Germany develops ARX Mithra OS system to transform military vehicles into AI-powered autonomous units.

On December 4, 2024, ARX Robotics, a defense company based in Munich, introduced the ARX Mithra OS, which it describes as the first independent AI-based operating system for military vehicles. The system is designed to modernize existing fleets by converting them into autonomous and interconnected units while ensuring integration with current defense and commercial operations. The platform focuses on enabling armed forces to enhance mission flexibility and adaptability without requiring the replacement of existing equipment.
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The Mithra OS includes a retrofit feature that equips conventional vehicles with AI-based capabilities, including adaptive navigation, autonomous reconnaissance, and remote operation, reducing the need for human involvement. (Picture source: ARX Robotics)

The Mithra OS includes a Legacy Autonomy Kit, a retrofit feature that equips conventional vehicles with AI-based capabilities. These upgrades include adaptive navigation, autonomous reconnaissance, and remote operation, reducing the need for human involvement. The system supports both manned-unmanned and unmanned-unmanned teaming, allowing for enhanced safety and operational efficiency. Another feature, the Interconnectivity & Swarming Pilot, enables vehicles to exchange data in real-time and conduct synchronized operations, while the Situational Awareness Suite integrates sensors for real-time monitoring and data processing to improve battlefield intelligence.

In manned-unmanned teaming, unmanned units perform tasks such as reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and intelligence sharing. In unmanned-unmanned teaming, it facilitates the coordination of unmanned ground and aerial vehicles for missions like perimeter security and combined reconnaissance. Additionally, Mithra OS enables autonomous missions, including reconnaissance in high-risk areas and mine-clearing operations, aimed at reducing threats and improving safety for advancing forces. The Mithra OS also has applications in non-military contexts, offering tools to enhance productivity and flexibility in commercial operations. The platform’s modular and scalable design allows for integration into autonomous and connected systems across different sectors.

ARX Robotics highlights that the system is compatible with legacy systems and includes over-the-air update capabilities. This ensures that existing fleets can adapt to new technologies, potentially extending their service life. The modular approach is aimed at enabling operators to upgrade their fleets efficiently, addressing both current operational challenges and future requirements. According to Lieutenant General (Ret.) Frank Leidenberger, CEO of BWI, modernizing legacy equipment is a practical solution for addressing evolving warfare demands within budgetary constraints.

The development of AI-based operating systems for military vehicles reflects a global trend in modernizing armed forces. Germany’s Rheinmetall has partnered with U.S.-based Auterion to create standardized drone software aimed at enhancing interoperability among NATO allies. In the United States, Textron Systems and Kodiak Robotics are working on AI-powered autonomy for military ground vehicles, while Anduril Industries has developed the Lattice operating system to coordinate autonomous assets such as drones. Australia’s BAE Systems has introduced the ATLAS platform to integrate autonomy with existing military systems. China is advancing open-source projects like OpenHarmony, which supports applications in areas including satellite operations. These programs emphasize upgrading existing fleets rather than acquiring new platforms to address cost and operational efficiency considerations.

In recent years, several other systems that convert military vehicles into remotely operated or autonomous units have also been developed. Russia’s Rostec unveiled the Prometheus system in July 2023, which allows various vehicles to be controlled remotely. Milrem Robotics has developed the Intelligent Functions Kit, which provides vehicles with the ability to operate autonomously or via remote control. The U.S. Army has tested the Robotic Combat Vehicle–Light (RCV-L), a semi-autonomous system designed to improve battlefield mobility while reducing risks to personnel.

Russia’s efforts also include testing remote-controlled tanks, such as a modified Ukrainian T-72AMT, referred to as "Vasya," in the Zaporizhzhia region, as well as multiple variants of the T-72B3 Sturm, reportedly to compensate for personnel losses in the conflict. Additionally, Rostec announced plans to develop a robotic version of the Tornado-S 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This development builds on the modernization potential of the BM-30 Smerch platform and incorporates lessons from the Russo-Ukrainian war. Bekhan Ozdoev, Rostec’s industrial director, emphasized the role of robotic platforms in the next generation of MLRS technology.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into existing military vehicles represents a significant advancement in defense capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability. By retrofitting current assets with AI technologies, armed forces can achieve autonomous functionalities, improved situational awareness, and seamless coordination among units without the substantial costs associated with procuring new equipment. This approach not only extends the service life of existing fleets but also enables rapid adaptation to evolving threats and mission requirements. Global defense sectors are increasingly adopting AI retrofitting strategies, reflecting a broader trend toward cost-effective modernization and the strategic enhancement of military readiness.