A new partnership between American Rheinmetall and Harbinger is driving the development of next-gen unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for the US military.
The collaboration will focus on autonomous tactical vehicles, logistics resupply platforms, and next-gen robotic ground systems.
They will leverage hybrid-electric propulsion alongside a fully drive-by-wire architecture designed to support autonomous operation, silent watch, and reduced thermal and acoustic signatures.
The platforms are also expected to merge Rheinmetall’s combat-proven mission systems with Harbinger’s commercially derived, autonomy-ready hybrid vehicle technology.
Built around an electric chassis, the UGVs will incorporate a gasoline-powered range extender that can recharge onboard batteries and extend operational endurance.
“Soldiers need robotics they can trust, at a cost that lets them field them in the numbers required to win,” said Matthew Warnick, chief executive officer of American Rheinmetall.
“Harbinger’s drive-by-wire, hybrid-electric platform […] combined with American Rheinmetall’s deep experience integrating mission systems for the army, gives the Department of War an attritable, sovereign, and rapidly scalable option, engineered here, built here, and ready to fight.”
The Road Ahead
The partnership aims to deliver scalable and lower-cost robotic solutions that can be fielded rapidly for the US Department of Defense.
It is also expected to support broader US modernization priorities tied to combat effectiveness, affordability, and industrial readiness.
Design, engineering, and manufacturing activities will take place in the US, with live demonstrations planned for later this year.
The companies also intend to pursue near-term prototyping opportunities through Commercial Solutions Openings, Other Transaction Authorities, and traditional programs of record.
