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
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence]()
UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence
Reported to provide a high percentage of precision in its engagements, the South Korean air defence system has been receiving growing international interest since it was deployed by the UAE to defeat Iranian missiles.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
-
![UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary]()
UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary
Estonia is looking for innovative ways to deal with its particular challenges but, according to the MoD’s permanent secretary, Kaimo Kuusk, technology still needs to be backed up by old-fashioned long-range punch.
