During one test, a soldier dressed as a terrorist hid in a ventilation shaft and stole a commander’s laptop, which had all the evacuation plans. The commander had to chase him through a fake sewer, stepping in (ketchup) “blood.” That laptop was never recovered—turns out the “terrorist” ate a sandwich on it and dropped it in a drain. The army now has a new rule: no laptops near shafts.
Another test involved a “friendly mole-person” (yes, an actual actor in a fur suit) who was supposed to guide soldiers through a collapsed tunnel. Instead, the mole-person got lost, started crying (the suit was hot), and accidentally led the squad into a supply closet full of mops. The lesson? Don’t trust mascots in tactical situations.
Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care, Even If You Hate the Tube)
Here’s the deal: 60% of London’s infrastructure—power cables, data lines, and water pipes—runs through those underground spaces. If one targeted explosion knocks out a main junction, the entire city’s internet could go dark for days. The army’s new tactics aim to restore internet within two hours using portable satellite dishes that look like giant umbrellas.
British troops train for war with Russia from the London Underground
And it’s not just London: the same tests will apply to subway systems in Glasgow, Manchester, and Birmingham. Imagine a terrorist in Birmingham New Street station—now that’s a threat that requires a very good sense of direction.
