The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that a state-of-the-art new shot detection system called Boomerang III has been protecting troops in Afghanistan against small arms fire.

The acoustic shot detection system has been introduced in patrol bases and checkpoints on the frontline to alert troops immediately to the source of incoming fire. The system detects shots fired at bases and using a high-tech display indicates the location of the enemy firing point, allowing troops to rapidly return accurate fire or move to safety.

Lance Bombardier Dyron Yard from 5 Regiment Royal Artillery has also been using the Boomerang at his patrol base in Helmand Province. He said: “It triangulates the point where the enemy is firing from. It gives you a range and bearing so that you can put accurate fire on that target and neutralise it.”

Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said: “Boomerang III is an innovative piece of kit which is already proving invaluable to those on the frontline. We are committed to researching, developing and delivering the very latest in technology that will give our forces the winning edge.”