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DoW Drone OTA Consortium Seeks Candidate Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) for GroundBreaker 1 Demonstration

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

In an effort to field Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) to the joint force, the Department of War Other Transactional Authority Consortium has asked industry for white papers for complete UGV systems to enable employment by Warfighters in both tactical and non-tactical environments.

Based on what they learn , they will invite select technologies to participate in a Joint Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) demonstration exercise titled “GroundBreaker 1” at Camp Grafton, North Dakota, in mid-October 2026.

There, the systems will support physical operational assessments, iterative technology enhancements, and direct integration with current DoW systems.

A Ghost Robotics Vision 60 Q-UGV ground robot does a simulated route mission at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 17, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

The Government is specifically seeking UGVs which can perform one or more of the following core mission profiles:

• Reconnaissance and Surveillance (RSTA)

• Transport of Supplies and Equipment (Tactical Logistics)

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) & Route Clearance

• Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations

• Force Protection & Perimeter Security

• Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)

• Other Support / Multi-Domain Operations: Other capabilities are welcome with the provision that a concept of employment is included in the submission packet that describes the operational gap the demonstrated capability will fill for the DoW.

Furthermore, systems must have these capabilities, at a minimum:

• Navigation & Autonomy: The ability for manual or autonomous obstacle avoidance.

• Range, Endurance & Mobility: All-terrain mobility.

• Interoperability: Open-system, hardware-agnostic software architectures (e.g., Robot Operating System-Military (ROS-M) compatible) that seamlessly integrate with DoW networks and Command and Control (C2) systems.

The use of the OTA framework bypasses traditional, lengthy acquisition cycles, ensuring that these advanced technologies reach the warfighter at the speed of relevance.

However, because they are using the OTA consortium, this effort is limited solely to consortium members only. While most everyone who is in that business has already jumped through the hoops required to be legible, you can still apply by submitting an application to DMConsortium@army.mil.

Vendors have until Sep 04, 2026 5:00 PM CDT to submit their white papers. See full details at sam.gov.

Posted in Acquisition, Advertiser, Robotics | No Comments »

Armaments Center Partners with Industry to Explore Concepts for Integrating Lethal Payloads to Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — Tomorrow’s battlefield is expected to pair automated vehicles and artificial intelligence with human Soldiers, and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center helping explore what that future might look like through controlled experimentation with industry partners.

Via a cooperative research and development agreement with HDT Robotics, LLC, doing business as BLADE, the Armaments Center supported the successful delivery of an armed Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle to the 3rd Mobile Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division for a technical demonstration. The Autonomous Weapons Architectures & Controls Branch Chief Andrew Wilson noted that this highlights both the Armaments Center’s teamwork with an established partner, expertise in its field and ability to swiftly deliver a product to the Soldier.

Originally designed for logistics and supply transport, the Hunter WOLF UGV was experimented with as an active tactical asset. It is equipped with a remotely operated .50-caliber machine gun on a wireless Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, known as CROWS, enabling a rapid response weapons system that does not need an operator physically present and in the line of fire.

The Armaments Center’s Strategic Advisor to Project Acquisition Executive Layered Protection Josiah Fay, said this came together as a perfect storm — the 101st was “hungry for robots” for logistical matters. Separately, the Armaments Center was pre-positioned to demonstrate CROWS with wireless control ready for Soldier operation and reached out to industry.

BLADE responded and within a few weeks Soldiers were being trained on the system. BLADE provided the platform and its associated training while the Armaments Center provided its experience in weaponry, armaments integration, and lethality training to jointly provide the complete capability.

By deploying an armed, wirelessly controlled UGV, Soldiers can maintain a dominant battlefield presence while remaining safely out of harm’s way, granting commanders significant tactical flexibility. The platform’s integrated electronics significantly enhance situational awareness, battlefield planning, foresight, and mission execution, and its transport capabilities relieve Soldiers of the burdens of carrying heavy weaponry.

