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D-Iron robotic combat vehicles are being trialled by the Royal Thai Army as the unmanned ground vehicles move towards mass production.
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The Defense Technology Institute of Thailand and Army jointly conducted D-Iron RCV testing for incline travel, water traversing, and terrain navigation in Saraburi province late last month.
The machine has also undertaken live fire testing in daytime and nighttime conditions, as part of an evaluation by Thailand’s Ministry of Defence Armament Standards Committee.
The D-Iron RCV, built on the Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS Combat UGV platform, was originally showcased by the DTI in late 2019. It is now fitted with a R400S-Mk2 remote weapon station from Australian company Electro Optic Systems and a Northrop Grumman M230LF 30mm machine gun, with the future possibility of anti-tank guided missiles.
It’s understood the D-Iron RCV is being put forward as a platform adapted to border surveillance, reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, anti-tank, and logistics.
The DTI previously signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in research and development of unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems.
Thailand’s interest in armed unmanned ground vehicles follow similar technology developments in the US and Europe.
The US Department of Defense has previously released a request for rapid robotic combat vehicle prototypes to meet the US Army’s requirements for a lightweight, easily transportable RCV. Companies are expected to deliver full-system prototypes for an award in the first quarter of 2025, as well as production and fielding in 2030.
That award is expected to deliver a remote control or task semi-autonomous RCV with increased situational awareness, lethality, and tactical options for Army formations, as well as scout or escort duties for manned fighting vehicles.
“The Army of 2030 and beyond will rely on systems with technology advancements and growth potential, often developed by large and small and traditional and non-traditional business,” said Major General Glenn Dean, US Army Ground Combat Systems program executive officer.
“Contributions from our industry partners are invaluable in delivering systems that meet the requirements for the Army of 2030, and projected needs for the Army of 2040 and beyond.”
