Autonomous Systems: A New Frontier for Military Safety and Efficiency
Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary (ROGUE) – Fires vehicle with Forterra’s self-driving system called AutoDrive navigates off-road terrain. (Photo courtesy of Forterra)
Manned missile batteries face significant risks in modern warfare. Once fired, these systems become highly visible to enemy sensors, making them vulnerable to counter-battery fire. Autonomous, unmanned systems offer a solution by mitigating these risks. The use of such systems allows for faster, safer operations, keeping human operators at a safe distance.
For example, an enemy warship can detect an anti-ship ballistic missile’s launch and rapidly return fire. Even small quadcopters can transmit a missile battery’s position to adversaries, increasing the threat to human operators. Scott Sanders, former Marine Special Operations Officer, emphasized the danger: “If you don’t move fast enough, you risk losing both equipment and personnel.” This highlights the urgent need for systems that can fire and relocate autonomously, reducing the exposure of soldiers and marines.
Currently, field artillery teams operate quickly, but advanced enemy capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum make them vulnerable before they can retreat. Autonomous systems, like Forterra’s Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary (ROGUE) Fires under the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), provide a critical advantage. These unmanned platforms can manoeuvre and fire faster than crewed systems, allowing for quick response while reducing the risk to human life.
The benefits of autonomous systems extend beyond just missile operations. These systems can support counterterrorism, logistics, reconnaissance, and infrastructure protection. Autonomous platforms minimize the risk to soldiers in hazardous environments like urban warfare or areas with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. By operating without humans onboard, these systems allow for greater firepower projection and sensor deployment without risking personnel.
Forterra, a leader in ground-based autonomy, has been at the forefront of developing these systems. Their technology has been integrated into various defence vehicles, providing unmatched reliability and scalability. Forterra’s unmanned systems, like the ROGUE Fires, allow the Marine Corps and Army to enhance their logistics and combat capabilities without putting additional personnel in harm’s way.
As military forces continue to evolve, autonomy will play an essential role in keeping soldiers safe while maintaining operational effectiveness. These systems are not only functional but are already being deployed, proving that autonomous technology is ready to transform modern warfare.
