IDV Showcases Innovations in Uncrewed Land Vehicles and Autonomous Systems

Our Bureau - : Jun 17, 2026 - : 10:49 am

IDV, a Leonardo company, is highlighting its latest uncrewed ground vehicle platforms, alongside a simulation of uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) integration into battlefield command and control centres.

UGVs are highly cost-effective assets that allow a relatively small force to generate proportionally greater combat effectiveness: an essential factor in hybrid conflicts
with numerically superior forces. Their hardware and software development cycles are measured in months rather than years, keeping pace with the underlying processor, sensor and AI technologies, which enables them to remain highly effective throughout service life.

Displayed in two new configurations, the upgraded VIKING multirole 6x6 UGV offers improved range, usability and uncrewed potential. As well as greater flexibility, the electric-only range is increased to up to 30km. The electro-optical sensor suite Janus-D (mast-mounted to maximize the vehicle's line-of-sight while allowing the UGV to remain safely concealed), features the latest state-of-the-art high resolution cameras delivering even better tele-operation and machine vision.

The first is fitted with the Leonardo HITROLE C-UAS, an anti-drone weapon station (Counter Unmanned Aerial System – CUAS) designed to deliver an effective response against both low- and high-altitude aerial threats. It can be easily installed on a wide
range of armoured combat vehicles and can operate on the move as well as in extreme environmental conditions, while maintaining a low cognitive workload for the operator.

The system integrates the Blaze 30x113 gun, a proprietary, flexible, and easy-to-install ITARfree technology capable of programming smart fuses, enabling its effective deployment in C-UAS operations. HITROLE is coupled with the new high performance coaxial sight with full C-UAS capability for Remote Controlled Weapon Station. The second is fitted with an MBDA ground-launched precision missile system in a battlegroup organic anti-armour configuration, carrying three missiles for engagement against high-value targets.

The event also marks the public debut of the CL2X (Hybrid Uncrewed Light Tank), a next generation tracked autonomous combat platform designed to transform the operational landscape of modern land forces. Combining hybrid electric propulsion with full uncrewed capability, the CL2X delivers a mix of stealth, mobility, and disruptive battlefield effectiveness. Designed to operate seamlessly within a networked combat battlefield scenario, the CL2X represents a step forward in the paradigm in which a single C2 vehicle can coordinate multiple combat UGVs, enabling distributed manoeuvre and resilient combat formations.

IDV’s MACE autonomy stack and ATLAS GNSS-denied navigation system were designed from the outset for retrofit as well as integration into new programmes. The autonomous capability demonstrated in the latest VIKING and planned for CL2X can be applied across IDV’s full range of platforms as well as those from other manufacturers.