Feature: Germany makes strategic push towards autonomous defence systems

A Rheinmetall Mission Master UGV in cargo configuration. The Mission Master can be fitted for tactical overwatch; fire support; medical evacuation; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) detection; or communication relay tasks. (Rheinmetall)

Germany's defence establishment is undergoing changes as decision makers respond to geopolitical pressures and capability gaps. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's invocation of a “Zeitenwende” (turn of the times) signalled a shift towards modernising the Bundeswehr with advanced technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence (AI). While Germany has a long-standing reputation for caution on military matters, recent programmes and industry efforts demonstrate an emerging consensus that AI-enabled systems can bolster national readiness and alliance commitments.

Developments in unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), sensors, and digital command-and-control (C2) kits point to a strategy that is both forward-leaning and tightly regulated. German industry, research institutes, and the armed forces are merging AI with the broader concept being called ‘software-defined defence', focusing on advanced equipment, ongoing verification efforts, and doctrinal adaptation.

System development

Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall has focused resources into developing UGVs and their attendant systems. Eight years of collaboration with end-users has resulted in enhancements to both its Mission Master family of UGVs and its Path autonomous kit (A-kit), which is a proprietary robotic control software suite that integrates autonomous capabilities into vehicles.

By using sensors, algorithms, and real-time data analysis, the A-kit enables full autonomous navigation even in the most challenging environments. Designed for rapid integration, it can be retrofitted onto existing vehicles or incorporated into next-generation platforms. It has a wireless ‘Safe Tablet', which offers remote control and mission management for various tasks such as surveillance, armament, and logistics. Demonstrated on Rheinmetall's Mission Master family – notably the M5 Ripsaw Robotic Combat Vehicle (