Australian Army experiments with UGVs, but seeks understanding before proliferation
BAE Systems Australia converted 20 M113AS4s into Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicles for the Australian Army. (Photo: ADF)
The Australian Army is exploring the options and benefits of a wide range of UGVs.
The Australian Army is experimenting with UGVs and how they might best be employed, though none have been procured at scale yet. The Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office (RICO), created in March 2020, is in charge of the experimentation.
RICO held a Land Autonomous Systems & Teaming Demonstration (LAST-D) at Puckapunyal in September, and it illustrated some of the UGV directions that Australia is pursuing.
Platforms
Domestic designs predominated, such as the GaardTech Jaegar-C and smaller DefendTex Banshee, both of which are sacrificial UGVs. Such platforms are attritable and can carry a kinetic payload. For example, these
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Land modernisation programmes gather pace across Europe and beyond]()
Land modernisation programmes gather pace across Europe and beyond
New armoured vehicles, artillery systems and robotic platforms on display at Eurosatory 2026 highlight how armies are seeking greater mobility, firepower, survivability and automation as they modernise ageing fleets and adapt to lessons from recent conflicts.
-
![French Gendarmerie expands Centaur fleet]()
French Gendarmerie expands Centaur fleet
The French Gendarmerie Nationale is continuing to field the Centaur internal security vehicle as it replaces the ageing Berliet VBRG fleet.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation]()
Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation
The new platforms being shown by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles offer reduced crew needs and upgraded firepower options to meet Italy's future heavy land forces requirements.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Rheinmetall launches new Caracal 6x6 variant]()
Eurosatory 2026: Rheinmetall launches new Caracal 6x6 variant
The new Caracal 6x6 is heavier and designed to deliver greater versatility, building on the 4x4 platform that is already established and on order in Europe.
