World News

UK Ministry of Defence funds £6 million trial for powered military paragliders

Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment troops could test backpack-sized gliders capable of traveling up to 200 miles into hostile territory.

Updated Aug 28, 2026 · 13:51 UTC1 reports

The short version

The UK Ministry of Defence is investing £6 million to test backpack-sized powered paragliders produced by Wiltshire-based manufacturer Blakcro.
The titanium-framed systems can be assembled in eight minutes and are designed to transport troops up to 200 miles behind enemy lines with lower radar and acoustic signatures than standard aircraft.
Trials are scheduled to start in the coming months as part of a broader government effort to integrate smaller domestic firms into the UK defense supply chain.

The UK Ministry of Defence allocated £6 million to trial powered paraglider systems manufactured by UK-based firm Blakcro.[BBC News]
The equipment features a titanium frame, assembles in eight minutes, and has a operational range of up to 200 miles.[BBC News]
The gliders are designed for foot launches and can accommodate body armor, night-vision devices, and weapon mounts for Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment forces.[BBC News]
Blakcro was established in 2023, employs 11 people, and also works with the United States Department of Defense.[BBC News]
Official trial testing for the paraglider systems is expected to begin in the coming months.[BBC News]

Whether the British military will formally adopt the paragliders beyond the initial trial phase remains unknown.[BBC News]