Defense News 

Japan

Rheinmetall has secured a significant contract from the Japanese Ministry of Defence to introduce autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) in Japan. The multimillion-dollar deal involves the delivery of Rheinmetall Mission Master SP UGVs, expected to arrive early next year for testing purposes.

The Mission Master SP UGVs are compact and operate on electric power, featuring low-signature designs. Each vehicle will come equipped with various payload modules, including cargo, surveillance, and a remote-controlled weapon station. Additionally, the contract encompasses a long-term support and training program, along with spare parts provision.

Working in collaboration with Marubeni Aerospace, a major Japanese business conglomerate, Rheinmetall will deliver the UGVs and provide training to enable local support for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP is a fully electric, compact UGV designed for autonomous missions such as resupply operations, surveillance, and light payload transportation. It can be deployed via towing or parachute insertion, making it suitable for challenging terrains. Equipped with tracks, the vehicle offers enhanced mobility in adverse conditions, making it particularly suitable for countries like Japan with diverse climates.

Originally developed by Rheinmetall Canada in 2017, the Mission Master SP has been deployed in various military exercises by land forces globally, including the German, USA, Royal Dutch, and Polish armies. Several NATO partners, such as the UK and the USA, have also acquired this UGV.

Driven by Rheinmetall PATH, an AI-powered navigation system, the Mission Master SP can autonomously navigate through difficult environments. This suite of advanced sensors and perception algorithms allows the vehicle to operate effectively in challenging conditions.

The growing demand for autonomous solutions in the face of increasing international tensions has driven countries to seek technologies like the Mission Master SP. Rheinmetall's experience in international trials has positioned it as a leading provider of UGVs, offering cutting-edge technology for modern battlefields.