Exclusive Report: Future combat robotic vehicle Ripsaw M5 debuts at U.S. Army 250th Birthday Parade.

During the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday Parade held on June 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C., one of the standout highlights was the public unveiling of the Ripsaw M5 Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), presented in a fully armed configuration featuring the Kongsberg Protector Medium Caliber Turret-30 (MCT-30). Armed with a 30mm/40mm Bushmaster automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, the system signaled a clear step forward in the U.S. Army’s path toward next-generation warfare dominated by robotic and unmanned systems.
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Ripsaw M5 robotic combat vehicle displayed with MCT30 turret during US Army 250th Birthday Parade in Washington DC June 14, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Developed by the American Company Textron Systems in collaboration with Howe & Howe and Teledyne FLIR Defense, the Ripsaw M5 has been officially selected by the U.S. Army for its Robotic Combat Vehicle program, specifically in the medium variant category known as RCV-M. This selection marks a pivotal achievement within the U.S. Army's broader Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) initiative, aimed at overhauling traditional ground combat capabilities through the adoption of advanced unmanned technologies. The RCV program is structured as a family of platforms: RCV-Light, RCV-Medium, and RCV-Heavy, each designed to support manned operations across a variety of tactical roles.

Originally laid out in the U.S. Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle Campaign Plan of January 2019, the RCV family was conceived to serve primarily as scouts and escorts for manned NGCVs. These robotic systems are designed to deter ambushes, secure flanks, and carry out forward reconnaissance missions in high-threat environments. While initially remotely operated, the long-term goal is to incorporate advanced AI and autonomous navigation technologies to enable a single operator to control multiple RCVs or allow the systems to function with greater independence.

Each RCV type is tailored for specific operational roles. The RCV-L, weighing under 10 tonnes, is intended for rapid rotary-wing deployment and is considered expendable, equipped with light weapon systems such as ATGMs or recoilless rifles. The RCV-M, exemplified by the Ripsaw M5, weighs between 10 and 20 tonnes, can be airlifted by a C-130 aircraft, and features increased lethality for engaging light to medium-armored threats. The RCV-H, weighing up to 30 tonnes, is designed to engage heavy enemy armor with high-survivability characteristics and is transported by a C-17 aircraft.

The Ripsaw M5 stands out within this family for its optimal mix of mobility, firepower, and modularity. Technically, it features a hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain that enables stealth movement and rapid acceleration across diverse terrain. Its compact dimensions measure 5.94 meters in length, 2.67 meters in width, and 1.51 meters in height. Along with its rubber track system, this allows it to keep pace with manned combat formations while reducing its acoustic and thermal signature. Weighing approximately 10.5 tonnes, it offers a payload capacity of 3,629 kilograms and can exceed speeds of 64 kilometers per hour. These capabilities allow it to serve as a high-speed maneuver asset for surveillance, fire support, and strike missions.

What truly empowers the Ripsaw M5 is its integration with the Kongsberg MCT-30 remote turret. This combat-proven system is armed with the Bushmaster Mk44 30mm/40mm cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, paired with advanced targeting sensors and electro-optics that ensure accurate day and night operations. The turret supports airburst munitions and can be upgraded to a 40mm caliber configuration, enhancing its lethality and adaptability. Its compact profile and fully digital interface allow it to be mounted on unmanned platforms like the Ripsaw M5 without compromising performance or control.

Engineered with an open architecture and a flat-deck design, the Ripsaw M5 supports rapid integration of mission-specific payloads, including anti-tank missiles, electronic warfare modules, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. Textron’s design philosophy behind the M5 reflects years of experience in unmanned ground systems, leveraging certified safety frameworks and multi-domain combat integration. The vehicle is not only a product of innovation but also a testament to mature program execution, combining robust industrial support with real-world deployment readiness.

Bringing together rapid innovation and proven technological execution, the Ripsaw M5 represents the fifth generation of the Ripsaw platform. It is designed as a multi-mission robotic wingman, intended to extend the reach of U.S. Army forces and operate beyond the limits of human endurance. Its capacity for silent movement and high-speed maneuvering makes it ideal for modern battlefields, where surprise, speed, and stealth define success. It also provides critical advantages in contested environments, enabling commanders to gather ISR data, neutralize threats, and conduct tactical maneuvers without placing soldiers directly in harm’s way.

The Ripsaw M5’s appearance at the U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary Parade was not merely ceremonial. It marked a tangible shift in the service’s commitment to embracing unmanned ground combat capabilities as a core component of future warfare. As the battlefield grows more complex and adversaries become more technologically advanced, the U.S. Army must evolve with platforms that increase lethality, survivability, and tactical flexibility. Robotic vehicles like the Ripsaw M5 will be key enablers in this transformation, ensuring that the U.S. Army remains at the forefront of modern combat power while safeguarding the lives of its soldiers through innovation and strategic foresight.