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18. July 2025
Iveco Unmanned Revolution: Italian Firm Lands Major Nato Contract For Cutting-Edge Coordinated Air Ground Systems
IVECO Gets NATO Contract for Coordinated Unmanned Air & Ground Systems
In a significant development, Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) has been awarded a three-year contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to develop and experiment with concept services for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS). This contract marks an important milestone in the pursuit of integrated unmanned air and ground systems that can provide enhanced operational capabilities to NATO forces.
The programme is designed to combine Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), creating a coordinated and orchestrated system distributed over pre-defined network nodes. This will enable the delivery of integrated RAS capability in complex real-world warfighting scenarios, providing end users with game-changing benefits.
The concepts of operation and employment of the RAS solutions will be developed through operational scenarios involving users from the Italian Army and NATO Armed Forces. These experiments aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of an integrated RAS solution, while optimizing operational doctrines on the battlefield. IDV’s leadership in advanced land autonomy solutions has played a crucial role in this programme.
Their VIKING UGV and Optionally Uncrewed Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV OU) are established versatile platforms capable of being driven manually, teleoperated, or driven autonomously, equipped with different mission payloads. These platforms have already proven their value in various military operations. The involvement of other leading technology suppliers from NATO countries, including LEM, SIRALAB, and REBEL ALLIANCE, has further enriched the programme’s capabilities.
These companies bring complementary RAS solutions to the table, ensuring a comprehensive approach to developing integrated unmanned air and ground systems. The experimentation phase will cover various initial scenarios, including Resupply, CASEVAC and Forward MEDEVAC, Lines of Communication Route Reconnaissance, Intelligence Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Manned / Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Convoy and Recovery.
These scenarios aim to define the RAS strategy and outline implementation roadmaps for the introduction into service of RAS technology. The successful development and deployment of integrated unmanned air and ground systems will not only enhance operational capabilities but also optimize mission effectiveness, efficiency, and reduced risk to life. By fostering a collaborative environment among NATO countries and industry leaders, this programme is poised to drive innovation and progress in the field of RAS.
IDV’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for military operations has been evident throughout its history. This contract further solidifies the company’s position as a leading provider of advanced land autonomy systems, and its involvement in the NATO programme underscores its dedication to supporting the alliance’s mission objectives.
The development of integrated unmanned air and ground systems is a strategic priority for many militaries, including those within the NATO framework. The integration of UGVs and UAS with a common advanced interoperable Command and Control (C2) system will provide enhanced situational awareness, improved decision-making capabilities, and increased operational flexibility.
In an era where autonomous systems are increasingly being adopted across various military domains, this programme’s focus on integrated unmanned air and ground systems is particularly relevant. The successful deployment of such systems will not only enhance military capabilities but also pave the way for new operational models that prioritize speed, efficiency, and effectiveness.
As the NATO programme progresses, it is essential to consider the broader implications of integrating unmanned air and ground systems into military operations. This includes examining the potential benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of such systems, as well as addressing concerns related to accountability, transparency, and human oversight.
The partnership between IDV and other leading technology suppliers will play a crucial role in driving innovation and progress within this programme. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry leaders, NATO countries can create a comprehensive and integrated approach to developing unmanned air and ground systems that meet the evolving needs of modern militaries.
The benefits of integrated unmanned air and ground systems are multifaceted, encompassing enhanced situational awareness, improved decision-making capabilities, and increased operational flexibility. By leveraging the strengths of UGVs and UAS, militaries can optimize their operational effectiveness, reduce risk to life, and improve overall mission success rates.
Ultimately, the successful development and deployment of integrated unmanned air and ground systems will require a collaborative effort among NATO countries, industry leaders, and academia. This programme offers a unique opportunity for innovation and progress in the field of RAS, and its success will have far-reaching implications for military operations across the globe.
The partnership between IDV and other leading technology suppliers will be crucial in driving innovation and progress within this programme. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry leaders, NATO countries can create a comprehensive and integrated approach to developing unmanned air and ground systems that meet the evolving needs of modern militaries.