German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has secured a multimillion-dollar contract from the Japanese Ministry of Defence to deliver three Mission Master SP unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Japan by January 2025.
The Mission Master SP will be the first autonomous vehicle to undergo testing by the Japanese army.
The compact and low-signature electric UGVs will be equipped with various payload modules, including cargo, surveillance and a remote-controlled weapon station. They will be delivered in collaboration with Marubeni Aerospace, a Japanese business conglomerate, Rheinmetall that will be trained to provide local support for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
Developed in 2017, the Mission Master SP can autonomously execute missions such as forward and last-mile resupply, surveillance and payload transportation. It has been deployed in numerous military exercises by various land forces worldwide, including those of Germany, the USA, the Netherlands and Poland.
Powered by Rheinmetall PATH, an AI-powered navigation system, the Mission Master SP can also autonomously navigate through complex environments, which the company says enhances its utility on the battlefield.
“As international tensions continue to rise, more and more countries are seeking autonomous solutions to maintain a competitive advantage and prepare for the modern battlefield. Our Mission Master vehicles equipped with our PATH A-kit have performed well in numerous international trials in recent years,” said Pietro Mazzei, president and CEO at Rheinmetall Canada.
“These experiences have allowed us to refine our technology and become an internationally renowned centre of excellence for UGVs.”
Additionally, the contract encompasses a long-term support and training program and spare parts provision.