British Army Tests Ground Drone Fitted with Explosives to Neutralize Tanks on the Modern Battlefield.

The British Army recently tested a cutting-edge unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED) designed to target and destroy Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in high-stakes combat scenarios. This new mobile IED was showcased in a live demonstration, where it was remotely guided toward an enemy tank, highlighting the increasing role of UGVs in modern combat. This trial, which took place at Imber Village in the Salisbury Plain Training Area, was part of the British Army’s Experimentation and Trials Group (ETG) "recce-strike" live fire event. The exercise involved soldiers from Alma Company, 2nd Battalion of The Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
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A British Army unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) fitted with explosive charges is remotely maneuvered toward a main battle tank during a live demonstration at the Salisbury Plain Training Area. (Picture source: British MoD)

This UGV-based (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) IED (Improvised Explosive Device) is part of the British Army’s broader Next Generation Combat Team (NGCT) concept, which addresses the evolving demands of modern warfare, shaped by recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The NGCT initiative emphasizes the integration of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and drones at various levels of military organization, from battlegroup down to platoon, in order to meet the unique challenges of a three-dimensional battlefield. The concept aims to create a fully connected and autonomous force capable of rapid, data-driven decision-making that leverages both UGVs and UAS to maximize operational effectiveness.

The UGV-based IED tested at Salisbury Plain was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of using remote-controlled explosive devices against heavily armored MBTs (Main Battle Tanks). Traditionally, MBTs have been a formidable force on the battlefield, requiring sophisticated anti-tank weaponry to counter. This experiment with UGVs as IED carriers provides a potential solution to the challenge of neutralizing MBTs in complex and contested terrain. UGVs offer a low-cost, remote solution that minimizes the risk to personnel while maintaining high lethality against armored targets.

In this demonstration, soldiers remotely guided the UGV-based IED through difficult terrain toward a simulated enemy tank. Once in proximity, the device could theoretically deliver a powerful charge, capable of compromising a tank’s armor. This tactic, which capitalizes on remote control and autonomous navigation, aligns with the NGCT’s focus on enhancing soldier interconnectivity and autonomy through advanced technology.

The use of UGV-based mobile IEDs has significant implications for future British Army tactics and the broader landscape of armored warfare. In today’s multifaceted battlespace, where traditional lines of engagement are becoming less defined, UGV-based IEDs offer commanders a flexible and responsive tool to neutralize high-value targets like tanks without relying on manned anti-tank teams. If widely implemented, this technology could transform tank engagement protocols, enabling faster, safer, and potentially more cost-effective anti-armor operations.

This trial underscores the importance of networked, interoperable equipment at all levels of engagement, from individual soldiers to platoon and company levels. Soldiers engaged in the trials were equipped with counter-UAS tools such as combat shotguns and DroneShields, further underscoring the army’s commitment to defending against UAS threats that are likely to emerge alongside UGV and drone usage.

The Experimentation and Trials Group event also provided an opportunity to explore how the British Army can better train and equip soldiers to handle an integrated, multi-domain battlefield. Key to the NGCT’s approach is a marked increase in kit and equipment at the company and platoon levels, enabling small units to be outfitted with UAS and counter-UAS capabilities tailored to the operational challenges of modern warfare.

The lessons learned from these trials are expected to inform future British Army acquisition strategies and training programs, emphasizing integrating autonomous and uncrewed systems across all echelons. As the army continues to adapt to the demands of three-dimensional warfare, the NGCT concept represents a critical step toward a more agile, technologically advanced, and responsive fighting force capable of dominating future battlefields.

The British Army’s experiment with UGV-based mobile IEDs to neutralize main battle tanks marks a pivotal development in anti-armor tactics and autonomous vehicle warfare. As the military continues to leverage lessons from current conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, integrating UGV and UAS technologies will be crucial for enhancing battlefield adaptability and operational lethality. With the NGCT initiative, the British Army is positioning itself at the forefront of modern warfare, poised to effectively use autonomous and interconnected combat systems for years to come.