New 'barrage balloon' spying on the Taliban

They may look like something from the days of the Second World War, but barrage balloons have found a new, high-tech role helping British troops in Afghanistan.

The 60ft-long drones are being deployed as hugely effective ‘spies in the sky’ to snare Taliban fighters before they mount attacks on British troops.

Bristling with sophisticated cameras, radar and electronic listening devices, the large, unmanned balloons – tethered at over 2,000ft – send live film footage of enemy activity day and night to forward operating bases and eavesdrop on insurgents’ mobile phone and radio calls from several miles away.


Aerostats are being deployed as hugely effective 'spies in the sky' to snare Taliban fighters before they mount attacks on British troops

U.S. assault ship capable of speeds over 40 knots taken out to sea for final trials cost $740million

The U.S. navy's stunning new assault ship has been taken out to sea for its final test trials.

The USS Independence (LCS 2) is a small transport vessel designed to undertake multiple missions, which due to its trimaran design can reach speeds of more than 40 knots (46mph).

The 419-foot vessel was built at the Austal shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, has a range of 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km) and can also operate in water less than 20 feet deep.



The Independence's mission bay is 15,2000 square feet and takes up most of the lower deck.

It can support the operation of two Seahawk helicopters, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or one CH-53 Sea Stallion-class helicopter.In addition to cargo, the bay can also carry four lanes of multiple Stryker combat vehicles, armoured Humvees, plus their associated troops.


Rapid: The USS Independence (LCS 2) is capable of speeds of more than 40 knots.Impressive: The Independence was built at the Austal shipyard in Mobile, Alabama




Multi-purpose: The 419-foot vessel can support the opeartion of two Seahawk helicopters, multiple UAVs, or one CH-53 Sea Stallion-class helicopter.

'Super-Taser' shotgun bullet that can knock down criminals from 100ft assessed by Home Office

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Threatening: The electronic Taser bullet is fired from a regular shotgun and can incapacitate criminals from 100 feet

Under consideration: Amnesty International claim 334 people in the US died between 2001 and 2008 after being targeted by the stun gun

The bullet hooks into the target's skin before administering a 20-second shock