Rheinmetall will manufacture autonomous unmanned ground vehicles for Japan.
The German defense company recently secured a multimillion-dollar contract from the Japanese Ministry of Defence to deliver Mission Master SP UGVs by early 2025.
Japanese company Marubeni Aerospace, the program’s prime contractor, will train under and collaborate with Rheinmetall on the UGVs’ delivery and support.
The compact, low-signature Mission Master SP electric UGV, developed by Rheinmetall Canada in 2017, is capable of autonomously carrying out various missions, such as silent watch, forward and last-mile resupply operations.
The vehicle can carry different payload modules, including cargo and surveillance, and can be equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station.
According to Rheinmetall, the technology is deployable via parachute in remote areas or with tracks to operate on snowy or muddy terrain.
The UGVs are powered by the Rheinmetall Path artificial intelligence navigation system.
“As international tensions continue to rise, more and more countries are seeking autonomous solutions to maintain a competitive advantage and prepare for the modern battlefield. Our Mission Master vehicles equipped with our Path A-kit have performed well in numerous international trials in recent years,” said Pietro Mazzei, president and CEO at Rheinmetall Canada.
“These experiences have allowed us to refine our technology and become an internationally renowned center of excellence for UGVs.”
The Japanese defense ministry contract includes delivering spare parts and long-term support.
