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By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) said Monday that it would begin developing a high-tech combat uniform beginning next year.
Under the two-phase development program, the agency will develop a set of state-of-the-art battle dress uniform (BDU) and other military gear, including a bullet-proof helmet equipped with subminiature cameras and computer systems and a new K-11 rifle fitted with a day and night aiming device, an agency official said.
``The agency has completed studies on the concept of the future combatant uniform and equipment,'' the official said, asking not to be named. ``From next year, we plan to begin developing related technology and equipment after getting approval from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.''
The official didn't specify the timeline.
In the first phase, he said, the agency will develop a new rifle, portable data-processing device, bulletproof helmet and vest, and other equipment.
Soldiers will be able to aim at targets both day and night through the digital system of high-tech goggles, he said. The command post can communicate with soldiers in the field with the help of portable data-processing equipment, he added.
The new helmet will be equipped with video transmission devices, Global Positioning System equipment and other long-range communication network systems, said the official.
Under the second-phase development program, the helmet will be upgraded to provide protective systems from nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) attacks, the official said.
Soldiers will also have more advanced BDUs with functions for automatic temperature control and protection against NBC attacks, he added.
gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr
