COLCHESTER’S paratroopers are set to become the first fighting force in the British Army to utilise futuristic “robodogs”.

16 Air Assault Brigade is set to become the first robotics-enhanced brigade in the Army, utilising mechanical dogs.

The Ghost V60 quadruped will be equipped to deploy into combat zones by parachute, helicopter and air landing.

The robodog, once confined to the realms of science fiction, is based on the biomechanics of a real dog, but boasts the ability to add arms or swap legs.

Described as a ‘mid-sized high endurance agile and durable all-weather ground drone’, the robot is not autonomous. 

It is at all times under the control of an operator using a control pad not unlike a gaming controller.

Gazette: A Gurkha Engineers from 23 Air Assault Engineer Regiment is shown how to fit the Ghost V60 Robotic Dog robotic armA Gurkha Engineers from 23 Air Assault Engineer Regiment is shown how to fit the Ghost V60 Robotic Dog robotic arm

Colonel James Loudoun, Deputy Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, called the move "a fantastic opportunity for the team to be at the forefront of the Army experimentation".

He said the Paras were “created as an innovation”, adding: “We have maintained an innovative and open-minded approach to how we operate.

"We are light forces and expect to operate at reach with limited resources and support, so we will embrace any way that we can use technology on the battlefield to support our soldiers and improve overall capability."

Gazette: The Ghost V60 Robotic Dog reaches for a door handle, ready to open it and walk insideThe Ghost V60 Robotic Dog reaches for a door handle, ready to open it and walk inside

The Ghost V60 “robodog” is already being trialled by US Homeland Security for assistance with border patrols.

Lance Corporal Heath, said the quadruped would be used as the "eyes and ears".

He said: "If we were approaching a compound or an uncertain area we would be looking for a piece of kit to enable us to push forward, to scope out the area.

"With things like thermal imaging, you are able to attach 'LIDAR' so you’d be able to map out a 3D image.

"So, commanders would be able to assess the dangers and mitigate those moving forward. The sole purpose of a piece of kit like this is to keep soldiers out of danger."