The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating
GM Defense’s ISV-Heavy hybrid tactical vehicle is designed to be able to power drones. (Photo: GM Defense)
The revolution in military affairs created by drones, big data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) and battlefield transparency is creating a new fusion between land vehicles and drone designs.
Vehicles are increasingly being adapted to integrate uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) into their battlefield functions. Meanwhile, such UAVs enable land units on the battlefield to enhance their reaction times, expand their volume of tactical awareness and respond to enemy intelligence gathering or air attacks. Their roles include information gathering, real-time reconnaissance and defeat of UAV threats for convoy protection and granting land units over-the-horizon strike capabilities.
The synergy between ground platforms and UAVs is also
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)
At SOF Week 2026, Pro-Shot Defense discusses the maintenance technologies and weapon support tools designed to keep special operations forces mission ready in the world’s harshest environments.
-
Sweden looks to commercial world to meet military UGV needs
Stockholm is exploring commercial avenues to provide a small uncrewed ground vehicle capable of carrying 500kg with a focus on challenging terrains and C2 systems.
-
Are counter-drone systems for dismounted troops emerging as the next procurement battle?
As uncrewed aerial systems and loitering munitions evolve, it is increasingly necessary for counter-uncrewed solutions to keep pace in order to protect not only military facilities and platforms but also dismounted troops.
-
Patria TRACKX - The ultimate tracked all-terrain armoured vehicle
Patria TRACKX, the ultimate tracked all-terrain armoured vehicle, is designed to conquer the most challenging environments with ease.
-
NATO’s Crystal Arrow factors in Ukrainian UGV lessons as European interest grows
One goal of NATO’s Exercise Crystal Arrow was to identify the potential uses of uncrewed ground vehicles – as seen on the Ukrainian battlefield – and put platforms into the hands of users.
-
SOF Week 2026: Galvion unveils Cortex Evo integrated combat helmet
Galvion has introduced its Cortex Evo integrated head system, combining ballistic protection, power, data and processing capabilities within a single combat helmet architecture.