Emerging technologies to turn suicide bombers into 'virtual martyrs', experts predict

The new generation of tech-savvy terrorists could be poised to adopt a new form of "virtual martyrdom" using immersive technology to inflict maximum damage from a distance, security experts warn.

Existing techniques, such as drone strikes, could be fused with the latest advances in virtual reality gadgets, using equipment fitted with cameras and microphones that transport terrorists to the thick of the action - until they remove their headsets.

"Whereas the traditional terrorist martyr has only one life to give in an attack, the virtual martyr - much like in a 3D action game - will have multiple lives to expend as long as additional drones exist for him or her to attack with," said Robert Bunker, a conflict expert at the US Army War College in Pennsylvania, who developed the theory of virtual martyrdom.

"It does not require much imagination to merge the trends of terrorist use of [bomb-carrying] drones with virtual reality technology.

"This form of radical Islamist [martyrdom] will differ greatly from that of its predecessor based on suicide bombing.

"Traditional martyrdom is derived from one's great commitment to the cause and the willingness to engage in self-sacrifice … The virtual martyr, on the other hand, will be characterised as a technologically savvy individual - yet one that is less willing to engage in the ultimate act of self-sacrifice."