PREVIEW

The future is poised to witness RoboCop-style police patrolling our streets.

A German company has revealed a formidable, lightweight protective suit that is bullet-resistant.

Mehler Protection has announced the development of the ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton in collaboration with the GIGN, the elite police tactical unit of the French National Gendarmerie.

The GIGN, akin to the SAS, partakes in operations that might include counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and combating organised crime.

This suit is designed to boost survivability by offering advanced ballistic protection and is intended for use by law enforcement, military professionals, and security staff.

Featuring a flexible spine, a sliding waist belt, and joints at the hips, knees, and ankles that articulate, the outfit permits up to 99 per cent freedom and range of motion.

Moreover, it redistributes up to 70 per cent of the wearer's tactical burden from the shoulders to the ground. This is aimed at reducing physical stress and preventing injuries, thereby allowing operatives to concentrate on their tasks.

Daniel von Chamier, Group Sales Director at Mehler Systems, states: "We've utilised our expertise to create a product that not only effectively redistributes weight but also enhances survivability through superior ballistic protection, providing full-body coverage up to VPAM 8."

The VPAM rating for body armour performance standards indicates that the ExoM is capable of protecting against three armour-piercing incendiary shots fired from approximately ten metres away.

Mehler comments: "The ExoM Exoskeleton transforms the experience for military and law enforcement personnel who endure the prolonged wearing of heavy gear and require high-level ballistic protection."

As a passive exoskeleton, the ExoM functions without the need for external power sources.

This characteristic makes it ideal for lengthy missions or operations in remote areas, removing the need for cumbersome batteries and charging devices.