Special operations forces are uniquely equipped to tackle a range of high-stakes missions, whether they involve hostage rescues or covert reconnaissance. These elite military units are at the forefront of their branches, benefitting from advanced technology and substantial funding that surpasses that of conventional troops. Although the gear they use is powerful and often costly, portrayals in films sometimes inflate their technical capabilities to a fantastical degree.
When you think of elite forces, names such as the U.S. Army Delta Force and U.S. Navy Seals come to mind (thanks in part to their depiction in films). However, they are not alone in having access to sophisticated technological tools. Britain’s Special Air Service (SAS), Russia’s Spetsnaz, and Israel’s Sayeret Matkal are also renowned military groups that utilize highly specialized equipment designed for precision, stealth, and durability. Below are five incredible high-tech gadgets employed by these extraordinary military units.
Joint Threat Warning Systems
Navigating urban environments poses significant challenges for offensive or counterinsurgency forces. The close-quarters and high-density architecture offer numerous refuge points for defenders. In response, the U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) has deployed a compact version of an extensive SIGINT/EW (signals intelligence and electronic warfare) system known as the Joint Threat Warning System.
This lightweight system is built for tactical situations and can easily be carried by Marines. It monitors very-high-frequency (VHF) and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) communications, providing real-time tracking of transmission origins with a tablet-like display. Essentially, it enables operators to not only intercept signals but also accurately identify their sources on a digital map. The system’s Low Probability of Detection/Interception (LPD/LPI) features further enhance its ability to avoid eavesdropping countermeasures.
Silent Mortars
Research engineers at Russia’s Burevestnik Institute aimed to create a quiet mortar, resulting in the development of the 2B25 Gull. This lightweight weapon, weighing 30 pounds, is utilized by the Russian Army’s special unit, Spetsnaz, and fires rounds nearly inaudibly, resembling the sound of a suppressed Kalashnikov AK-47.
The secret lies not in the mortar itself, but rather in the 3VO35 82mm round it employs, which replaces traditional propelling charges with a sealed cartridge featuring a piston mechanism. This innovative approach allows the 2B25 to discharge its explosive payload without producing noise, smoke, or a flash. However, this design does come with a downside: range. Its self-contained cartridge results in reduced propellant gas, limiting its effective range to just 0.7 miles compared to other mortars that can exceed 2 miles. Even so, the trade-off between stealth and range is justified since most targets for Spetsnaz operations are typically within a short distance.
Smart Sights
In the intensity of combat, the first shot can often determine the outcome. To enhance accuracy, U.S. Marines and Israeli Defense Forces special ops teams utilize advanced targeting systems, such as the SMARTSHOOTER, SMASH 2000. This Israeli innovation provides highly precise target acquisition and can even control the timing of the shot.
While smart aiming technologies have existed, the SMASH 2000 offers unparalleled control and autonomous tracking for small arms. Its setup consists of an optical sight, a specialized pistol grip, and a pressure trigger, all mounted on a rifle—typically the M4A1 for U.S. Special Operations. The optical sight features a camera and laser range finder, with embedded computing systems that calculate the ideal aim point, adapting to the shooter’s movements. In an era where quadcopters and UAVs dominate the battlefield, the SMASH 2000 system serves a dual purpose as a counter-drone solution. Although it is not widely distributed within the U.S. Army, it has proven effective among special forces deployed with the Special Operations Joint Task Force in Syria.
Bone Phones
Stealth is crucial in special operations, as revealing one’s position can have dire consequences. To maintain this advantage, bone-conducting headphones—initially designed for the civilian market—allow special forces to communicate discreetly without compromising their location.
The technology behind bone conduction allows sound to bypass the outer ear, transmitting vibrations directly to the cochlea through the skull. This can aid those with hearing impairments while also offering advantages underwater, as it operates using vibrations instead of sound waves. U.S. Navy SEALs have effectively incorporated this technology with microphones that interface around the throat, allowing for private communication while remaining alert to surrounding sounds. Typically connected to secure radios like the AN/PRC-148 MBITR, this setup provides streamlined, low-profile communication ideal for covert operations.
Nano or Pocket Drones
The Black Hornet nano UAV stands out in the realm of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) technology as a lightweight champion. With a range of over 1.2 miles and a flight time of around 30 minutes, its compact size—measuring just 7 inches and weighing only 70 grams—allows it to fit easily into a soldier’s pocket or maneuver seamlessly through openings.
Officially known as the “Personal Reconnaissance System” by its manufacturer FLIR, the UAV is employed by the U.S. Army as the “Soldier Borne Sensor.” It operates on a helicopter-like design, controlled through direct radio connections and satellite communication. In environments with jamming signals, some versions can navigate visually or return to the operator autonomously. Equipped with thermal and electro-optical cameras, the Black Hornet eliminates any hiding spots in the dark. Furthermore, its diminutive design minimizes noise, making it less detectable than traditional quadcopters.
This remarkable drone has proved highly effective for close-range reconnaissance in modern conflicts, having been utilized by both British and American special forces in Afghanistan, as well as Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. A standard configuration—comprising two drones, a docking station, a handheld touchscreen, and a controller—can amount to nearly $200,000.
