Textron Systems' Ripsaw 3 Ground Robot Wins US Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle Contract.

According to information published by Breaking Defense on March 7, 2025, Textron Systems has emerged victorious in the U.S. Army’s highly anticipated competition for the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program. The Ripsaw 3, a state-of-the-art unmanned vehicle, has been selected for the next phase of the Army's RCV program, which is integral to the larger Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) initiative. While specific details about the variant of Ripsaw 3 selected remain undisclosed, its win marks a significant step forward in the Army's vision to modernize its ground combat capabilities with robotic systems.
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The Ripsaw 3 is a cutting-edge unmanned robotic combat vehicle by Textron Systems, designed for high mobility, autonomous operations, and versatile combat roles. (Picture source: Textron Systems)

The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) effort is currently employing other transaction agreements (OTAs) to conduct experiments aimed at determining the availability and maturity of technologies and the validity of operating concepts. The outcome of these experiments will help the Army decide whether an acquisition program is feasible, with plans for three vehicle variants—a light, medium, and heavy variant. As the RCV program is not yet considered a program of record, no acquisition approach has been selected as of now. On January 10, 2020, the Army awarded OTAs to QinetiQ North America (Virginia) and Textron (Rhode Island) to build prototype vehicles for the RCV-L (Light) and RCV-M (Medium) variants. This effort is still in the experimental stage, with the Army continuing to evaluate the potential of robotic combat vehicles across various configurations.

In October 2024, Textron Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., announced that its Team RIPSAW, which includes Howe & Howe and Teledyne FLIR Defense, delivered two RIPSAW® M3 prototype vehicles to the U.S. Army for the competitive Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Phase I: Platform Prototype program. The vehicles were delivered to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, marking a significant milestone in the program's development. The RIPSAW M3 features a modular open systems architecture (MOSA) design and a common chassis, supporting a range of mission requirements. This design flexibility is a key advantage, allowing the vehicle to be easily reconfigured for different roles, from reconnaissance and surveillance to combat support.

The importance of robotic solutions for modern military forces has become increasingly evident, especially as the nature of warfare evolves. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with its blend of conventional warfare, urban combat, and high-intensity artillery exchanges, has underscored the need for forces to adapt to rapidly changing and often perilous environments. Robotic systems, such as the Ripsaw 3, offer significant advantages in this new era of warfare. These unmanned vehicles provide the ability to conduct missions in highly contested areas with minimal risk to human life, offering both tactical flexibility and survivability. Whether used for reconnaissance, fire support, or logistics, robotic vehicles can traverse difficult terrain, access denied areas, and take on high-risk tasks that would otherwise endanger soldiers. As seen in Ukraine, the demand for real-time intelligence, precision strikes, and force protection has only intensified, making the integration of unmanned and autonomous technologies critical to maintaining a competitive edge. The development of robotic combat vehicles like the Ripsaw 3 aligns perfectly with these evolving needs, ensuring that modern armies are not only more agile and adaptive but also better equipped to deal with the complexities of contemporary warfare.

The Ripsaw 3, the latest iteration of the Ripsaw series, developed by Textron Systems, represents a significant leap forward in robotic combat vehicle design. Known for its exceptional mobility and robust performance in extreme conditions, the Ripsaw series has long been recognized for its ability to tackle challenging terrains, ranging from urban environments to rugged, off-road conditions. The Ripsaw 3 boasts advanced features, including unmanned capabilities that allow it to be operated remotely or autonomously, reducing the need for human operators in dangerous combat zones. Its modular design makes the vehicle highly customizable, allowing it to be adapted for different mission requirements, from reconnaissance to armed combat. Equipped with an advanced sensor suite, the Ripsaw 3 enhances its situational awareness, enabling it to perform in complex, multi-domain environments. Additionally, the vehicle is expected to carry advanced weapons systems, which could range from remote-controlled turrets to medium-caliber cannons, capable of engaging both ground and aerial targets.

The vehicle's performance in rigorous testing phases impressed the U.S. Army, contributing to its selection for the RCV program. The Ripsaw 3 will likely be used in a variety of operational scenarios, potentially including reconnaissance missions, convoy protection, and combat support roles.

The Army’s decision to invest in robotic combat vehicles like the Ripsaw 3 aligns with the broader goals of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program. The NGCV initiative is a comprehensive modernization effort that seeks to replace aging platforms such as the M1 Abrams main battle tank and the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle with more advanced, survivable, and versatile vehicles. While the Army has already begun deploying unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), the integration of robotic ground vehicles represents the next logical step in advancing the Army’s modernization efforts. These robotic platforms will enhance the ability of manned units to respond to threats in highly contested environments, such as peer-to-peer conflicts against near-peer adversaries.

The ultimate goal is for these robotic vehicles to work in tandem with manned platforms, using AI, machine learning, and autonomous capabilities to increase operational efficiency, reduce human risk, and provide commanders with more versatile combat options.

The selection of the Ripsaw 3 for the RCV program marks an important milestone in the U.S. Army’s ongoing transformation into a more flexible and tech-savvy fighting force. As the Army continues to push for a more integrated and autonomous force, the Ripsaw 3 is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of ground combat. As of now, Textron Systems has not revealed the full specifics regarding which RCV category the Ripsaw 3 has been chosen for, but its success in this competitive program signals its potential to become a cornerstone of future military operations, ushering in a new era of unmanned, robotic-enhanced warfare.