UK to trial powered paragliders for stealthy behind-lines insertions
The UK Ministry of Defence will begin trials of backpack-sized powered paragliders from Blakcro to insert Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment troops up to 200 miles behind enemy lines at night, avoiding aircraft drops. The titanium-framed gliders, assembled in about eight minutes, are foot-launched, can carry body armour, night vision gear and weapon mounts, and are powered by a fan. With roughly £6m funding, the trials aim to bolster a homegrown defence supply chain and give troops a covert entry capability; the system is already in use by other NATO allies and could expand UK-made equipment in service.