The 101st Airborne Division experimented with the Hunter WOLF in April at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The Armaments Center has reached out to the division to obtain Soldier feedback and operational performance, which will allow for the center to improve its future performance.

According to Fay, the Armaments Center continues its efforts to reduce Soldier cognitive load by adding autonomous features while ensuring combatants remain on the loop, rather than in the loop. Though such weaponry can remain effective even without a Soldier physically piloting it, a Soldier is still fully preoccupied staring at the screen with today’s technology. By moving them on the loop instead, a Soldier is less likely to suffer from cognitive overload and may instead take more of a supervisory role over partially automated weapons systems, increasing their effective combat power and area of influence while retaining positive control of lethal decisions.

By Tyler Barth

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Robotics, weapons | Comments Off on Armaments Center Partners with Industry to Explore Concepts for Integrating Lethal Payloads to Unmanned Ground Vehicles

BLADE’s Hunter WOLF Robotic UGV Scheduled for Evaluation with the 82nd Airborne Division (TiC)

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Third Army training event demonstrates Hunter WOLF adaptability and utility across diverse mission requirementsFREDERICKSBURG, Va., Aug. 17, 2026 — The U.S. Army is expanding the evaluation of the Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) from HDT Robotics, LLC dba BLADE, through a Transition in Contact (TiC) event with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The training and evaluation is taking place August 20, 2026.

The Hunter WOLF from BLADE (formerly HDT) continues to prove its maturity with TiC event with the 82nd Airborne.

The Hunter WOLF is a robotic multi-mission ground vehicle designed to reduce the physical burden on soldiers. With a payload capacity of up to 2,800 lbs, it supports logistics and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) missions while helping to solve the military’s “last tactical mile” of supply challenge. By carrying critical equipment, supplies, and personnel, it extends operational duration, keeps soldiers in the field longer, reduces fatigue, and allows them to operate at safer distances. Built specifically for dismounted military operations, it delivers mobility, payload, and power in a compact system engineered to perform in demanding environments where commercial vehicles fail.

The training event will provide hands-on experience for soldiers from one of the Army’s premier rapid-response units. Known as the “All-American” Division, the 82nd Airborne can deploy worldwide within 18 hours and specializes in parachute assault and other key military operations.

“No two Army units operate the same way,” said Tom Van Doren, President of Robotics, BLADE. “The value of these evaluations is seeing how the Hunter WOLF supports different mission sets, environments, and operational priorities. Every event helps validate the flexibility of the platform and identify new ways it can reduce workload and help keep soldiers out of harm’s way.”

During the training, soldiers will operate and evaluate the Hunter WOLF in real-world scenarios, gaining experience in system operation and mission integration. The vehicles will be configured to support a variety of mission requirements, including communications, logistics, casualty evacuation, mobile power generation, and equipment transport.

Specifically, configurations include:

Two Vehicle-mounted Tactical Radios (AN/VRC-158)
Autonomy
Five Universal Battery Chargers (UBC)
Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
15kW Mobile Power Export (120/240VAC inverter offload)
Extended Cargo Rails for Equipment Transport

“The 82nd Airborne brings a unique operational perspective centered on agility, mobility, and rapid deployment,” said John Conway, VP of Business Development, Robotics, BLADE. “Training units like this help demonstrate how the Hunter WOLF can integrate into light / mobile infantry operations while delivering the support soldiers need to stay focused on the warfighting mission.”

This event follows previous Hunter WOLF training and evaluation activities conducted with U.S. Army units earlier this year, including the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. Collectively, these engagements are providing valuable soldier feedback while demonstrating the platform’s adaptability across multiple mission requirements and operational environments.

www.hdtglobal.com

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

US Army Announces Vendors for Infantry Last Tactical Mile Operations

Friday, August 14th, 2026

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. – Today, the U.S. Army announced the selection of six vendors for the Infantry Last Tactical Mile (ILTM) initiative, a key effort within our mission autonomy portfolio to modernize infantry support for Soldiers on the battlefield.

