Rheinmetall has signed a contract for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Project “Theseus 2.2”, an initiative for the automated supply delivery to soldiers in war zones.

According to the company’s announcement, the first systems have already been delivered. 

Rheinmetall Canada, the Canadian division of the Rheinmetall Group, is working with Polaris Government and Defense to modernize the Polaris MRZR D4 ultra-light tactical vehicle with the Rheinmetall PATH Autonomy Kit (A-kit), which can offer a navigation system powered by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. 

The project marks the first installation of the PATH A-kit collection on an MRZR D4-type tactical vehicle. The project in question requires Rheinmetall to meet a new set of technical demands, further proving the PATH’s total adaptability, which has already been installed in the company’s family of Mission Master systems.

Also read: Mission Master | Rheinmetall unmanned vehicles change the rules of the game – VIDEO

The contract was awarded on February 21, 2022, following an invitation to tender. Rheinmetall is serving as the prime contractor, in collaboration with Polaris Government and Defense, a leading American manufacturer of ultra-light tactical vehicles, and Rheinmetall Provectus, its Ottawa-based robotics division. Polaris Defense United Kingdom will provide in-country support.

The contract scope includes installation, training, spare parts, and technical support for the PATH A-kit as well as platform support on 11 Polaris MRZR D4 vehicles. 

Once equipped with the A-kit, the MRZR D4 will be ready for crewed and teleoperated use cases as well as for autonomous execution of resupply missions in challenging terrain, adverse weather conditions, day and night.

Also read: DSEI 2021 | Debut for Rheinmetall’s Brimstone missile-armed Mission Master XT

The Rheinmetall PATH A-kit transforms crewed vehicles into optionally crewed ground vehicles (OCGVs). PATH-equipped vehicles can then safely and reliably navigate in tough terrains, reducing troop exposure to enemy fire. 

Essentially, the AI allows PATH to navigate autonomously using sensor fusion and environment mapping. The system’s standardized, open architecture allows it to be continually upgraded and to integrate new innovations to meet customer demands.

The Polaris MRZR D4, already used by the British Royal Marines, is a four-person, diesel-powered ultra-light tactical vehicle developed for international special operations and off-road operations. 

#Polaris #MRZR D4 on action..Maybe we will recall this photo in a few months after the 🇬🇷 Greek #SOF ⚔ will receive their batch (4 vehicles) of All Terrain Transportation.. https://t.co/fNvswzRNYD

— DEFENCE ReDEFiNED (@Def_Redefined) October 9, 2021

According to the manufacturer, it can carry a 680 kg payload and tow 680 kg, making it a practical and reliable choice for resupply missions. 

The vehicle in question will also be supplied to the Hellenic Special Forces. More on its capabilities can be found in our article below.

Also read: POLARIS All-Terrain Vehicles | A potential choice for the Cyprus Special Forces