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UK's first foot-launched military paraglider systems could
give British troops the freedom to take to the skies
independently, with no runway, helicopter or drop aircraft
required.
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The gliders can be assembled in under eight minutes, in
darkness, and are capable of travelling up to 200 miles on
their own power.
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British start-up Blakcro expands workforce with MOD
support, showing defence is an engine for growth.
British soldiers could be equipped with rucksack-sized powered
paragliders for covert missions in hostile territory, following a
new invention by a UK start-up this year.
Backed by around £6 million from the Ministry of Defence (MOD),
British start-up Blakcro has developed the UK's first
foot-launched military paraglider systems. A pilot can
launch the system by running, powered only by their own legs
and the wind, rather than wheels or an engine. The gliders will
enable troops to fly covertly into hostile territory without a
runway, helicopter or drop aircraft.
Supported by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) the MOD's front door'
for companies that have not previously worked with defence
Wiltshire-based Blakcro has designed the unique gliders
specifically for military use, with the company supplying systems
this year and into 2027.
The glider folds into a case approximately the size of a large
rucksack and can be assembled in under eight minutes in complete
darkness, with a low acoustic, visual and radar signature
designed to support stealth insertions into hostile territory.
Built around a UK-made titanium airframe, the glider can travel
up to 200 miles under its own power, and accommodates body
armour, night vision equipment and weapon mounts. The technology
is already in operational use, with contracts held across the UK
and with NATO allies. The Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment
are now looking to trial this individual approach to air
mobility in the coming months.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, MP, said:
"With UK Defence Innovation supporting SMEs like Blakcro from the
drawing board through to deployment, we are building a more
resilient, homegrown defence supply chain and ensuring our armed
forces receive the pioneering equipment that can give them the
edge on the battlefield.
"Defence has a new way of working with industry, backing British
innovation to deliver cutting-edge capability for our armed
forces and good jobs in regions like Wiltshire.
Blakcro first engaged with UKDI, part of MOD's National Armaments
Director Group, through its Open Call for Innovation and has
since received support across two other projects. One such
project has received a Defence Innovation Loan, enabling the
company to scale from a single product to full production.
Blakcro's growth reflects the wider ambition of UKDI to
strengthen the UK's sovereign defence supply chain. Since
receiving UKDI support, the company has grown from 3 to 11
employees and now holds 3 prime contracts with the UK and with
NATO allies.
Sam Wedgwood, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at
Blakcro, said:
"From a UKDI success story perspective, we have very rapidly
moved from base technology in 2024, through UKDI-supported rapid
innovation, through to purchase, through to operational use by
2026. We could not have done that at this pace without the
support we have received not just the funding, but the
commercialisation support and the access to the right people.
UKDI kept telling us we were special. I think it's mutual."
The partnership between Blakcro and UKDI is an example of the
government backing agile, homegrown innovators to deliver
cutting-edge military capability and sustainable growth,
strengthening the UK's defence industrial base while keeping our
armed forces ahead of emerging threats.
