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.
Portuguese Army trains with new Benelli Supernova shotguns
The Portuguese Army has moved forward in the Soldier Combat Systems programme and has started operating Benelli Supernova shotguns. In total, 380 of these weapons will equip the army.
The Portuguese Army has made progress in its Soldier Combat Systems (SCS) programme by training with new Benelli Supernova pump-action shotguns in early November at the Arms School (Escola das Armas), in Mafra.
Training was conducted by the supplier of the weapons, Benelli Defense. It comprised safety procedures, the disassembly and assembly process, maintenance and shooting techniques.
A total of 380 Benelli Supernova shotguns were delivered in two batches, the last of which arrived in October. The guns will be used by Portuguese Army manoeuvre units for operations in confined spaces, as a less lethal anti-riot option and against small UAVs.
These 12-calibre
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth]()
-
![Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?]()
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
![A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options]()
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
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 looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement]()
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
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.
-
![NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks]()
NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks
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 accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