“This project will deliver production-ready prototype autonomous systems supporting manned close combat formations through rapidly deployable logistical resupply platforms capable of performing casualty evacuation operations and network extension to the forward line of own troops,” said Col. Ken Bernier, the Army’s project manager for Autonomous Robotic Capabilities.

The selected vendors will provide advanced robotic systems designed for beyond-line-of-sight autonomous control, directly enhancing the Army’s ability to conduct multi-domain operations.

The six identified companies – Maren-Go (Vancouver, Wash.), Overland AI (Seattle), Forterra (Clarksburg, Md.), Hendrick’s Motorsports (Concord, N.C.), American Rheinmetall (Auburn Hills, Mich.), and HDT (Solon, Ohio) – were chosen for their innovative approaches to logistical resupply to the forward line of own troops (FLOT). Their proposed technologies range from proven autonomous commercial equipment to novel purpose-built robotic platforms designed to meet the logistical needs of the infantry.

Formal contract awards for the ILTM initiative are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Once awarded, the project will advance into a series of demonstrations and assessments, culminating in an Operational Assessment with an Army unit in early 2027. This rotation will allow the Army to collect direct, unit-level feedback to inform the production decision for the next generation of autonomous infantry systems.

By Ashley John

Posted in Army, Contracts, Guest Post, Robotics | No Comments »

PEO-M Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Poseidon’s Fury Collaboration Event

Wednesday, August 5th, 2026

This one is pretty short notice. On August 26, 2026, SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office Maritime (PEO-M), will host an event with industry to provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) operators, and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) vendors with opportunities for collaboration, hands-on experimentation, and assessment. The data collected during these events will directly inform the development of USV Mission-Aligned Reference Architecture (MARA). MARA is intended to enhance Joint Force interoperability, accelerate capability integration, and reduce unnecessary expenditures associated with redundant, SOF-specific platform development.

Request to Attend NLT 14 August 2026 11:59 PM ET

events.sofwerx.org/peo-m-unmanned-surface-vehicle-usv

Posted in Robotics, SOF | No Comments »

BLADE Awarded US Army “Project Sustainment” Contract for Advanced Autonomous Logistics

Friday, July 24th, 2026

FREDERICKSBURG, Va., July 23, 2026 — HDT Robotics, LLC dba BLADE, a leader in highly capable robotic systems, announced today its selection as one of five industry partners for the U.S. Army’s Project Sustainment initiative. This critical National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) program focuses on automating supply distribution in contested environments to keep soldiers out of harm’s way.

To meet the demanding requirements of the contract, BLADE’s Advanced Battle Lab is putting forward the Dire WOLF, a rugged six-wheeled diesel-electric hybrid variant of its proven WOLF-X robotic combat vehicle. The Dire WOLF represents the culmination of over two decades of BLADE’s cutting-edge unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) engineering and production experience.

Engineered for the Contested Tactical Edge

The Dire WOLF is specifically designed to conquer long- and short-range logistics, featuring heavy-duty capabilities engineered for extreme environments:

High payload capacity: Capable of transporting thousands of pounds of mission-essential cargo.
Unmatched mobility: High-horsepower hybrid diesel-electric powertrain, pivot-steering for turns on a dime, and the ability to traverse steep slopes, cross wide gaps, and easily climb vertical two-foot steps for exceptional offroad maneuverability.
Survivability: Equipped with non-pneumatic Michelin Tweels that eliminate the risk of flats, ensuring superior traction and uninterrupted mobility through densely vegetated or debris-strewn and complex off-road terrain.
Power generation: Ample energy storage from an onboard battery pack composed of safe battery chemistry to deliver exportable power at the forward edge of the battlefield.

“We’re excited to partner with the Army, NAMC, Michelin and Carnegie Robotics on this critical program,” said Tom Van Doren, President of Robotics, BLADE. “The Dire WOLF joins the Hunter WOLF and WOLF-X pack to directly reduce risk to the warfighter. By leveraging advanced autonomy and proven UGV performance, we are ensuring that essential supplies reach soldiers at the tactical edge – safely and reliably.”

