IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

Image courtesy IDV / Leonardo 

IDV’s technologies – developed through more than 20 years of continuous design and testing – are continuously evolving to meet the requirements of worldwide armed forces. UGVs are highly cost-effective assets that allow a relatively small force to generate proportionally greater combat effectiveness: an essential factor in hybrid conflicts with numerically superior forces. Their hardware and software development cycles are measured in months rather than years, keeping pace with the underlying processor, sensor and AI technologies, which enables them to remain highly effective throughout service life.

Next generation VIKING makes international debut
The VIKING platform has received several technical upgrades that further grow its capability. Displayed in two new configurations, the upgraded VIKING multirole 6×6 UGV now offers improved range, usability and uncrewed potential.

As well as greater flexibility, the electric-only range is increased to up to 30km. The electro-optical sensor suite, thanks to Janus-D mast-mounted (to maximise the vehicle’s line-of-sight while allowing the UGV to remain safely concealed), features the latest state-of-the-art high-resolution cameras delivering even better tele-operation and machine vision and with new processors and computer power the platform has unrivalled levels of performance potential, complementing the platform’s unrivalled mobility.

The first is fitted with the Leonardo Hitrole C-UAS, an advanced anti-drone weapon station (Counter Unmanned Aerial System – C-UAS) designed to deliver an effective response against both low- and high-altitude aerial threats. It can be easily installed on a wide range of armoured combat vehicles and can operate on the move as well as in extreme environmental conditions, while maintaining a low cognitive workload for the operator. The system integrates the Blaze 30×113 gun, a proprietary, flexible and easy-to-install ITAR-free technology capable of programming smart fuses, enabling its effective deployment in C-UAS operations. Hitrole is coupled with the new high performance coaxial sight with full C-UAS capability for Remote Controlled Weapon Station.

The second is fitted with an MBDA ground-launched precision missile system in a battlegroup organic anti-armour configuration, carrying three missiles for engagement against high-value targets. The missile system delivers a combat-proven capability, capable of firing a range of precision effect low collateral damage missiles, providing a rapid non-line-of-sight fire-and-forget capability against a wide high value target set. Whilst mounted to the VIKING this gives a difficult to detect, long endurance on station solution, with rapid ingress and egress, able to perform both surgical strikes and salvo engagements in time critical missions whilst removing operatrors from high threat environments. designed to be integrated onto fixed wing aircraft (including fast jets), helicopters, UAVs, land vehicles and naval platforms.

Debut of the CL2X tracked platform at Eurosatory 2026
Eurosatory 2026 also marks the public debut of the CL2X (Hybrid Uncrewed Light Tank), a next generation tracked autonomous combat platform designed to transform the operational landscape of modern land forces. Combining hybrid electric propulsion with full uncrewed capability, the CL2X delivers a groundbreaking mix of stealth, mobility and disruptive battlefield effectiveness. Designed to operate seamlessly within a networked combat battlefield scenario, the CL2X represents a step forward in the paradigm in which a single C2 vehicle can coordinate multiple combat UGVs, enabling distributed manoeuvre and resilient combat formations. This multi-UGV control doctrine enhances situational awareness, accelerates decision-making, and reduces risk for crewed assets.

The CL2X is based on a series hybrid architecture with a range extender unit for battery recharging. Combined with the use of rubber tracks, this powertrain allows the CL2X to perform part of the mission silently, reducing the platforms noise signature and risk of detection. The CL2X is designed to optimise cooperation with armoured tracked vehicles, with the aim of achieving superiority on modern battlefields where Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities between combat units have become crucial. Control architecture is designed to integrate an advanced sensor and camera suite to enable teleoperation and autonomous driving.

The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of 16 t and a payload capacity of up to 5 t. It is equipped with a serial hybrid powertrain, delivering tractive power of up to 500 kW. The rechargeable energy storage system has a capacity of up to 130 kWh, enabling a range of up to 500 km, including approximately 30 km in silent mode. The maximum speed is 70 km/h. The control system supports teleoperation and remote control and it is designed to accommodate autonomous functionalities.

In the configuration on display, CL2X can act as a ‘wingman’ to main battle tanks providing fire support, fitted with a Leonardo HITFIST 30 UL (Uncrewed Light) – a compact, lightweight unmanned 30mm medium-calibre turret engineered to defeat both legacy and emerging threats. Designed for seamless integration across a wide range of platforms – including very light vehicles, such as amphibious vehicles – it delivers exceptional effectiveness without compromise. Powered by the ITAR-free Leonardo 30 mm X-Gun and enhanced with Air Burst Munitions, HITFIST 30 UL provides accurate, high-impact firepower, ensuring effective engagement against asymmetric threats, including drones. The Commander’s and Gunnner’s operations are supported by JANUS D, the new surveillance and targeting sight with C-UAS capability. Conceived as a dedicated uncrewed platform, the base platform can be configured across a range of missions and roles including ISTAR and Artillery. The application of IDV’s proven MACE and ATLAS technology together with turret automation will enable CL2X to deliver fully uncrewed enhanced operational capability.

Claudio Catalano, IDV CEO, said: “Modern warfare is evolving rapidly, with emerging threats such as drones and IEDs making the battlefield increasingly dangerous for personnel. In this scenario, uncrewed systems are no longer optional, they are essential. They enhance force protection, multiply operational effectiveness and enable greater efficiency with fewer resources. Western armed forces are no longer treating UGVs as a future aspiration; they are becoming an indispensable component of near-term land capabilities."

Bringing autonomy to existing platforms
IDV’s MACE autonomy stack and ATLAS GNSS-denied navigation system were designed from the outset for retrofit as well as integration into new programmes. This means that the same autonomous capability now demonstrated in the latest VIKING and planned for CL2X can be applied across IDV’s full range of platforms as well as those from other manufacturers. For armed forces looking to expand uncrewed capability without acquiring entirely new platforms, this offers a fast and low-cost route to fielding the technology at scale. Having already demonstrated this capability with its existing LMV and Truck platforms, IDV has proven the potential to re-role and enhance the capability of existing platforms by making them optionally uncrewed.  

Immersive simulation with UGVs
To demonstrate how fleets of UGVs can be integrated into battlefield and IDV’s system-of-systems approach, IDV’s Digital Corner brings a range of scenarios to life. Within a simulated HQ environment, multiple linked screens take visitors from a theatre-wide commander view to desk-based operators and dismounted soldiers handing control of individual VIKINGs back and forth as the situation evolves. Capabilities on display include high-level fleet tasking by a brigade or battalion commander, operator control of individual VIKINGs with rapid switching between vehicles and between payloads, live target detection feeds shared across the network and a reconnaissance-strike sequence. This immersive simulation shows how a small command team can direct a fleet of UGVs to deliver disproportionate combat effect, the ‘few men, many vehicles’ force-multiplier model.