UK’s First Heavy Uncrewed Ground Vehicle Trial Unleashed in Dorset
The British Army has taken a giant leap into the future with the UK’s first-ever trial of heavy uncrewed ground systems (H-UGVs). For two intense weeks at Bovington’s Armoured Trials and Development Unit, giants weighing over five tonnes darted, climbed, and communicated to prove their battlefield worth.
Heavy Hitters Take the Spotlight
Organised by Defence Equipment & Support’s Future Capability Group (FCG), the groundbreaking trial invited three top companies to show off their robotic muscle:
- Elbit with its Robust
- Milrem and its Type X
- Rheinmetall’s Wiesel
These mechanical beasts faced tough tests including speed, rough terrain navigation, and communication systems — all crucial for real combat scenarios.
Military Chiefs Buzzing About the Potential
“It’s been a fascinating experience to test these platforms and see what could be possible on the battlefield with crewless vehicles in the next 10, 20 or 30 years,” said Lieutenant Colonel James de St John-Pryce, Commanding Officer of ATDU.
“Make no mistake, we are at step one of a very long journey. But I am excited by what we witnessed during the trials which showcased great collaboration between the Army, FCG and industry.”
Future Looks Robotic
James Gavin, head of the Future Capability Group, added: “Over the two weeks of trials, the door opened to where we may one day go with these vehicles.”
“This has been about bringing industry and the Army together to push these platforms and see their current and future potential. Next, we’ll analyse data to figure out what worked and what needs more work.”
“While still early days, the trials have been a success, opening eyes to the massive capabilities uncrewed ground vehicles could bring in the decades ahead.”
The future of the battlefield just got a robotic upgrade – and it’s only just begun.
