Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems' autonomous vehicle tech demoed for Australian Army

Defence

BAE Systems' autonomous vehicle tech demoed for Australian Army

Two fully autonomous armoured vehicles were the centrepiece of a landmark demonstration for the Australian Army this week, providing crucial insights into the capabilities of integrated autonomous technologies on future battlefields.

Above: Autonomous M113s during battlefield simulation with Australian Army.
Courtesy BAE Systems

The ‘battlefield simulation’ demonstration was held at the Majura Training Site where the Chief of Army observed the two M113 vehicles in operation.
 
In a six month project, engineers and technicians installed hardware and software in the vehicles enabling them to operate autonomously. The innovative autonomous technologies being explored could remove soldiers from future battlefields and enable a range of other applications including intelligence gathering and logistics support. The on-board systems have been designed to comply with the rules of engagement, which always require humans in the decision-making loop.

Advertisement
Advanced Engineering RT

 
BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan said: “This project highlights our commitment to leading the development of new technologies and collaborating across industry and academia to advance autonomous capabilities.
 
“BAE Systems Australia’s autonomous systems capability leverages more than three decades of collaboration between BAE Systems Australia and the Commonwealth Government through Programs such as Nulka and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM).
 
“Autonomous technologies will support soldier responsiveness in an accelerating warfare environment - increasing their ability to outpace, out-manoeuvre and out-think conventional and unconventional threats.”
 
The BAE Systems autonomous technologies used for this project have already supported Australian and UK Autonomy programs such as Taranis, Mantis, Kingfisher UAS demonstrators as well as the multi-all terrain vehicle (MATV) and Digger unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) demonstrators.
 
Advertisement
ODU RT

With the technologies now integrated into the M113 prototype, the vehicles will now be used by the Army to experiment with to better understand the opportunities to employ autonomy on the battlefield as part of its recently released Robotics and Autonomous Systems Strategy.
 
The vehicles will also be used as test vehicles for technology developed by the Commonwealth’s recently announced Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre (TAS-DCRC).
 
The TAS-DCRC was announced by the Australian Government in 2017 under the Next Generation Technologies Fund to deliver game-changing autonomous systems that ensure trusted, reliable and effective cooperation between people and machines during military operations.
 
BAE Systems is a founding member of the CRC and the industry lead for Land Autonomy, working closely with Army and with Defence Science and Technology Group to ensure soldiers have what they need to be future ready.
 

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
Chess Dynamics to provide surveillance for Australia’s Hunter frigates

Defence

Chess Dynamics to provide surveillance for Australia’s Hunter frigates

19 March 2024

Chess Dynamics has been awarded a contract valued at £15.7 million by BAE Systems Maritime Australia to supply its Sea Eagle surveillance systems for the Royal Australian Navy's Hunter class frigates.

NATO DIANA expands network

Defence

NATO DIANA expands network

18 March 2024

NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is significantly expanding its transatlantic network of accelerator sites and test centres - doubling in size to more than 200 affiliated sites - which includes five additional UK test centres.

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

Defence

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

18 March 2024

DE&S’ Future Capability Innovation team will collaborate with McLaren Racing to apply motorsport innovation, insights and a high-performance mindset into projects across DE&S and the wider MoD.

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

Defence

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

18 March 2024

The UK’s heavy-lift helicopter capability will be bolstered by the purchase by DE&S of 14 extended-range Chinooks H-47(ER), which will pump an estimated £151 million into the economy.

Advertisement
Farsound RT Brain
BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

Defence

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

18 March 2024

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth approximately $86 million to continue supporting its Mobile Deployable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (MDC5ISR) programmes.

Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

Defence

Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

14 March 2024

Rolls-Royce Submarines have announced plans to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow to attract the best talent and meet growth in demand from the Royal Navy and the recent AUKUS announcement.

Advertisement
ODU RT