ISSN-e: 2737-6419

Period: April-June 2025

Athenea Journal

Vol.6, Issue 20, (pp. 29-42)

Type of article: Bibliographic review https://doi.org/10.47460/athenea.v6i20.94

Advances in Technologies for the Soldiers of the Future

Edison Luna*

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5998-8688

raulluna2710@hotmail.com

Ejercito Ecuatoriano

Centro de Instrucci

Ej

ercito Ecuatoriano

Batall

on de Infanter

ıa Nro. 39

´

e Calder

´

on

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3211-8283

calderon 313@hotmail.com

Ej

San Tulc

Ej

´

ercito Ecuatoriano

´

on de Comunicaciones del

ciency. Exoskeletons, AI, AR, biotechnology, nanotechnology, drones, smart materials, and communica-

tion technologies enable the optimization of strategies, decisions, resistance, and situational awareness,

being key in modern armed forces. This review paper synthesizes the most relevant advances, their key

technologies and the impacts they have on the efficiency of soldiers’ strategies during their operations.

A systematic PRISMA review was conducted across the SCOPUS, Web of Science, Taylor & Francis,

PubMed, and ProQuest databases, identifying review articles on these advances, including practical

cases of implementation in military forces in Latin America and Europe. The results show more recent

advances such as drone swarms, biometrics for monitoring troops, and high-precision laser weapons.

Despite challenges such as costs and technical training, these technologies transform defense, improv-

ing its effectiveness and security, driving greater capabilities, and providing competitive advantages in

´

´

biotecnolog

´

ıa, nanotecnolog

´

ıa, drones, materiales inteligentes y las tecnolog

miten optimizar estrategias, decisiones, resistencia y conciencia situacional, siendo clave para las op-

eraciones de defensa de las fuerzas armadas modernas. Este trabajo describe los avances tecnol

m

´

as relevantes, sus impactos en para los soldados durante sus operaciones, sus desafios y limitaciones.

Se realiz

´

atica PRISMA® identificando art

ıculos en bases como SCOPUS, Web of

competitivas ante el enemigo a gran distancia, a pesar de esto, persisten desaf

´

ıos como el costos y

formaci

´

on t

´

ecnica de los soldados.

Palabras clave: tecnolog

´

ıas emergentes, innovaci

´

on militar, innovaci

fensa.

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Athenea Journal

Vol.6, Issue 20, (pp. 29-42)

way, the impact of emerging technologies in the military field transcends the immedi-

ate operational benefits, contributing to the strengthening of institutional capacities and

the promotion of global security. These innovations align with the Sustainable Develop-

ment Goals (SDGs) [1], particularly SDG 16, which promotes the establishment of strong

and resilient institutions, and SDG 17, as it requires partnerships to achieve its goals.

Countries such as the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Israel,

Germany, India, South Korea, and Japan are leading the way in integrating advanced

technologies in military defense [2], while other nations are exploring their adoption to

modernize their armed forces.

Solutions have been developed that improve mobility, physical endurance, and decision-

making under dynamic conditions [4]. The adoption of technologies poses new ethical,

technical, and strategic challenges that require clear regulatory frameworks and special-

ized training.

soldiers of the future, Figure 1 has been made, which shows a bibliometric graph obtained

from the analysis of 565 studies obtained in the SCOPUS database with the following text

robotics, sensors, nanotechnology, wearable devices, and communication systems; on

the other, the analysis of the impact of these innovations on the physical, cognitive and

flecting the importance of human-machine integration in the military field. The inter-

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connectedness between technological terms and human factors underscores the need to

design solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also consider the health,

performance, and safety of soldiers in complex environments. Additionally, the graph il-

of defence and security for soldiers may be of interest to researchers, academics, and pro-

fessionals in the military, defence, and security fields, as well as developers of emerging

technologies applied to tactical environments. The information provided may be relevant

to defense policymakers, government institutions, companies in the military-technology

sector, and international organizations seeking to optimize the readiness, security, and

effectiveness of their armed forces through innovative solutions. Additionally, it can be

useful for experts in ergonomics, occupational health, and the human factor who are in-

terested in the impact of these solutions on the performance and well-being of soldiers.

velopment trends for soldiers of the future in the defense field, analyzing their opera-

and proper use of these technologies. Finally, the Conclusions are presented.

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future soldiers? The number of studies identified through various databases and reposi-

tories, as well as their corresponding text strings for the search, is presented in Table 1.

Web of Science "future soldiers technologies"

95

Taylor & Francis [Publication Title: ”future soldiers”]

AND [Publication Title: ”technologies”]

25

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Vol.6, Issue 20, (pp. 29-42)

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tification systems of enemies and allies, reducing cognitive overload in high-pressure

situations. Through intelligent Head-Up Displays (HUDs), soldiers receive immediate

alerts, strategic updates, and mission orders, thereby increasing their situational aware-

ness and ability to respond quickly and accurately.

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scenarios where soldiers practice skills like threat detection, navigation, and rescue op-

erations. Studies show that incorporating VR and augmented reality (AR) significantly

enhances tactical skill retention, mental resilience, and adaptability [11]. These immer-

sive simulations provide high-fidelity environments that improve training effectiveness.

celerates recovery, reduces downtime, and increases troop availability in prolonged mis-

sions.

recovery, and improve cognitive adaptability in hostile settings. Tools like CRISPR are

under evaluation to enhance physiological responses to extreme stress [15].

management and mission planning. However, these advances raise ethical concerns

around genetic modification, consent, and long-term effects. Thus, while biotechnology

expands human potential, its application demands clear ethical frameworks and trans-

parency.

tonomous systems—critical for high-demand missions [16]. DARPA has shown their

potential in managing drones, robots, and weapons with neural commands, reducing la-

tency. BCIs also monitor soldiers’ cognitive and emotional states in real time, enabling

early responses to fatigue or stress, vital for sustained operations [17]. Strategically, BCIs

could transform military capabilities and future warfare dynamics [18]. However, they

raise ethical concerns around mental privacy, consent, and cybersecurity. Strong ethical

frameworks are essential for their responsible integration [19].

Nanotechnology and smart materials are transforming soldiers’ protection, mobility, and

adaptability in demanding environments. Their integration raises concerns about sus-

ISSN-e: 2737-6419

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Vol.6, Issue 20, (pp. 29-42)

and graphene nanotubes, offering superior ballistic protection with less weight [11].

real time, improving tactical responses. Research is advancing implantable nanodevices

for monitoring physiological data and delivering drugs in response to fatigue or injury.

low latency and high data transmission capacity, improving coordination and real-time

decision-making. In addition, 5G networks enable the efficient control of autonomous

drone swarms and the integration of advanced artificial intelligence systems for tactical

and strategic operations, increasing effectiveness in critical missions.

Exoskeletons Physical assistance,

Increased strength,

reduced fatigue

Mechanical failures,

technological

dependence

Augmented

reality (AR)

Better situational

awareness, effective

training

Cognitive overload,

misinterpretation

interface (BCI)

communication,

tactical advantage

mental privacy

Nanotechnology

and Smart

materials

Lighter armor,

self-healing fabrics

High costs,

vulnerability in

extreme conditions

Autonomous drones are transforming military operations by enabling surveillance, re-

connaissance, and logistical support missions with minimal human intervention. Equipped

with artificial intelligence, these devices are not only capable of operating synchronously

in swarms but also of adapting to changes in real-time, optimizing coverage in the field