19 revolutionary military technologies that will shape the battlefields of the future
24/7 Wall Street Network's article by Kristen Hitchcock on March 22, 2024.
Military technology is constantly evolving. The battlefields of the future will be more complex and changeable than today's. Here are 19 revolutionary military technologies that will shape the way warfare is fought in the years to come:
1. Hypersonic weapons
It is possible that missile technology will continue to develop, with increased accuracy and speed.
Missiles have long been part of the battlefield. However, the next-generation missiles will fly at speeds in excess of Mach 5, making their defense more challenging. This hypersonic missile can be used to launch either conventional or nuclear warheads.
2. Directed energy weapons
Although not currently deployed, lasers are currently being developed for use in many military applications.
Although this is the case in science fiction, we have yet to see directed energy weapons such as lasers or high-power microwaves. However, they can be used to destroy and paralyze enemy targets. They have the potential to radically transform air defense and missile defense. They may also provide new melee abilities.
3. Artificial intelligence
AI will continue to evolve and may be used in military applications.
AI is already being applied to many military applications, such as target recognition and autonomous weapon systems. However, AI may play a larger role in decision-making in the future. It can be expected that the impact of AI will increase, which may also affect the stock price of AI.
4. Autonomous weapon systems
Over the past hundred years, weapons systems have evolved a lot.
These weapon systems work without human intervention. However, these can raise ethical and legal issues, as they may not always work properly. They have the potential to revolutionize warfare by reducing casualties and increasing the efficiency of military operations.
5. Quantum computers
Computers powered by artificial intelligence will only continue to get more powerful.
Quantum computers used to be just the stuff of science fiction. However, they have now revolutionized the way code-breaking is done, potentially giving developed countries a huge advantage in conflicts. They can also be used to develop new materials for military applications.
6. Biotechnology
Biotechnology is an emerging field that is likely to create a variety of new military technologies.
Biotechnology can be used to develop new weapons, such as genetically engineered diseases or performance-enhancing drugs. Of course, there are also many ethical issues in this area. However, biotechnology can also be used to develop new medical methods to protect soldiers on the battlefield.
7. Advanced robotics
Robots are currently being very actively developed or used for military purposes.
Robotics has been part of the battlefield for some time now. However, advanced robotics can further revolutionize this. They are already being used for tasks such as bomb disposal and reconnaissance.
In the future, these robots can play a more prominent role in combat. They may engage in close combat or provide fire support.
8. 3D print
3D printing opens up a wealth of opportunities for military technology.
3D printing still has a long way to go. However, it could revolutionize military logistics by allowing weapons and spare parts to be printed on demand. If the item can be printed, inventory may not be required.
9. Advanced materials
The military is always looking to improve the materials they use in basic items like boots.
New materials are constantly being developed, and the properties of some of them have been improved. For example, science may be able to make materials stronger or more resistant to heat. Today, we see these improved materials mainly used to make lighter, stronger, and more durable vehicles and body armor.
10. Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is still under development, but it's not as new as some of the others on this list.
Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. It has the potential to revolutionize military technology in many ways, such as the creation of new materials, sensors, and even weapons.
11. Cyber warfare
As computers become more powerful, cyber warfare becomes more and more important.
Cyber warfare is a new field of warfare. It involves attacking the enemy's critical infrastructure, such as power grids and financial systems, through computers. Cyber warfare has become a growing threat that can seriously affect a country's ability to function.
12. Information warfare
The media is an important part of the information war.
Information warfare involves the use of information to influence and deceive the enemy. It was an information war, hence the name. It can include things like propaganda and psychological manipulation. As we learn more about disinformation and psychology, this kind of war is becoming more common.
13. Space warfare
Space warfare is likely to be a continuation of space warfare.
We've been in space for a while now. However, space warfare is fairly new. Space is slowly militarized as countries develop anti-satellite weapons and space-based sensors. The use of force in space could be one of the next frontiers of war.
14. Underwater warfare
Submarines have been around for some time, but they are still under development.
Since the invention of submarines, we have been fighting on the bottom of the sea. However, these technologies are constantly evolving. For example, countries are developing autonomous underwater vehicles and new submarines.
15. Hypersonic gliding vehicle
Jets may be the fastest thing right now, but they probably won't last long.
These vehicles can travel at hypersonic speeds relying solely on the lift generated by their shape. Currently, they are still under development. However, they can be difficult to defend against, as they may fly under radar.
16. Anti-drones
UAVs may be leading the way at the moment, but many countries are developing anti-drone technologies.
As drone technology continues to evolve, so do effective technologies for drones. These anti-drone systems use a variety of methods to defeat drones, such as jamming their signals or shooting them down.
17. Premium camouflage
Camouflage has been used by the army for a long time and is still evolving.
New camouflage is being developed that will make soldiers and vehicles almost invisible. At the moment, this is still in the realm of science fiction, but it is likely to be developed in the future. As you might imagine, actually stealth can give one side a significant advantage in a conflict.
18. Directed energy munitions
The energy waves from cooking popcorn can also be used in military applications.
These non-lethal weapons are designed to temporarily paralyze or incapacitate the enemy. They are usually made of directed energy, such as lasers or microwaves. These can be used to control crowds and intercept vehicles. Some people also use them to disable electronic devices.
19. Brain-computer interface
In the future, it is possible that the minds of soldiers will be directly linked to their weapons.
Brain-computer interfaces allow soldiers to use their minds to control weapons or other devices. This may shorten reaction times and allow intuitive control of complex weapons.
However, there are some ethical issues with these new technologies at the moment.