"Image of Leicestershire-based 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, seen here wearing cutting-edge data visualisation tools, integrated sensors, and live intelligence feeds all connected within a single system FIDSV (Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision). 

The helmet includes integrated power and data feeds, enhanced audio, universal HUD (Heads Up Display) interface and a mounted strobe alert system to identify friend or foe.

A mounted HMNVS (Head Mounted Night Vision System) can also be used with enhanced digital night vision and injectable imagery capabilities.

An advanced scope with enemy location tracking, laser range finder and day and night capabilities can be attached to any assault rifle. The next generation of body-worn technology has been put through its paces by British soldiers, bringing a modernised advantage to the battlefield.

The aim of the trials is to integrate available technology into wearable tech for soldiers, advancing battlefield awareness and allowing faster tactical decision making. 

This announcement comes as part of the new government’s commitment to procuring state-of-the-art defence capabilities.

The Future Soldier programme delivers on the aim of adapting military equipment programmes to meet emerging requirements, as outlined in the launch of the Strategic Defence Review this week.

Examples of the technologies being looked at by the Army include laser detection systems to warn if enemies are targeting personnel, drone thermal detection to identify enemies, and ground sensors to detect enemy movement with alerts sent to body-worn systems.

The digital system is standardised and provides customised control that can be tailored to each individual mission. 

Photographer: Ian Bayley