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.
Changes to the structure of the Belgian Army mean an increase in the strength of its Medium Brigade under the military’s Strategic Vision 2020-2030.
The addition of the 12th Line Prince Leopold – 13th Line (12/13 Line) Battalion of 519 soldiers, which moved over from the Light Brigade on 27 January, will bring the Medium Brigade to more than 2,500 personnel.
The brigade’s commander, BG Eric Harvent, said: ‘The Medium Brigade will become a motorised brigade, grouping together the five manoeuvre battalions and other battalions specialised in combat and combat service support.’
Under the Strategic Vision plan €9.2 billion
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
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.