Paras and Royal Marines turn to rucksack-sized paragliders to launch themselves 200 miles into enemy territory

Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am – sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREE See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 09:34 EDT, 28 August 2026 | Updated: 09:53 EDT, 28 August 2026 British soldiers could be given rucksack-sized paragliders to launch themselves 200 miles into enemy territory.The UK's first foot-launched system was developed this year by a start-up backed with around £6million funding from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).A pilot can trigger the paraglider by running – powering it only by their own legs and the wind, rather than wheels or an engine.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 areas.Wiltshire-based company Blackcro has designed the gliders specifically for military use, supplying the systems this year and into 2027.Built around a UK-made titanium airframe, the glider can travel up to 200 miles under its own power, accommodating body armour, night vision equipment and weapon mounts. The technology is already in operational use, with contracts held across the UK and other Nato countries. The Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment say they are now looking to trial the equipment in coming months.Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard 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. The UK's first foot–launched system was developed this year by a start–up backed with around £6million funding from the Ministry of Defence. The equipment is pictured here A pilot can trigger the paraglider by running – powering it only by their own legs and the wind, rather than wheels or an engine'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.'Blackro's growth comes amid government plans to strengthen the UK's sovereign defence supply chain.Since receiving support from UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), the company has grown from three to 11 employees and now holds three prime contracts with the UK and other Nato countries.Sam Wedgwood, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Blackro, 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 MOD insists the partnership between Blackro 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'.