Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) is seeking private-sector input on procuring medium-sized “general-purpose” unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), both an attack-configured variant and a mine-clearing variant.
In a notice published on June 3,[1] ATLA asked companies to submit by June 16 information regarding procurement methods for the two types of medium-sized general-purpose UGVs, ahead of the planned issuance of a formal request for information (RFI) at a later date.
In this procurement-related call, which follows a development-focused notice issued just a few weeks earlier,[2] ATLA explains that the two mid-sized UGV variants are expected to help sustain combat operations against landing forces.
The attack variant is expected to be fielded with close-combat units of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to provide covering support for frontline troops. Meanwhile, the mine-clearing variant is to be assigned to JSDF engineering units and help clear obstacles, thus supporting the manoeuvre of manned and unmanned units.
ATLA’s latest interest in mid-sized UGVs follows a notice issued in June of last year focused on small general-purpose UGVs for attack, reconnaissance, and squad support.[3]
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) subsequently revealed in October 2025 that it was evaluating two UGVs in this “small-sized” class: the “THeMIS” developed by Estonia’s Milrem Robotics and the “Mission Master SP” by Rheinmetall Canada.[4]
For ATLA’s prospective medium-sized general-purpose UGVs for attack and mine clearance, potential candidate systems from both Milrem and Rheinmetall also come to mind.
With respect to mine clearance, Milrem has developed the “MRCV”, a modular UGV that can be outfitted with a minefield breaching unit developed by Britain’s Pearson Engineering for clearing obstacles remotely.[5] Meanwhile at this year’s Eurosatory exhibition, Rheinmetall revealed the “MV-8 KOMODO”, a new 15,500 kg mobility and mine clearance UGV.[6]
Depending on ATLA’s specific requirements for its attack UGV, Milrem’s HAVOC 8×8 Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) or VECTOR RCV could be suitable. These UGVs fall within a 14,500–15,000 kg weight range and are designed to provide support for manned tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.[7]
Meanwhile, if ATLA is looking for a smaller system designed to accompany foot soldiers, Rheinmetall’s 2,336 kg “Mission Master XT” could be an option. Designed for extreme terrains (including water), this UGV can provide platoon- and company-sized units with mounted heavier-calibre weapon systems for increased range and firepower.[8]
In conclusion, ATLA’s latest UGV notice is emblematic of the JGSDF’s accelerated acquisition of unmanned capabilities that are being sought to both sustain operations and minimize risks to force personnel.[9]
Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMOD) also sees unmanned capabilities as central to its strategic approach to ground domain operations. UGVs are expected to engage in reconnaissance, combat, transport and force protection operations in the event that hostile units conduct amphibious landings on Japan’s remote southwest islands.[10]
Against this backdrop, the rapid procurement of various types of UGVs has become a priority for Japan.
Notes:
[1] ATLA, “情報提供企業の募集” [Call for Companies to Provide Information], June 3, 2026, https://www.mod.go.jp/atla/rfi/rfi080603.pdf.
[2] ATLA, “情報提供企業の募集” [Call for Companies to Provide Information], May 12, 2026, https://www.mod.go.jp/atla/rfi/rfi080512.pdf.
[3] J-Defense News, “汎用小型UGVの取得方法に関する情報提供企業 防衛装備庁が募集（6月6日）” [ATLA Seeking Companies to Provide Information on Procurement of Small-Sized General-Purpose UGVs (June 6)], June 10, 2025, https://j-defense.ikaros.jp/docs/mod/003287.html.
[4] JGSDF, Post on X, October 3, 2025, https://x.com/Japan_GSDF/status/1974036713015214142.
[5] Global Defense Insight, Post on X, September 10, 2025, https://x.com/Defense_Talks/status/1965787904199836139.
[6] Rheinmetall, “Eurosatory 2026: MV-8 KOMODO Unmanned Breaching System – unmanned mobility and mine clearance for the modern battlefield”, June 15, 2026, https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2026/06/2026-06-15-rheinmetall-at-eurosatory-mv-8-komodo.
[7] Milrem Robotics, “HAVOC 8 x 8 RCV”, “VECTOR RCV”, https://milremrobotics.com/vector-rcv/.
[8] Rheinmetall Canada Inc., “Dependable Allies: The Rheinmetall Mission Master Family”, https://www.rheinmetall.com/Rheinmetall%20Group/brochure-download/Uncrewed-Systems/B253e1024-Rheinmetall-Mission-Master-family.pdf.
[9] JGSDF, Post on X, October 3, 2025, https://x.com/Japan_GSDF/status/1974036713015214142.
[10] JMOD, “Progress and Budget in Fundamental Reinforcement of Defense Capabilities – Overview of FY2026 Budget -”, p.18, https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/fy2026_20260302a.pdf.
This article was originally posted on NSBT Japan, the first defense and security industry network in Japan. The publication provides the latest information on security business trends both within Japan and overseas. Asian Military Review began exchanging articles with NSBT Japan in April 2024.
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