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.
Rheinmetall, in partnership with Saab, is currently working on a new fire control system (FCS) for shoulder launched weapons, the Vingmate SL 1000.
The SL 1000 is being developed with funding from the Norwegian Army which is looking into the technology. Norway has committed funding through the development phase but has not yet sought to fund the product through to a production phase.
Rheinmetall showcased the second prototype of the FCS at its Land Forces Symposium at the proving ground in Unterluss.
‘We created the first prototype with things like the camera built in but this wasn’t what Norway
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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.