Rheinmetall Unleashes Japan’s Inaugural Fleet of Autonomous Vehicles!
Rheinmetall to provide Japan with its inaugural fleet of self-driving vehicles. Rheinmetall clears the path for autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) in Japan after securing a multimillion-dollar agreement on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Defence.
The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP UGVs are anticipated to be delivered early next year for evaluations. These compact, low-observable electric UGVs will each feature distinct payload modules, including cargo, surveillance, and a remote-operated weapon station. The agreement also encompasses a long-term support and training initiative, along with spare parts.
Rheinmetall will supply the UGVs in partnership with the primary contractor Marubeni Aerospace, a prominent Japanese corporate conglomerate that will be instructed by Rheinmetall to provide local assistance to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
Rheinmetall Mission Master SP
The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP is a fully electric, compact UGV engineered to autonomously execute tasks such as forward and last-mile resupply operations, silent surveillance missions, and transportation of lightweight payloads, including field sensors and weapon systems. The vehicle can be towed or parachuted to perform missions in difficult-to-access terrains and is equipped with tracks to boost mobility in deep snow and mud—making it perfect for regions with harsh weather conditions like Japan.
The Mission Master SP was the first UGV conceived by Rheinmetall Canada in 2017 and has since been utilized in numerous live military drills by ground forces, including German, USA, Royal Dutch, and Polish armies. Various NATO allies, such as the UK and the USA, have also adopted this UGV.
Autonomous solutions for today’s battlefield
Similar to other models within the Rheinmetall Mission Master range, the SP vehicle is powered by Rheinmetall PATH: an AI-driven navigation system that can be fitted on any vehicle. This versatile suite of state-of-the-art sensors and perception algorithms enables the Mission Master vehicles to traverse autonomously through complex environments.
“As global tensions escalate, an increasing number of nations are pursuing autonomous solutions to retain a competitive edge and prepare for contemporary warfare. Our Mission Master vehicles outfitted with our PATH A-kit have excelled in several international tests in recent years. These experiences have permitted us to enhance our technology and emerge as a globally acknowledged centre of excellence for UGVs,” shares Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO at Rheinmetall Canada.
