DÉFENSE ZONE
The mid-20th century marked the start of significant advances in soldier equipment, benefiting from discoveries in the civilian world, but also from military laboratories and test centres. Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, hyperconnectivity and robotics are already technologies used by the most modern armed forces, and they are gradually revolutionising the way soldiers move, fight, decide and communicate.
SUPER FIGHTER OR AUGMENTED SOLDIER?
When will the super fighter arrive? It is hard to imagine the future without talking about the augmented soldier. Today many countries are taking an interest in genetic research and using medical advances to modify certain physical or cognitive capabilities of the fighter. But these technologies, often invasive, raise many questions of ethics and respect for human rights.
More effective and resilient
We speak of an augmented soldier when his capabilities are stimulated or created in order to enhance his operational effectiveness. These augmentations range from physiological modification, or a change in psychological state, to the use of means that improve his sensory, physical or cognitive capabilities. They aim to make the soldier more effective and resilient in theatres of operations by enhancing his psycho-cerebral (mental, psychological, intellectual, cognitive) and/or physical capabilities, or by enabling him to acquire new ones. It also means the possibility of increasing his own performance through external means, for example with the help of an exoskeleton. But it also covers non-therapeutic medication and static or dynamic implants
IRBA, RESEARCH MADE IN FRANCE
Since 2009, the French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA) has brought together in Brétigny-sur-Orge all the French Military Health Service’s expertise in research, assessment and training dedicated to improving service personnel. It meets current operational needs and anticipates those of tomorrow. IRBA works in two main areas: the health of service personnel on operations, which covers several major themes (managing sun exposure and fatigue, carrying heavy loads, the effects of ballistic protection, regenerative medicine, etc.), and the study of CBRN risks. In all, nearly 400 researchers, doctors and technicians work in this laboratory, which has an international reputation in military circles as well as in the academic and private sectors.
Optimisation through equipment
Technological progress now allows the armed forces to come ever closer to what used to seem like science fiction. It is with this in mind that the French Defence Procurement Agency brought together both a team of authors and screenwriters within the Red Team to think about future conflicts, and a group of manufacturers and start-ups around the Centurion project to equip the soldier of the future.
An exoskeleton to strengthen the soldier
For France, there is no question of implanting augmentation devices directly in the soldier’s body; the preference is for external equipment. The Uprise exoskeleton from the Canadian company Mawashi is currently being trialled. It has already been tested by three French Army regiments (the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment, the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment and the 13th Chasseurs Alpins Battalion) on assault courses and infiltration exercises.
Functionalised fabrics
Innovation also lies in concealment. Last May, the French Army unveiled the French armed forces’ new BME (multi-environment camouflage pattern), more effective and versatile, which will equip soldiers from 2024. In its announcement video, the Army, through the voice of Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel, project manager at STAT, concedes that the ideal would be an “active camouflage pattern that adapts to its environment”, but that these “technologies do not exist yet, or are very immature.”
You can find the full feature on the soldier of the future in issue 7 of Défense Zone
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