BAE Systems is collaborating with Forterra to accelerate the development of a self-driving version of the U.S. Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV). This partnership marks the first external collaboration under BAE’s newly launched “capability kit” modernization initiative.

The collaboration aims to deliver a prototype of an autonomous AMPV by 2026, followed by a demonstration. This accelerates the traditionally lengthy development cycle, aligning it more closely with the pace of commercial technology.

On September 30, the announcement highlighted the increasing urgency within the defense industry to adapt battlefield vehicles to meet more complex, multi-domain threats. Bill Sheehy, BAE’s ground maneuver product line director, emphasized that this partnership is focused on practical solutions that enable the Army to maintain its battlefield dominance.

The AMPV is designed as a tracked vehicle to replace the outdated M113 family and operates within the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams alongside BAE-manufactured Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Paladin self-propelled howitzers. Forterra will contribute its AutoDrive system, a modular full-stack autonomous driving platform already deployed on various vehicle types, which features an open architecture for better interoperability across platforms.

Patrick Acox, Forterra’s vice president of defense growth, noted that the AutoDrive system supports a stronger network and smart operations, aiding the AMPV capability kit’s infrastructure. The collaboration is representative of a broader trend in defense procurement where the Pentagon is urging contractors to deliver quickly and create modular systems that are easily updatable.

The Army has expressed a desire for capability kits, which are bolt-on technology packages that can be developed and integrated rapidly to ensure vehicles remain relevant against emerging threats, including drones and electronic warfare.

Last month, BAE revealed plans for internal investment in the AMPV to produce advanced prototypes equipped with various capability kits. BAE’s statement indicated that these strategic agreements will foster combat vehicle innovation more swiftly than adversaries.

Integrating autonomy into the AMPV could enhance its application in high-risk missions such as resupply, casualty evacuation, or reconnaissance, thereby reducing danger for crew members. The technology is noted to be adaptable not only for the AMPV but also for other vehicles like the Bradley A4 and M109A7 Paladin, both critical to the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT).