The Global Strategic Trends: The Future Starts Today, which was published today by the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) think-tank Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre warns that the creation of genetically modified bionic soldiers could become a reality in the next 30 years.

According to the report, these augmented troops should be able to lift huge weights, run at high speeds or long distances, have infra-red vision built into their brains, and even be able to communicate with fellow soldiers by electronically aided telepathy. These augmentations will be made possible by advanced drug and genetic tech that enables the military to reprogram soldiers’ genes, in order to transform them into super human soldiers.

The report, which looks at global threats and identifies issues which need to be addressed, suggests that advanced drug and genetic tech could enable the military to reprogram soldiers’ genes, in order to transform them into super human soldiers.

The document warns of an increasing risk from nuclear and chemical weapons as technology rapidly advances. It also suggests there is a real threat of societal upheaval due to the spread of misinformation on social media. It asserts there is a potential for violent protest by people replaced by automation and of those who are disadvantaged in the future. It also warns that laws must be introduced and ethical considerations be taken into account before these super soldiers are created.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “We are living in a world becoming rapidly more dangerous, with intensifying challenges from state aggressors who flout the rules, terrorists who want to harm our way of life and the technological race with our adversaries. Identifying these threats means we can continue to build an armed forces that can stay ahead of them.”

Human Augmentation Already a Reality

Already companies such as Lockheed Martin, a US global defence and security company, are developing advanced robotic exoskeletons known as the Human Universal Load Carrier. This tech will enable the wearer to lift heavy loads with little effort. Prototype versions are already being deployed in combat trials in Afghanistan.

In the UK, super vision is close to becoming a reality after a pioneering surgery, which partially restored Tim Reddish, a blind Paralympic swimming champion’s vision. A 3mm microchip was 1,500 light-sensitive cells was implanted into each of his retina and connected by a wire to a power unit implanted behind his ear.

In contrast to the military’s willingness to explore these routes, the late Professor Stephen Hawking said that genetic tampering would likely lead to the destruction of the rest of humanity. Hawking believed that the arrival of superhumans would cause significant political problems with “unimproved humans,” who will not be able to compete and will ultimately die out as a result.