About BLADE: For nearly 90 years we’ve operated as HDT – cutting through the impossible to deliver solutions that protect warfighters, secure assets and deflect enemy threats. As BLADE, we’ve sharpened our focus to redefine mobility, survivability, and operational superiority in contested environments. BLADE develops rugged, modular robotic systems to perform tasks in hazardous and demanding environments. Building on a legacy of advanced government and industrial robotics development, the company engineers precision manipulators and mobile platforms that reduce personnel risk while enabling critical operations in remote, contaminated, or unsafe environments. Forged by our legacy, sharpened for tomorrow’s mission.

SOURCE HDT Robotics LLC, dba BLADE

Posted in Army, Contracts, Logistics, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on BLADE Awarded US Army “Project Sustainment” Contract for Advanced Autonomous Logistics

Allen Control Systems Selected for US Marine Corps Ground Based Air Defense Program

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026

Bullfrog Autonomous Weapon Station to Be Integrated Into Marine Corps Formations for Counter-Drone MissionsAUSTIN, Texas—Allen Control Systems (ACS) today announced that the U.S. Marine Corps has selected its Bullfrog™ autonomous weapon system under the service’s Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) program to counter the growing threat of low-cost weaponized drones. The GBAD program equips Marines with fully integrated air defense solutions that detect, track, and defeat airborne threats, including drones, missiles, and aircraft.

The Marine Corps will integrate Bullfrog into the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS), the service’s most expeditionary counter-drone platform, through a prototype Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), increasing lethality and restoring maneuver for Marines on contested battlefields.

“The Marine Corps requires the most sophisticated and accurate possible capabilities to carry out its critical missions,” said Mike Wior, co-founder and CEO, ACS. “We are honored to support Marines with fast, scalable, and cost-effective counter-drone solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing platforms.”

Already deployed with the U.S. Army and Navy and validated through Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and allied military customers, Bullfrog combines AI, computer vision, and precision robotics to enable any legacy or modern firearm to detect, track, and defeat incoming threats at a fraction of the cost of even the least expensive kinetic interceptors.

The proliferation of drone warfare from Ukraine to the Middle East has exposed the enormous cost asymmetry of modern conflict, where militaries have relied on million-dollar missiles to neutralize low-cost threats. ACS directly addresses that gap, delivering autonomous precision at scale.

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, Press Release, Robotics, USMC | No Comments »

Rheinmetall Offers Croatia a Long-Term Strategic Industrial Partnership: Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles to Become a Centre of Future Defence

Friday, July 10th, 2026

Croatia is set to become one of Europe’s key hubs for the development, production and export of advanced defence technologies in the field of unmanned systems, creating new opportunities for domestic industry, exports, research and development.

ZAGREB, 8 July 2026 – Rheinmetall AG, one of Europe’s leading technology and defence companies, today presented Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles d.o.o., its joint venture with the Croatian company DOK-ING, marking the beginning of a long-term strategic industrial partnership between Rheinmetall and the Republic of Croatia.

The Inauguration Ceremony was attended by Andrej Plenkovi?, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Armin Papperger, Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall AG, Vjekoslav Majeti?, Founder of DOK-ING, members of the Croatian Government, as well as numerous representatives of Croatian state institutions, the diplomatic corps, industry, academia and international partners.

The establishment of the company represents the first step in Rheinmetall’s long-term vision for Croatia, which includes the development of Croatian industrial, technological and manufacturing capabilities in partnership with domestic industry, research institutions, universities and shipyards, integrating them into Rheinmetall’s European and global programmes. The objective is to position Croatia as one of Europe’s key centres for the development, production and export of unmanned systems and other advanced defence technologies.

