US Army Advances Hybrid Autonomous Ground Vehicles for Battlefield Logistics

The defense market is seeing rapid growth in advanced amphibious and autonomous vehicles as militaries worldwide prioritize rapid, multi‑domain deployment. Modern amphibious platforms are being upgraded with better armor, propulsion and digital connectivity to operate across rivers, coasts and flood‑prone areas, supporting combat, reconnaissance, logistics and humanitarian missions.

In the United States, the Army has awarded an 18‑month contract to American Rheinmetall under Project Sustainment to deliver plug‑in hybrid, autonomous uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs). Based on Harbinger’s hybrid defense vehicle, the UGVs will autonomously transport supplies to forward troops, reducing soldier risk and increasing operational efficiency in contested environments. The effort involves partners Forterra, Primordial Labs and other U.S. facilities, and incorporates features such as voice control and mission‑aware autonomy to support company‑sized sustainment missions.