The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to convert surplus Warrior infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) into unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).
According to a published notice, the conversion will take place in two phases. First, the IFVs will be fitted with mine-clearing gear while retaining the option to be operated by a crew or remotely.
The second phase adds fully autonomous capabilities, eliminating the need for onboard crews or remote controls. This final version will form the MoD’s baseline for future UGV procurement.
Suppliers bidding on the project must successfully complete the first conversion phase on a strict pass-or-fail basis. Only those able to clear a safe lane to the standard of current in-service vehicles will advance to full development.
The effort is part of the MoD’s ATTILA project, which seeks to adapt legacy platforms to modern battlefield needs by refining them through mission-based feedback.
The project, estimated to cost 12 million pounds ($16.1 million), is slated to run from 2026 to 2028, with a possible extension to 2029.
A Legacy Vehicle
First put into service in 1987, the Warrior IFVs have been an integral tool in protecting British troops from missiles and anti-tank mines.
Now approaching retirement, these armored vehicles bring battle-tested durability, mobility, and payload capacity to frontline units.
Through the ATTILA project, the IFVs will be repurposed into optionally-crewed UGVs capable of breaching minefields without putting troops at risk.
Repurposing existing Warriors could save the MoD the cost and delays of designing a new UGV from scratch, taking advantage of a vehicle already proven to maneuver across challenging terrain.
