RHEINMETALL TO SUPPLY JAPAN WITH ITS FIRST FLEET OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Rheinmetall paves the way for autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) in Japan after being awarded a multimillion-dollar contract on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Defence.

The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP UGVs are expected to be delivered early next year for testing. These compact, low-signature electric UGVs will each be equipped with different payload modules, including cargo, surveillance and a remote-controlled weapon station. The contract also includes a long-term support and training program, as well as spare parts.

Rheinmetall will deliver the UGVs in collaboration with the prime contractor Marubeni Aerospace, a major Japanese business conglomerate that will be trained by Rheinmetall to offer local support to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

Rheinmetall Mission Master SP
The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP is a fully electric, compact UGV that is designed to autonomously carry out missions such as forward and last mile resupply missions, silent watch operations, and carriages of light payloads, including section sensors and weapon systems. The vehicle can be towed or deployed by parachute to carry out missions in hard-to-reach terrain, and fitted with tracks to enhance mobility in deep snow and mud—an ideal feature for countries with extreme climates like Japan.

Autonomous solutions for the modern battlefield
Like other platforms in the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, the SP vehicle is driven by Rheinmetall PATH: an AI-powered navigation system that can be installed on any vehicle. This agnostic suite of advanced sensors and perception algorithms enables the Mission Master vehicles to navigate autonomously through challenging environments.