ARMIN PAPPERGER, CEO OF RHEINMETALL AG:

“We aim to build a broad industrial partnership with Croatia that will include local suppliers, the shipbuilding industry, research institutions and academia. Croatia has the expertise, industrial tradition and talented people required to become a manufacturing and development hub for advanced defence technologies. Together, we can build capabilities that will serve Croatia, Europe and our allies, while creating new export opportunities for Croatian industry.”

The newly established Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles represents the first and most important step in implementing this strategy. The company will combine DOK-ING’s more than thirty years of expertise in unmanned systems with Rheinmetall’s global development, manufacturing and market capabilities, creating a new European centre for the development of next-generation unmanned ground platforms.

Croatian expertise as part of a global system

Research, development and engineering capabilities will remain in Croatia, while the joint venture will provide Croatian experts with access to global markets, advanced technologies, serial production and international development programmes.

Its objective is to develop a new generation of unmanned and autonomous ground platforms for military and security applications, including combat support systems, combat engineering operations, mine clearance and other high-risk missions, building on DOK-ING’s Komodo platform and Rheinmetall’s expertise in the integration of complex defence systems.

VJEKOSLAV MAJETI?, FOUNDER OF DOK-ING:

“More than thirty years ago, DOK-ING was founded on the belief that Croatian knowledge and expertise could create technologies capable of changing the world. Today, we are not closing one chapter—we are opening a new one. I firmly believe that technologies developed in Croatia will contribute to Europe’s security and demonstrate that Croatian industry can stand alongside the world’s leading companies as an equal partner. I am particularly proud that Croatian engineers will have the opportunity to develop, here in Zagreb, systems that will shape the future of the European defence industry.”

An industrial partnership that goes beyond a single investment

Rheinmetall’s strategy in Croatia extends far beyond the development of unmanned ground systems. The company is already present in the naval sector and has, over recent months, further expanded its cooperation with Croatian industry, the shipbuilding sector and academia. This creates the foundations for the long-term localisation of production, the development of new technologies and the stronger integration of Croatian companies into European defence programmes.

Rheinmetall’s industrial model is based on creating local value through the development of domestic suppliers, technology transfer, strengthened research and development, the creation of new jobs and the establishment of sustainable manufacturing capacities with strong export potential.

For this reason, Croatia’s role in Rheinmetall’s strategy extends well beyond hosting a single investment. Croatia has the opportunity to become Rheinmetall’s long-term industrial partner in Southeast Europe.

ANDREJ PLENKOVI?, PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA:

“I congratulate Rheinmetall and DOK-ING on strengthening their partnership, marking a new chapter in the development of Croatia’s defence industry and an important step forward in advanced technologies, innovation, and the strengthening of domestic industrial capabilities.

We want to build a Croatia that develops, manufactures, and exports the most advanced technologies while actively contributing to Europe’s security. This strategic partnership between DOK-ING and Rheinmetall confirms that Croatia is not only a user of advanced technologies, but also a country that helps develop and create them. In today’s evolving security environment, Europe is rapidly strengthening its defence capabilities and industrial base, and Croatia is actively contributing to these efforts. We are implementing the largest modernisation cycle of the Croatian Armed Forces, increasing investment in defence, and supporting the growth of Croatia’s defence industry, which brings together around 200 companies, employs more than 3,000 people, and achieves strong export results across EU and NATO markets. It is particularly important that key development activities will remain in Croatia, where a Centre of Competence for the development of autonomous and uncrewed ground systems will be established. This will enable Croatian engineers, experts, and researchers to play an active role in developing the cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of defence and security.”

Rheinmetall’s approach is fully aligned with the objectives of Croatia’s Industrial Development Plan 2027–2034, including strengthening competitiveness, increasing exports, fostering innovation, accelerating digitalisation and integrating Croatian industry into European value chains. At the same time, the project contributes to strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base, resilient supply chains and technological sovereignty.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi? and Armin Papperger, Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall AG, also held a bilateral meeting to discuss the further development of Rheinmetall’s activities in Croatia, future investments, the integration of Croatian companies into international supply chains and opportunities for expanding manufacturing and research capacities.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »