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.
The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) has received eight APCs which were donated by Qatar to reflect the strengthening of Jordanian-Qatari relations and to enhance bilateral military cooperation.
They include the Nomad and Thunder MRAP vehicles.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Huneiti attended a ceremony in Amman alongside Qatar’s Ambassador to Jordan, Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Bin Jassim Al Thani.
The delivery is part of a wider package which will see a total of 44 APCs provided to the JAF.
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.