UK start-up develops rucksack-sized military glider with 200-mile range

Backed by around £6 million from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), British start-up Blakcro has developed the UK’s first foot-launched military paraglider systems. A pilot can launch the system by running, powered only by their own legs and the wind, rather than wheels or an engine. The gliders will enable troops to fly covertly into hostile territory without a runway, helicopter or drop aircraft.

Supported by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) – the MoD’s ‘front door’ for companies that have not previously worked with defence – Wiltshire-based Blakcro has designed the unique gliders specifically for military use, with the company supplying systems this year and into 2027.

Designing an individual approach to air mobility

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 territory.

Built around a UK-made titanium airframe, the glider can travel up to 200 miles under its own power and accommodates body armour, night vision equipment and weapon mounts. The technology is already in operational use, with contracts held across the UK and with NATO allies. The Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment are now looking to trial this individual approach to air mobility in the coming months.

Pioneering home-grown solutions for battlefield advantage

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, home-grown defence supply chain and ensuring our armed forces receive the pioneering equipment that can give them the edge on the battlefield.

“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.”

Blakcro first engaged with UKDI, part of MoD’s National Armaments Director Group, through its Open Call for Innovation and has since received support across two other projects. One such project has received a Defence Innovation Loan, enabling the company to scale from a single product to full production.

Strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base and supply chain

The growth of Blakcro reflects the wider ambition of UKDI to strengthen the UK’s sovereign defence supply chain. Since receiving UKDI support, the company has grown from three to 11 employees and now holds three prime contracts with the UK and with NATO allies.

Sam Wedgwood, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Blakcro, 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 partnership between Blakcro 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.