BAE Systems and Forterra have joined forces to rapidly prototype an autonomous variant of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) that BAE is producing as the M113 replacement for the US Army. With the help of Forterra, a specialist in autonomous mission capabilities and self-driving systems, BAE plans to demonstrate the robotic AMPV in record times, showcasing the capability option already in 2026.

The teaming with Forterra is the first industry partnership that BAE Systems has established under its internal initiative for “capability kits” to be added to the AMPV to offer options to the US Army. This, in turn, builds on 2 years of intense prototyping efforts which have seen 5 different turrets demonstrated on the AMPV base, including a Modular Turreted Mortar with PATRIA NEMO 120mm weapon and 30mm remotely operated weapon system for C-UAS and SHORAD. These earlier prototype efforts demonstrated the AMPV’s Modular Open System and the collaborative approach of BAE to enhance the platform.

Forterra specialises in autonomous mission capabilities and will bring to the AMPV its AutoDrive full-stack autonomous vehicle system. This solution has already been used in a number of US DoD projects, including the Autonomous Transport Vehicle – System (ATV-S) to develop self-driving , convoy-capable autonomous logistic trucks; the ROGUE Fire autonomous JLTV-derived vehicle base used by the US Marines for the NMESIS anti-ship missile launchers; and Robotic Combat Vehicle projects.

By expanding onto the AMPV base, the technology will indirectly demonstrate the compatibility with other modern armoured vehicles that are closely related to the AMPV, namely the BRADLEY IFV and the M109A7 PALADIN 155 mm self-propelled howitzer.

The US Army plans for robotic vehicles are still maturing, but the aim going forward is to have more roles and battlefield functions delivered by autonomous platforms.

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