MILITARY TECHNOLOGY: 5 EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS TO WATCH IN 2024
From improving the way our nation’s troops learn to blowing up enemies halfway across the world, military technology continues to help the American Armed Forces remain the strongest on the planet. Several exciting and interesting things have come from the inventions and research put into the U.S. military. In 2024, a range of military technologies are posed to bolster defenses in ways we’ve never seen before. Suggested read: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Already Apologizing for Weird Super Bowl Ad
Five New Military Technology Tends in 2024 and Beyond
A lot of flashy and behind-the-scenes military technology is ready to make a major impact in warfare. Some will help us catch up to our rivals while others are positioning the U.S. military to remain elite in its capabilities. Below, we’re breaking down five exciting military technologies proving the future is now:
1. Robots and Artificial Intelligence
The implementation of robots and artificial intelligence (AI) is far from new, but the capabilities are unlike anything in the past. Military technology news shows that robots are becoming a part of the ranks. In fact, AI is helping power a variety of computers and machinery, and everything from potential dystopian nightmares to enhancing search and rescue capabilities is becoming a reality. There are robot dogs that can help take a load off of the backs of troops, automated drones working to help with defense, and robotics working with AI to help with manufacturing and training. Some are questioning the morality of autonomous weapons and robots. Austria has already outlawed them and while the U.S. continues to research their use, it’s unsure of the restrictions that would come along with their implementation.
2. The Navy’s Hybrid Fleet
The U.S. Navy wants to expand its fleet by hundreds of ships. While 350 of the 500 or so vessels will be manned, the remaining are going to be uncrewed. This concept is known as a hybrid fleet and it could be the perfect solution to compete in the Pacific Ocean. Tensions continue to rise among multiple rivals, including North Korea and China. The U.S. military technology is aiming to bolster both aerial and naval capabilities as a result. While Congress is on board for updating our nation's naval fleet, there is pushback about about how much the Navy wants to invest in uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) without a comprehensive concept of operations (CONOPS), lawmakers still believe upgrades are needed. Evolving global threats in the Middle East and near Africa are also calling attention to our Navy. A hybrid fleet can help keep manned military ships and commercial vessels from enemies through recon, defensive measures, and attacks when necessary on hostile waters.
3. Hypersonic Weapons
The uncomfortable truth is that both China and Russia have hypersonic missiles, while the United States does not. It’s also worth noting that North Korea is interested in this military technology as well. Hypersonic weapons can travel five times faster than the speed of sound. This makes them incredibly difficult to detect and prevent on the battlefield. Some of the better predicaments would simply be a missile attacking an enemy target engaging in war. However, the world doesn’t work that way and nuclear weapons exist. Part of the reason nobody uses nuclear weapons is because of the retaliation that can occur as a result. Therefore, if one side can use them but another can’t, things could unravel quickly. Whether it’s preventing enemy hypersonic weaponry from ever launching or stopping them after they do, the U.S. is in catch-up mode. Thankfully, U.S. hypersonic missiles and alternatives are underway.
4. The Internet of Things (IoT)
Future military technology can be exciting but without an infrastructure to operate, it’s simply computer parts without a function. The IoT is what helps make it all happen and it’s coming in full force. Slowly but surely, 5G continues to roll out and improve around us. This can be fun and can provide faster load times for our favorite videos or better mobile games. However, for the military, the application is much more. The use of IoT is a combination of better cell service and other forms of connectivity among devices that work together to communicate with each other and execute tasks. A simple example of IoT is using high-tech appliances in your home along with your phone, tablet, etc. They can work together to help automate chores, save energy, and more. On the battlefield, it’s less about saving on energy costs and more about having intelligent devices relay information to troops in real-time. It’s about providing factories with more efficient methods of creating gear and weaponry, organizing the Navy’s hybrid fleet, and helping autonomous drones navigate the skies. Overall, the IoT continues to provide troops with improved functions on and off of the battlefield.
5. Decarbonization
The Department of Defense (DoD) is all in on decarbonization. Now, they are exploring alternative energy sources like biofuels and renewable electricity-powered heat pumps. Additionally, the DoD is harnessing the power of the sun with solar systems on rooftops and base lands, potentially even selling extra energy back to the grid. While the goal is a greener military, skeptics argue that going completely carbon-free might not be feasible. There's concern that cutting emissions could mean shrinking our military muscle. But even if the military can't go full-on green, every little step counts. Making moves to reduce our carbon footprint, through the use of military technology, helps the planet and sets a positive example for others. Related read: Army Robots Could Create a Next-Level Futuristic Military
Does the U.S. Have Secret Military Technology?
One of the most intriguing aspects of U.S. military technology is what we don’t know. From Area 51, to the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), and beyond, there are several military secrets that continue to unfold. Our nation has many interests to protect and continues to innovate through military technology that doesn’t simply elevate our nation to the level of our peers and rivals but surpasses it outright so that we might remain safe. Read next: Soldier Indicted For Criminal Identity Theft and Cyberstalking