Rheinmetall, WB Group Pursue Remotely Operated Loitering Weapon Capability

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Rheinmetall has partnered with WB GROUP of Poland to provide dismounted troops with high precision strike capabilities using loitering munitions, by integrating Rheinmetall's 8x8 all-terrain Mission Master UGV with WB's WARMATE Loitering Munition System. Photo: Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall has partnered with WB GROUP of Poland to provide dismounted troops with high precision strike capabilities using loitering munitions. Rheinmetall and WB are displaying a new version of Rheinmetall’s 8×8 all-terrain Mission Master UGV carrying the WARMATE Loitering Munition System. Operators can command both the Mission Master UGV and the WARMATE, from a mobile ground control station. Rheinmetall Command and Control Software can be installed in the user’s battle management system, including the standard handheld control unit, used with the Rheinmetall’s Argus.

Rheinmetall has already integrated rocket launchers and a remotely operated weapon station on the Mission-Master. The addition of WARMATE micro combat unmanned air vehicle (UAV) opens up a range of new offensive and observation capabilities.

As an unmanned aerial observation platform Warmate can be used for scanning the battlefield, detecting and determining exact enemy positions. Using the system in its loitering weapon capacity, users can pursue and attack those targets. When an attack is aborted, the WARMATE can be recalled, continue loitering, or be directed at another target.

Given the Mission Master’s payload capacity, the UGV can be loaded with six WARMATE launch tubes that can be used in individual attacks or as a coordinated ‘flock’ of guided loitering munitions.

“The use of micro combat UAVs on our Mission Master UGVs is an incredible opportunity for ground commanders,” says Alain Tremblay, Rheinmetall
Canada’s vice-president for business development. “Being able to observe hidden targets and conduct precise identification before initiating a surgical strike with minimal collateral damage is a real tactical advantage on today’s battlefield. And since both the Mission Master and the WARMATE are able to conduct certain autonomous operations, it reduces the number of military personal required and lets troops focus on mission success”, explains Tremblay.