Trends in Global Autonomous Vehicle Development

'HR-Sherpa' developed by Hyundai Rotem. (Photo by Hyundai Rotem)

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The pace of development of multipurpose unmanned vehicles by advanced countries is accelerating. The rapid advancement of real-time network systems and robotics technology is changing the nature of future warfare. Infantry multipurpose unmanned vehicles in advanced countries are utilized for various purposes as the driver's seat is removed. They collect enemy information using surveillance equipment, sensors, and unmanned aerial vehicles, and can also be armed to attack. They can transport military supplies or evacuate wounded soldiers to support combat operations.

Lockheed Martin in the United States developed the MULE equipped with anti-tank missiles, and Howe & Howe Technologies introduced the RIPSAW, which is equipped with a remote-controlled weapon system. The RIPSAW has been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, performing missions to destroy improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Russia has developed the unmanned ground combat vehicle (UGCV) "Soratnik" and is preparing for its operational deployment. The armored tracked vehicle Soratnik can run at a top speed of 40 km/h and can be remotely controlled within a 10 km radius. Its armaments include 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns, a 30 mm grenade launcher, and it can carry up to eight anti-tank guided missiles.

Since 2013, scientists from the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army have been developing unmanned combat vehicles. This is the "Desert Wolf" series, capable of both attack and transporting supplies or wounded soldiers. Among this series, the off-road vehicle Dongfeng Mengshi (東風猛士), used by the People's Liberation Army, has also been converted to unmanned operation. Additionally, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit's unmanned security vehicle Guardium, as well as Germany's BTSE-produced unmanned reconnaissance armored vehicle Gecko, are recognized as leaders in unmanned systems.