ARX Robotics and Supacat sign deal to advance crewed-uncrewed vehicle teaming for UK land forces

Image: ARX Robotics

European uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) manufacturer ARX Robotics has announced a strategic partnership with UK high-mobility defence vehicle specialist Supacat to advance the development and deployment of robotic and autonomous capabilities for land forces.

MoU sets out joint development agenda

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine ARX Robotics’ UGVs and its Mithra software platform with Supacat’s expertise in vehicle design, integration and through-life support. According to a recent press statement, the collaboration will focus on crewed-uncrewed vehicle teaming and the conversion of legacy platforms into optionally crewed vehicles capable of remote or autonomous operation.

Jackal platform identified as early focus

A key area of joint work will centre on the Jackal, a high-mobility platform in service with the UK Ministry of Defence. The partnership aims to demonstrate how existing platforms can be adapted to operate remotely or autonomously, integrating them into what the companies describe as today’s digital battlefield.

Industry voices

David Roberts, CEO of ARX Robotics UK, said: “Robotic and uncrewed systems are becoming an essential part of modern land forces. Ensuring seamless integration and collaboration with crewed vehicles and existing systems will enable a force to deliver an effect which is greater than the sum of its parts. By partnering with Supacat, we are combining cutting-edge autonomy with proven vehicle expertise to accelerate the adoption of these capabilities for the UK and its allies.”

Phil Applegarth, Director at Supacat, added: “The integration of robotics with crewed and uncrewed systems will unlock new operational possibilities. Our work together on optionally crewed vehicles such as the Jackal will demonstrate how existing platforms can be transformed to meet tomorrow’s challenges, ensuring greater flexibility, resilience and future readiness across the fleet.”

UK industrial base and defence review alignment

The MoU also covers efforts to strengthen UK-based manufacturing, integration and supply chain capability for robotic systems. Both companies say the partnership supports the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review priorities, including accelerating the adoption of autonomous technologies, strengthening war-fighting readiness and growing the domestic defence industrial base.

Company backgrounds

ARX Robotics, which describes its systems as the most widely deployed Western UGVs in Ukraine, has been expanding its UK presence as part of a broader European growth strategy. Supacat, part of SC Group, has delivered more than 1,000 specialist vehicles globally and holds a current contract with the MOD for the supply of Jackal 3E vehicles.

Source: ARX Robotics

Newsletter Sign up

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)