AUSA 2025: How EAGLS Robot Scouts Could Redefine Autonomous C-UAS Defense.

MSI Defense Solutions, in partnership with Applied Research Associates, is showing the EAGLS Scout counter-UAS configuration on ARA’s Sapper unmanned ground vehicle at AUSA 2025 in Washington. The pairing pushes counter-drone and ground-fires options forward of the wire while plugging into existing air defense networks, a response to the surge in small UAS threats.

MSI Defense Solutions is debuting the EAGLS Scout system on ARA’s Sapper unmanned ground platform at the Association of the United States Army 2025 meeting, a company and partner showcase that emphasizes modular launchers, networked sensors, and autonomy for counter-UAS missions in contested terrain. The effort builds on MSI’s EAGLS program activity with U.S. customers and on ARA’s fielded Sapper platform, which supports ROS2 and IOP, waypoint navigation, and teleoperation, allowing the launcher and sensors to integrate into layered air defense and ground maneuver formations.
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EAGLS Scout counter-UAS on the Sapper unmanned ground vehicle, displayed by MSI Defense Solutions with ARA at AUSA 2025 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The system has a dual role for counter-UAS tasks and ground fires. It relies on a modular launcher installed on an unmanned or teleoperated ground vehicle, able to carry effectors to neutralize unmanned aircraft while allowing ground engagements when required by the mission. The provider states that the capabilities operate autonomously or integrate into existing networks, enabling uses that range from site protection to convoy escort.

The EAGLS launcher architecture is described as modular and able to accept multiple categories of effectors, both kinetic and non-kinetic. Integration includes radars, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and fire control, enabling a detect, track, defeat sequence. This configuration aims to cover blind spots at the tactical level and to provide a mobile response in constrained terrain without a crew at the firing point.

Mobility is based on the Sapper platform in a tracked version with a wheeled option mentioned by the provider. The chassis is designed by MSI for off-road mobility and is paired with hybrid-electric propulsion for endurance and discreet maneuver. Autonomy functions provided by ARA include waypoint navigation, teleoperation, and obstacle negotiation, supporting multi-role operations in rugged environments.

The protection approach keeps operators away from threat areas and maintains continuity of action. Power and communications redundancies are provided for resilience under fire. The employment scale ranges from autonomous outpost defense to convoy escort, with adaptation through reconfiguration of effectors and sensors according to the scenario.

In communications and interoperability, EAGLS Scout is presented as compliant with ROS2 and IOP to facilitate multi-platform integration. Protocols are described as common and designed for plug-and-play so the system can fit into existing battle networks. It is indicated as ready for manned unmanned teaming within layered air defense.

The presence of EAGLS Scout at AUSA 2025 reflects MSI Defense Solutions’ current offer in teleoperated ground systems for counter-drone missions, with ARA providing autonomy functions. The positioning is based on modular effectors, network integration, and off-road mobility to provide close-range coverage at the tactical level. In a context of increasing use of micro-drones and loitering munitions, the spread of unmanned vehicles with standardized interfaces and integrated sensors and effectors depends on national capability choices and interoperability frameworks. As designer and integrator of the chassis and launcher, MSI acts as a supplier of configurable solutions, while the proliferation of this type of vehicle depends on networking requirements, acquisition policies, and rules of employment adopted by each armed force.