NANOTECHNOLOGY IN MILITARY
Abstract:
The opportunities presented by nanotechnology are far-reaching, novel and unprecedented.
The nano-inspired evolution and transformation of national defence capability has already begun,
with the recent conflict in Iraq widely considered the last to be fought without incorporating
major benefits from nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Keeping pace with the military
applications of nanotechnology research and development is vital if a technological edge is to be
maintained in national defence.
Military Nanotechnology – An Opportunity for Defence Evolution, will bring together key
government, military and defence industry representatives from the multi-national community.
They will be able to discuss and explore how advances in nanotechnology will lead to the
military developing smaller, more powerful and more mobile weapons, sensors and surveillance
systems that will remain cost-effective and future-proof.
By focusing on the key lines of development in sensors, combatant protection, structures and
electronics, Military Nanotechnology will provide a clear and exciting environment, where
cutting-edge presentations will address the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionise
battlefield surveillance, stealth and the survivability of combatants and equipment.
In addition to this, Military Nanotechnology will enable interaction between top scientists and
programme managers from international military research laboratories, academia and the private
sector – allowing mutually beneficial dialogue and collaborative arrangements to be formed.
Thus ensuring that the potential of nanotechnology to transform the military in ways that were
previously unimaginable can be realised and acted upon.
Military Uses of Nanotechnology
The people who run the Millennium Project of the American Council for the United Nations
University (ACUNU) wanted to better understand the "Potential Environmental Pollution and
Health Hazards Resulting from Possible Military Uses of Nanotechnology," along with
"Implications for Research Priorities Helpful to Prevent and/or Reduce Such Pollution and
Hazards."
An expert panel of 29 participants identified potential military uses of nanotechnology that might
occur between 2005–2010 and 2010–2025 with their potential for causing health hazards or
environmental pollution. The expert panel also identified and rated research questions whose
answers might produce knowledge to help prevent or reduce the health hazards and
environmental pollution from potential military uses of nanotechnology.
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The final report highlights several "potential military uses of nanotechnology that might occur
between 2005–2010" with "potential for causing health hazards or environmental pollution,"
such as: · Nanomaterials (e.g., nanotubes) in uniforms and equipment to make them stronger and
lighter could lead to nanofiber-like materials that break off from uniforms and equipment and
enter the body and environment
· Nanoparticles as surface coverings to make it harder, smoother, and/or more stealthy could
erode and be inhaled by military staff and the general population
· Nanomaterials used as filters to remove selected impurities from fluids could become very low
in cost and hence ubiquitous, and result in many small but discrete concentrations of possibly
toxic impurities
For the period of 2010 to 2025, potential uses and hazards include:
· Artificial blood cells (respirocytes) that dramatically enhance human performance could cause
overheating of the body, bio-breakdowns, and their excretion could add to the environmental
load.
· Large quantities of smart weapons — especially miniaturized, robotic weapons and intelligent,
target-seeking ammunition without reliable remote off-switches could lead to unexpected injury
to combatants and civilians, destruction to infrastructure, and environmental pollution.
· Small receptor-enhancers designed to increase alertness and reduce the reaction times of
humans could cause addiction and/or subsequent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, leading to
weakness, neural damage, and death.
Top-ranked research priorities as recommended by the panel include:
· How are nanoparticles absorbed into the body through the skin, lungs, eyes, ears, and
alimentary canal?
· Once in the body, can nanoparticles evade natural defenses of humans and other animals? What
is the likelihood of immune system recognition of nanomaterials?
· What are potential exposure routes of nanomaterials - both airborne and waterborne?
· Could nanoparticles enter the food chain by getting into bacteria and protozoa and accumulate
there?
· How will nanomaterials enter the environment and will they change when moving from one
medium (e.g. air) to another (e.g. water)?
· How to identify and dispose of nanomaterial litter?· How can nanotechnology be used for post-
battlefield cleanup (including biological, chemical, and nuclear wastes) so that they do not
pollute soil and water?
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Presentation by nachiapan , naren kumar