U.S. Army to Test Robotic Combat Vehicles in Opposing Force Training Rotations

California: U.S. Army's Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs) will face off against an opposing force in an upcoming training rotation, marking a significant step in evaluating ir combat effectiveness. Maj. Gen. Geoff Norman, he of Army's combat vehicle modernization efforts, announced this development, highlighting Army's focus on integrating vanced robotics into future battle strategies. While Army has conducted extensive experimentation with RCV surrogates and protos, this will be one of first opportunities to assess how se vehicles perform against an enemy with similar capabilities.  

Norman revealed in an interview with Defense News that two National Training Center rotations are scheduled for this summer. A unit from Fort Stewart in Georgia will engage with an RCV platoon, while a subsequent unit from Fort Riley in Kansas will incorporate same RCV platoon into blue force. “That’s going to be exciting to do anor round of learning and experimentation at premier training event for those units,” Norman said, underscoring significance of se exercises for Army's future operational tactics.

ditionally, Army will receive protos from four competing teams this summer as part of Robotic Combat Vehicle program-of-record platform. This competition aims to select most effective design for future deployment. protos will undergo rigorous automotive testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, starting in August. government will n decide which protos will vance to next phase of program in spring of following year.  

Proto Testing and Selection Process Underway  

Army has selected McQ, Textron Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Oshkosh Defense to build light RCV protos. selection process is critical as Army plans to field first RCV unit by fiscal year 2028, following a production decision slated for FY27. In dition to this, Army aims to equip an Army Forces Command unit with an RCV platoon for furr experimentation, though resourcing this effort is still in progress. "We’re hopeful that materializes but that’s an open issue that we’re working through," Norman noted.

Norman's team is collaborating closely with armour commandant's office and Maneuver Capability Development and Integration Directorate at Fort Moore, Georgia. This partnership aims to refine organizational designs for RCV platoons and determine necessary supporting equipment. “y’ve taken RCV playbook that we’ve developed at a couple of different experiments and y’re now taking that to work on some initial doctrine or probably standing operating procedure, to standardize some of tactics, techniques and procedures that robotic autonomous systems operators need,” Norman explained.  

Army is also working on developing control vehicles for RCVs, using platforms like Armored Multipurpose Vehicle (AMPV) and Brley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. A Stryker control vehicle proto has alrey been developed, and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle will also be configured as a control vehicle. This prototyping will follow work on AMPV and Brley. "Key to that will be soldier touch points to get ir feedback because that’s been essential to get it right up to this point,” Norman emphasized.  

Future of Robotic Combat Vehicles in U.S. Army  

As U.S. Army continues to innovate and apt to modern warfare's evolving demands, integration of Robotic Combat Vehicles represents a significant leap forward. se upcoming training rotations and proto evaluations will provide valuable insights into how RCVs can be effectively utilized in combat scenarios. Army's efforts to standardize operational procedures and refine organizational structures for RCV units are crucial steps in ensuring se vanced systems enhance Army's combat capabilities.

development and deployment of Robotic Combat Vehicles are poised to transform battlefield dynamics, offering new tactical vantages and operational efficiencies. With continued experimentation and feedback from soldiers, Army aims to perfect use of se robotic systems, making m an integral part of future military operations.