Insider Brief
- American Rheinmetall and Harbinger have partnered to develop robotic and uncrewed ground vehicles for U.S. military modernization programs, combining military vehicle integration expertise with autonomy-ready commercial platforms.
- Initial efforts will target autonomous tactical vehicles, contested logistics resupply and robotic systems aligned with Army priorities around autonomy and manned-unmanned teaming.
- American Rheinmetall contributes combat vehicle and mission systems expertise, while Harbinger brings a hybrid-electric, drive-by-wire platform designed for autonomous operation and scalable production.
American Rheinmetall and Harbinger have formed a partnership to develop a new family of robotic and uncrewed ground vehicles as part of the U.S. military’s modernization efforts. According to the companies, the collaboration combines American Rheinmetall’s experience integrating combat vehicles and mission systems with Harbinger’s hybrid, autonomy-ready vehicle platform to create scalable robotic systems for the battlefield.
Under the agreement, the companies will jointly pursue current and future Department of War programs focused on robotic combat, logistics and sustainment systems. Initial efforts are expected to include autonomous tactical vehicles, contested logistics resupply and robotic platforms aligned with Army priorities around autonomy and manned-unmanned teaming, according to the companies.
What Does Each Company Contribute?
American Rheinmetall, a subsidiary of German tech and arms maker Rheinmetall, brings experience in combat vehicle integration, modular system design and military manufacturing. Harbinger contributes a commercially derived platform originally developed for medium-duty electric and hybrid vehicles that can be adapted for autonomous applications with the goal of providing robotic systems that can be produced quickly and in larger numbers.
“Soldiers need robotics they can trust, at a cost that lets them field them in the numbers required to win,” American Rheinmetall CEO Matthew Warnick said in the announcement. “Harbinger’s drive-by-wire, hybrid-electric platform is one of the most autonomy-ready commercial chassis ever built in the United States, and combined with American Rheinmetall’s deep experience integrating mission systems for the Army, gives the DoW an attritable, sovereign, and rapidly scalable option, engineered here, built here, and ready to fight.”
Harbinger’s hybrid-electric, drive-by-wire architectureis designed to support autonomous operation while reducing heat and noise signatures and extending operational range, the company pointed out.
“Together, we can give soldiers robotic systems that are affordable enough to be everywhere they’re needed, and tough enough to do the job when they get there,” co-founder and CEO John Harris added. “Most importantly, by taking the driver out of the vehicle with advanced autonomy and teleoperation, we can help keep service men and women out of harm’s way.”
Made in the USA
Both companies emphasized U.S.-based manufacturing and engineering. American Rheinmetall operates facilities in Michigan and is expanding production capacity in multiple states, while Harbinger develops and assembles its battery systems, powertrains and chassis at its California headquarters.
The companies said they expect to begin joint demonstrations this summer and pursue near-term prototype opportunities through defense acquisition programs and alternative contracting pathways.
Image credit: Harbinger
