French armed forces to receive UGVs
ECA Group, CEFA and SCOPEX have received a €30 million contract for the French Defence Procurement Agency's SMINEX programme, ECA Group announced on 10 January.
Under the contract, the companies will deliver 15 Iguana E UGVs equipped to neutralise IEDs as part of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations.
The UGVs will form part of a deployable shelter solution that can be delivered into theatre by rail, road or sea containing the equipment required to search, detect, analyse and neutralise IEDs and unexploded ordnance.
The contract covers the technology qualification, supply and maintenance of the equipment.
SMINEX is the first project related to EOD equipment being sought for the French army, navy and air force, which will include individual protection suits, handheld detectors, X-Ray systems, water cannon and UGVs.
The Iguana E UGV is designed to carry out EOD operations, such as inspecting cars, suspicious packages, and carrying out internal building inspection.
The system integrates intelligent solutions to assist the operator to prepare the mission and reach the target, with the ability to transverse obstacles and access hard-to-reach places. The UGV can enter and inspect marine vessels, climb stairs or inspect inside an overhead locker in an aircraft.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
