US special forces testing lethal Q-UGVs

Ghost Robotics Vision 60 prototype was tested as part of the Advanced Battle Management System, which collects and fuses data from various systems. (US Air Force)

US special operations forces (SOF) are considering the integration of various kinetic weapon systems on robotic dogs or quadrupedal-unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) to support land-based special operations, service officials announced recently.

The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Program Executive Office-SOF Warrior (PEO-SW) disclosed “robotic dog-mounted systems” are being explored to support special operations, according to a presentation at SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida, on 7 May.

“We are monitoring [Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate] efforts and Innate-Stabilisation for Precision Engagement by Robots user feedback,” a PEO-SW official stated.

The effort, which falls under ‘Echelon 0G (Ground)' of the Ground Organic Precision Strike System (GOPSS) portfolio, includes a range of loitering munitions, according to the briefing.

Echelon 0G is also understood be considering weaponising robotic and autonomous systems of different sizes, including nano-, micro- and mega-sized categories. It remains unclear exactly which category a quadruped robot would fall into at this stage.

PEO-SW is considering ‘Havoc' 40 mm grenade launchers and ‘Chaos' 12-gauge shotguns, a spokesperson for USSOCOM confirmed to Janes on 7 May . The spokesperson could not confirm industry partners involved in the development.

Multiple defence sources suggested to Janes both systems could feature revolving, multishot firing mechanisms, capable of firing up to 5 and 10 rounds respectively and weighing several kilograms each.

Another defence source familiar with the GOPSS programme also told Janes the effort is being led within USSOCOM by Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). “Armed [wheeled and tracked] UGVs seem to be on a back burner,” the source said.