BAE Systems, which operates part of its Platforms and Services business sector in Sterling Heights, and Forterra, a provider of autonomous systems in Warren, today announced they are collaborating to rapidly prototype an autonomous Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).
It is the first industry partnership BAE Systems has established as part of the vehicle’s capability kit series announced last month.
The companies will create a highly survivable, self-driving AMPV prototype at speeds that rapidly outpace traditional development cycles, with plans to demonstrate the capability option and its technologies in 2026.
“This partnership isn’t about buzzwords, it’s about rolling up our sleeves and presenting tangible options that empower the Army to maintain its dominance on any battlefield against any current or emerging threat,” says Bill Sheehy, ground maneuver product line director for BAE Systems.
“Bringing together two of the best in both worlds — to include combat vehicle production and autonomous technology development — means we can move faster, think bigger, and give soldiers the edge they deserve.”
Forterra provides broad autonomous mission capabilities with an interoperable mobile platform designed to enable seamless integration of diverse payloads to support a wide range of missions.
Using a modular open systems and collaborative approach to enhance next-generation systems being fielded to Soldiers today, this capability kit will feature Forterra’s AutoDrive full-stack autonomous vehicle system on the modular chassis of the AMPV.
“AutoDrive is a pathway to stronger networks and smarter operations, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the AMPV capability kit,” says Patrick Acox, vice president of defense growth at Forterra. “Working with BAE Systems to build an integrated AMPV will be another breakthrough that becomes a stronger shield for national security.”
This technology-forward approach is not limited to one combat vehicle family. It’s also compatible with other modern systems fighting in the U.S. Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team, including the Bradley A4 and the M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer.
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