Oshkosh Defense has secured a $29.9-million contract to integrate next-generation autonomous technology into the US Marine Corps’ Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE Fires) capability.
ROGUE Fires, based on Oshkosh’s flagship Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), is a reconfigurable unmanned system designed to support the military’s ground-based sea-denial firepower.
The deal will provide autonomy software called “AutoDrive,” which will enhance the platform’s “beyond Leader-Follower” operability as well as its self-drive and maneuverability for off-road missions “in nearly any environment.”
Oshkosh noted that the AutoDrive technology will protect troops in high-risk situations while increasing lethality across contested environments, particularly in regions covered by the US Indo-Pacific Command.
Delivery of the systems will be facilitated in partnership with Maryland-based autonomy company and AutoDrive developer Forterra.
“Through our trusted partnership with the Marine Corps and collaboration with industry leaders like Forterra, Oshkosh Defense remains committed to equipping the US Marine Corps with advanced solutions that establish dominance across all domains,” Oshkosh Defense Chief Programs Officer Pat Williams stated.
“ROGUE-Fires not only enhances mission flexibility and lethality but also directly supports the USMC’s modernization priorities, including sea denial capabilities, innovative formations, and optimized force design to meet evolving threats.”
Forterra Robotic Missile Systems Head Christian Seifert further emphasized the importance of the contract, saying that the fielding of AutoDrive is “crucial to the Marines’ modernization plans and “will reduce casualties and improve our warfighters’ ability to fight and win.”
The project follows Oshkosh’s acceptance of a $40-million contract in April 2024 to distribute ROGUE Fires carriers to the US Marine Corps.