MSPO 2024: Hanwha's Arion-SMET 6x6 UGV steps into the global arena following US Defense endorsement.

At the 32nd International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2024), held in Poland from September 3 to 6, 2024, the South Korean company Hanwha presented its Arion-SMET 6x6 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This exhibition follows a significant milestone for the vehicle, which recently completed a Foreign Comparative Test (FCT) conducted by the US Marine Corps and the US Army.
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The Arion-SMET can be equipped with a Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) that can automatically track and target threats, featuring a 5.56 mm machine gun extendable to a 7.62 mm version. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This Foreign Comparative Test (FCT) marked the first time a South Korean UGV has been selected for evaluation under the US Department of Defense’s FCT program, a program designed to assess and verify technologies developed by defense contractors from allied nations. The FCT took place from December 14 to 22, 2023, at the Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Oahu, Hawaii. Representatives from the III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), participated in the evaluation.

The test included several scenarios designed to measure the Arion-SMET’s performance across various terrains, such as packed sand, soft sand, sand clay, and uneven roads. The evaluation focused on assessing the UGV's capabilities in heavy equipment transport, remote-controlled driving, waypoint navigation, exploratory maneuvering, soldier following, and physical tether following. A group of Marines underwent three days of user training sessions before the testing to familiarize themselves with operating the 2-ton electric vehicle in these challenging environments.

Hanwha Defense stated that completing this field test could position the Arion-SMET as a potential candidate in the global UGV market. Dr. Youngwoo Seo, Executive Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace’s Land Systems Business Group, highlighted the significance of the vehicle’s participation in the US FCT program, suggesting that it demonstrates the UGV's market potential in both the United States and internationally.

The American Foreign Comparative Test (FCT) of December 2023 marked the first time a South Korean UGV has been selected for evaluation under the US Department of Defense’s FCT program, a program designed to assess and verify technologies developed by defense contractors from allied nations. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

The Arion-SMET, which stands for Autonomous and Robotic Systems for Intelligence Off-road Navigation – Small Multi-purpose Equipment Transport, is a 6x6 fully electric unmanned vehicle designed to support a variety of military operations. It was developed to handle tasks such as munitions transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and support in close combat situations. The vehicle has a maximum payload capacity of 550 kilograms, can cover distances of up to 100 kilometers on a single charge, and achieves top speeds of 43 kilometers per hour on paved roads and 22 kilometers per hour on unpaved roads. It can be equipped with a Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) that can automatically track and target threats, featuring a 5.56 mm machine gun extendable to a 7.62 mm version.

The Arion-SMET is designed for autonomous off-road navigation and can follow or lead soldiers and vehicles using a tethering device. It is capable of autonomously returning to its base if communication is lost, and its software allows it to participate in Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) operations, integrating with human and robotic assets in tactical scenarios. The vehicle is also equipped with a Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based RCWS, which can detect enemy soldiers, locate gunfire sources, and engage targets.

In the United States, Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA), a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, has announced plans to participate in the upcoming second increment of the US Army's Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) program. John Kelly, President and CEO of HDUSA, indicated the company's intention to work with US prime contractors and suppliers to compete for this program, which involves procuring unmanned ground vehicles.

The Arion-SMET is capable of autonomously returning to its base if communication is lost, and its software enables it to participate in Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) operations. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)