the report highlighted.
Echoing these requirements to Asian Military Review, Laurence Bedford, head of research at engineering and software design services specialist SEA, explained how the burden on dismounted personnel in particular needed to be carefully considered, especially as power- and data-enabled equipment continues to be fielded on personnel.
Esta historia es de la edición March 2018 de Asian Military Review.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 2018 de Asian Military Review.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
SMART MUNITIONS INCREASE MARKET SHARE
Top attack munitions are now widely developed for different artillery calibers with varied ranges.
NEXT GEN NVGS - A CLEAR IMPROVEMENT
Fused and enhanced night-vision technology will make the difference to soldiers fighting at night.
MILITARY ROTORCRAFT DEVELOPMENT - NO MORE ‘STOVEPIPES'
New rotorcraft are going to come with new abilities founded on open systems that provide easier upgrade paths and cheaper through life costs.
INDO PACIFIC UAV DIRECTORY 2021
The development of unmanned aerial vehicles is growing apace, especially in China. New longer range ISR platforms are also on the procurement list of several nations.
TIME TO RESET TRILATERAL RELATIONS
United States President Joe Biden has made it a top priority of his Administration to repair and re-energize global alliances during its first year in power. This is a necessary strategic and political calculus made in light of growing global security, public health, and environmental challenges that will require cooperation and multilateral contributions. President Trump’s ‘America first’ policy did much to undermine confidence in such relationships over his time in office.
SOCPAC KEEN TO SHARE JOINT DOCTRINE AND TRAINING
The return of Great Power competition means that US SOCPAC is more than ever seeking joint training opportunities with regional special forces.
MARINE ENGINE POWER - NOT JUST ABOUT KNOTS
Navies not only want more engine power, there are also coming under increasing pressure to become environmentally conscious.
AMPHIBIOUS FORCES
New amphibious concepts are re-shaping marine forces to break the A2AD defensive line.
SPACE V AIRBORNE ISR OR MIX AND MATCH
Owning satellite based ISR for military use is still an exclusive ‘club’, but airborne ISR still provides that most countries need.
SHIPBUILDING - A NUMBERS GAME
While experience grows among Indo-Pacific naval designers, order numbers remain crucial to keeping costs down and yards in business.
