BAE Systems Australia Unveils Autonomous Ground Vehicle at Land Forces 2024

BAE Media Release

BAE Systems Australia has revealed its latest innovation at Land Forces 2024: the Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS™) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), an uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) designed to enhance battlefield operations while safeguarding soldiers. This modular, cost-effective 8×8 UGV leverages BAE Systems’ extensive experience in autonomous technologies and armoured vehicles, developed in collaboration with industry partners.

ATLAS CCV represents a future where autonomous, semi-autonomous, and human-machine teams work together to generate combat mass and reduce the need for soldiers to engage in high-risk tasks. The vehicle operates with high levels of autonomy both on and off-road, complementing crewed vehicles like infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks at a lower cost. Its modular design ensures the capability remains adaptable to emerging threats and technologies, incorporating proven systems that can be upgraded as needed.

Andrew Gresham, Managing Director of Defence Delivery at BAE Systems Australia, emphasized the strategic advantage this system offers: “We’ve developed the ATLAS vehicle to give soldiers the advantage on the modern battlefield. This autonomous platform will perform the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks expected in combat environments.”

A key feature of the ATLAS CCV is the integration of the VANTAGE ATSTM medium-calibre turret system, a lightweight, highly automated weapon designed for uncrewed platforms. Notably, it includes a “human-in-the-loop” targeting system, ensuring human oversight in critical combat decisions.

Transportability is another advantage of ATLAS CCV, as it is engineered to fit into a standard 20-foot ISO container or flat rack, offering a logistics multiplier effect for accompanying crewed platforms.

ATLAS CCV marks a significant milestone in Australia’s defence innovation.