Computer hardware and software
Computer hardware, software and other components were designed for military applications. This allows them to be integrated into various tools that improve their performance. Specialized computers have secret components and encryption chips that are not available to the public. The first military computers used mechanical analogue computers as central processing units in gunnery. Today, many of these computers are integrated into tools.
Enterprise systems on the other hand are large-scale computer programs that support many users and interact with many other systems. These systems are typically operated at the DoD level. They should be reliable, expandable, interoperable, and extensible. They can be either developed in-house, or purchased commercially. Enterprise systems can range from HR and financial databases to software development environments.
Vehicles that can withstand explosives
Vehicles that are explosively resistant to IED attacks or ambushes are called explosive-resistant military vehicles. They were created to combat the increase in IED threats during the Iraq War. These vehicles are currently being used in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are three types: light, heavy and fully armored MRAPs.
The first MRAP was the LVTP-7, which was later redesigned as the AAVP7A1 (Advanced Armor-Resistant Vehicle). It is a powerful assault weapon and an important platform of the U.S. Marine Corps’ amphibious force. It can carry up 25 combat-ready marines by water and travels at 45 mph on the ground.
Robotics
Robotics are becoming more important as the world is roiled by war. As a result, nations like India, China and the US have heavily invested in military robot development. DARPA is a government agency specializing in robotic technology and firms like it are always looking for ways to improve their military robots.
Robots have many benefits over human soldiers. Robots can perform dangerous and boring tasks that are difficult for soldiers. They can even be programmed to navigate terrain, make basic decisions and survive in battle zones with chemical weapons. They can also work in areas with high gravity and dirty conditions.
Robotics in war
The highly-technological military of today is researching the possibility that armed robots could be used to aid in warfare. Gatling weapons, which can automatically fire at incoming rockets, are used by many warships in alliance. Israel currently has machine gun towers installed along its Gaza border.
In addition, autonomous robot deployments are bringing ethical concerns into the debate. Noel Sharkey of Sheffield University says that autonomous robots cannot distinguish civilians from combatants. In addition, the proportionality principle says that robots should never kill civilians for military advantage.
High-tech weapons
The world's most technologically advanced military is looking to the future for new weapons. The rise in conflicts and hot spots worldwide is driving military R&D. This year, the United States will spend $80 billion in R&D. That's a 5% increase over last year. The plans call to increase spending in 2017. Defense contractors and start-ups in small tech are creating new weapons. They are not only trying to surprise war tech geeks but also to help the military win.
While some weapons are still in the prototype stages, the U.S. is developing weapons with 1,000-mile ranges and shore-to-shore missiles. Some are already in the field and others are still in development.