In front of select military forces from across the globe, Milrem Robotics and John Cockerill Defense showcased the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle with the Cockerill Protected Weapons Station Gen. II (CPWS II).

The Type-X chassis features what the companies describe as a “revolutionary design” for a mobile modular multi-mission vehicle that provides a platform for a family of unmanned armored vehicles. According to the companies, the Type-X is the “first combat vehicle that is purposefully designed to be unmanned intended to be an integral part of mechanized units.”

Designed to deploy at a weight below the 12-ton mark for rapid deployment into the combat theater—either by parachute or by heavy lift helicopter—the Type-X is a combination of augmented Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a remote system operator. The tracked vehicle has armor protection that can supplement troop formations or operate independently, in unmanned formations.

“The Type-X is modular and will accept larger turrets, but current turret designs are optimized for operations under armor,” says Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“The CPWS II is a step in the right direction, as it is designed from the beginning to be a remotely controlled configuration (unmanned) and easy access from the outside of the turret, allowing for reload and maintenance.”

A low profile, light weight turret, the CPWS II is equipped with a revolutionary hatch opening and can mount the M242 25-millimeter X 137-millimeter Bushmaster cannon or the 230LF, 30-millimeter X 113-millimeter cannon. The remotely operated turret is designed to be integrated onto 4X4 and 6X6 vehicles. According to Milrem Robotics, the turret is a desirable selection for unmanned vehicle operations thanks to the revolutionary hatch, which can operate in three modes.

The unmanned vehicle can be reloaded rapidly from the outside thanks to the opening roof capability. The CPWS is considered a suitable partner to the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle since it is equipped with a 360-degree panoramic sight, with CCD, thermal and fused imaging. The turret can come with Anti-Tank Missiles such as Alcotan, MMP, Javelin or SPIKE.

“Eventually, combining self-driving unmanned logistics vehicles with the Type-X and you can reduce the personnel required for a convoy to a few operators, while actually increasing the capabilities of defending the convoy,” Väärsi says. “This is not just a leap forward in force protection but a force multiplier.”

During the demonstration, Milrem Robotics unveiled its Intelligent Functions Kit (IFK), which converts any vehicle into a self-driving or remotely controlled one. IFK is a modular hardware and software kit that provides ROS2 based environment for different functionalities that can be provided by Milrem Robotics, the customer or a third party. Milrem Robotics notes that the IFK has been developed for Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV and Type-X, but it can be adapted to any other vehicle with drive-by-wire integration.