European Defence Agency ploughs millions into autonomy for combat UGVs
Autonomous modules will be integrated into the existing systems, including the TheMIS, Type X, Wiesel, Lince 2 VTLM and Patria AMV. (Photo: EDA)
Autonomous systems will provide operational benefits across various missions, including ISR, logistics and combat.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched its largest research and technology project to develop highly autonomous combat UGVs.
The Combat Unmanned Ground Systems (CUGS) has a budget of €35.5 million ($37.99 million) and brings together nine member states and 28 industry partners.
Over 36 months, CUGS will define, design and develop a set of functional modules mounted to existing platforms. In its final stages, the project will test full demonstrators of highly autonomous combat UGVs.
The modules developed will support autonomous navigation, C2, communications, and the use of weapons systems.
These modules will be integrated into Milrem Robotics’ TheMIS, Rheinmetall’s Wiesel and larger vehicles, including Milrem’s Type X, the Iveco Lince 2 VTLM and the Patria AMV.
The five platforms will be adapted in parallel with the development of the modules.
Italy leads CUGS. Other partners include Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Norway.
Leonardo will head up the industrial consortium. The remainder comprises John Cockerill Defence, FN Herstal and the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Diehl Defence, KMW, MBDA and Rheinmetall of Germany, Milrem Robotics, Estonia and the Estonian Military Academy, Patria and Bittium of Finland, Nexter, Safran, Thales, MBDA and Arquus of France, TNO, Demcon and NCIM of the Netherlands, Kongsberg and FFI of Norway, and WAT, PIAP, ZMT and ASW of Poland.
UGVs can reduce the danger presented to humans, and the EDA expects systems of these kinds to play an increased role in armed forces moving forward.
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.]()
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.
On the show floor at DSEI 2025, representatives from ST Engineering and ARIS, and retired Italian general Ivan Caruso outlined the background to the teaming agreement with land warfare expert Christopher F Foss.
-
![DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates]()
DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates
The company is investing in increasing production while major subcontractors also push to keep up with demand, with Sweden’s recent Request for Information potentially adding another 500 to the order book.
-
![DSEI 2025: Controp Discusses AI-Enabled Multi-Domain Surveillance Solutions]()
DSEI 2025: Controp Discusses AI-Enabled Multi-Domain Surveillance Solutions
At DSEI 2025, Controp representatives outline how artificial intelligence is being integrated with electro-optical payloads to improve decision-making and operational efficiency across land, air, and maritime domains.
-
![SCD highlights advances in infrared imaging for defence operations]()
SCD highlights advances in infrared imaging for defence operations
Infrared imaging manufacturer SCD outlines its approach to enhancing visibility for defence forces operating in complex environments.
-
![DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks]()
DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks
The mobility trials saw the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) tested at a variety of locations in the UK, covering a combined 760km across a variety of terrains including road and cross country.
