Rheinmetall are showing off the latest version of the Mission Master UGV, armed with the WARMATE Loitering Munition System.
Rheinmetall say it has partnered with WB GROUP, Poland’s foremost defence contractor in the field of advanced technologies, to provide dismounted troops with high-precision strike capabilities.
“As with other versions of Rheinmetall’s flagship autonomous vehicle, this new Mission Master – Protection is based on an 8×8 all-terrain platform capable of performing dangerous missions in hostile weather conditions, with the specific purpose of enhancing combat effectiveness.
The integrated WARMATE micro combat unmanned air vehicle (UAV) opens up a range of new offensive and observation capabilities. It is capable of scanning the battlefield, detecting and determining exact enemy positions and, when the decision is made, engaging them. When an attack is aborted, the WARMATE can be recalled, can continue loitering, or be directed at another target.”
The new Mission Master, say the firm, features the first ever tube-launched system equipped with several WARMATE UAVs for performing surgical swarm attacks.
“This dramatically increases the unit’s combat power, while simultaneously augmenting the safety of dismounted troops in close combat operations as the whole system can operate out of the line-of-sight.”
“The use of micro combat UAVs on our Mission Master UGVs is an incredible opportunity for ground commanders,” says Alain Tremblay, Rheinmetall Canada’s vice-president for business development.
“Being able to observe hidden targets and conduct precise identification before initiating a surgical strike with minimal collateral damage is a real tactical advantage on today’s battlefield. And since both the Mission Master and the WARMATE are able to conduct certain autonomous operations, it reduces the number of military personal required and lets troops focus on mission success,” explains Tremblay.
I do like loitering munitions. Imagine a whole load say 20 just loitering.
I do think the warmate system is interesting, I’m unsure if MBDA spectre is a better concept as the UAV returns or whether it just gives a different option. For instance if you’re on the move it maybe better you don’t have to wait a return? I do hope the MOD look at both.
I know it says Warnate, but I want to call it Marmite!
This sounds like Fireshadow. I always thought it would be more useful in the marine domain rather than land. A relatively cheap way to give a smaller vessel a littoral land attack/counter battery capability.