Three industry leaders – Anduril Industries, Hanwha Defense USA, and Forterra – announced on February 29th a collaborative effort to develop an uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) for the US Army’s S-MET Increment II program. This partnership leverages expertise in software, hardware, and autonomy, aiming to equip soldiers with enhanced logistical capabilities and improved battlefield efficiency.
Strategic Alliance for the Future of Warfare
In a bold move with the brass buzzing and grunts nodding in approval, a trio of tech heavyweights have locked arms to give the US Army’s gear-hauling game a next-level boost.
We’re talking about the S-MET Increment II program, a leap forward that’s about making sure our boots on the ground have the edge they need when the metal meets the mud.
The heart of this deal is hooking up Hanwha’s beastly Arion-SMET platform with Anduril’s brainy mission software.
It’s a classic case of muscle meeting smarts: Hanwha’s got the hardware that can take a beating, and Anduril’s got the software savvy that makes the tech sing.
Throw Forterra’s AutoDrive into the mix to make these unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) smart enough to navigate any hellhole we throw at them, and you’ve got a setup that’s as tough and adaptable as they come.
Hanwha Aerospace’s Arion-SMET UGV (Image grab via X)
The Arion-SMET: A Proven Battlefield Workhorse
The Arion-SMET, a platform that’s already chewed up terrain and spit it out in Pentagon tests, boasts specs that would make any gearhead salute: a carry weight of 121 pounds (55 kilograms), able to cover 62 miles (100 kilometers) without batting an eye, and with a top speed that’ll keep pace with a brisk jog.
With the Army looking to roll out 2,000 of these bad boys, it’s clear they’re not just window shopping—they’re investing in the kind of support that can change the game for our ground forces.
Redefining Battlefield Support with Speed and Smarts
Zach Mears over at Anduril’s laying it out straight: This trio’s not just mixing tech and firepower; they’re setting the stage for a kind of battlefield where speed, smarts, and flexibility aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re what keeps our soldiers one step ahead.
And with a control setup that’s as easy to use as your smartphone, this isn’t just about making better tools; it’s about making our fighters more lethal, more supported, and damn well more effective where it counts.
“By combining Anduril’s electronics and software, Hanwha Defense USA’s proven hardware, and Forterra’s proven off-road vehicle autonomy stack, the partnership will bring speed, flexibility, and advanced capabilities to dismounted infantry,” Mears said in a statement. “With a simplified user interface powered by Lattice, users will be able to quickly and easily command and control the S-MET to support lethal effects at the tactical edge.”
Embracing Innovation for Modern Warfare
As warfare keeps morphing, with every shadow and every alley a potential threat, it’s hookups like this one that remind us that staying ahead means staying innovative.
Anduril, Hanwha, and Forterra aren’t just playing with tech—they’re handing our troops the kind of firepower and support that reads like sci-fi but lands like hard truth on the battlefield.
