Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
Night vision systems have taken another step in enhancing the tactical capabilities of the infantryman with the fielding of the Family of Weapon Sights-Individual (FWS-I) and Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVGIII) to the US Army by BAE Systems Electronic Systems (ES).
The FWS-I is a 12 micron thermal sight that is lightweight and can be mounted on a range of individual weapons, whilst the ENVGIII is a monocular helmet mounted vision system. The new capability of these systems is their ability to link to one-another.
David Smialek, ES business development manager, said that ‘wireless video interface between the
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Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.