Lawmakers from New York are pressing the US Army to deploy state-of-the-art cameras to improve its military surveillance capabilities and increase soldiers’ situational awareness amid evolving threats.
In a letter to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and his colleagues recommended implementing a technology that provides 360-degree views.
According to the lawmakers, most devices the military currently uses have limited fields of view, such as pole-mounted cameras and mirrors.
They also noted that more sophisticated systems like drones are not easily accessible by all military forces.
“Our military service members still face a dangerous level of tactical uncertainty in combat zones, and it is imperative that the Army use all the tools at its disposal to swiftly procure technology to mitigate these risks,” the letter stated.
Potential Technology
Representative Brian Higgins explained that military operations have evolved recently, and the armed forces must adopt appropriate technologies to cope with the changes.
The lawmakers stated that although multiple entities within the US Army are currently researching cutting-edge surveillance solutions, they urge the service to prioritize the development of tactical stabilized omnidirectional cameras and provide an update on the effort.
One company the lawmakers cited as worth considering for such a system is a New York-based company that has developed a tactical throwable camera that can “see in all directions at the same time.”
“A device developed by Bounce Imaging, based right here in Buffalo provides a unique solution to challenges faced by our service members in a variety of situations,” the letter reads. “Access to new, state-of-the-art equipment that can help detect, mitigate, and navigate dangerous situations will improve operations and save lives.”
