Introducing Iron Man: Exoskeletons in Warfare

Abstract

The article looks at the latest developments in the use of exoskeletons in warfare. It attempts to address two major research gaps in the literature – (i) While there are essays on where individual countries are in terms of military exoskeleton research, there is currently no primer or overview where all the available data from various countries is collated into one coherent analysis. It will thus offer the first truly global look at the latest developments in this field as of 2021, comparing the progress made by major military powers such as the USA, Russia, China, NATO, India etc and (ii) There is very little discussion on the implications this technology might hold for the battlefields of the future. Since it would be radically new and an untested entity if used in modern warfare, it is vital that security scholars ponder the consequences of deploying such innovations in contemporary theatres of operation. The article attempts to rectify that gap as well, with a brief look at the potential changes in warfare exoskeletons could bring about. The article also attempts to frame the relevant issues in a structure that could facilitate further research. It highlights the areas of uncertainty in this new technology that could potentially disrupt the global system.