The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the critical role of artillery systems in modern warfare, prompting numerous countries to invest in developing these weapons. During tests at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the AML deployed six M28 rockets in a training setup with a reduced range. The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center and Ground Vehicle Systems Center orchestrated these tests. Over several days, this unmanned platform showcased its mobility modes, including remote-controlled driving, navigation by landmarks, and convoy operation.
The fire trials marked the pinnacle of a series of tests carried out by soldiers from the 181st Field Artillery Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard. This represents a milestone in the four-year development of unmanned rocket artillery for the US Army’s ground forces.
Experts from the Long-Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team (LRPF CFT), the 18th Field Artillery Brigade from Fort Bragg, and others have also contributed to the AML project. The initial fire tests took place in June 2021 at Fort Still. Within approximately an hour and a half, artillerymen discharged seven rockets simulating long-range missiles (up to approximately 500 km, with the extended-range version reaching up to about 1000 km). Physical and digital challenges concerning unmanned artillery launchers were scrutinised during the 2021 presentation.
Special focus was placed on establishing a safe and stable connection between the launcher and the control centre. This phase successfully developed and tested systems for the launcher’s autonomy.
The 2024 test featured a completely new design with a new, fully unmanned cabin, which is smaller and lighter. In 2021, it was projected that reducing the cabin’s size and weight could double the launcher’s firepower. However, this expectation remains uncertain today.
The Marine Corps has initiated its programmes, selecting a much lighter chassis than the 6x6 truck, favouring the light tactical vehicle JLTV instead. The NMESIS project and the ROGUE system launcher have been under development for some years, with weapons now being delivered to soldiers on an experimental basis, though larger-scale deliveries are expected soon. Initial production started in 2023.
The Rogue system, an unmanned launcher on a JLTV chassis equipped with two single launchers for Kongsberg NSM anti-ship missiles (locally designated as RGM-184A), will underpin the USMC’s anti-ship capabilities, provisioning up to 14 batteries with 18 launchers each (totalling 252 launchers or 504 missiles ready for launch). It was also speculated that ROGUE-F might employ other missiles, including those from the GMLRS/PrSM/ATACMS system and even Tomahawks.
However, Tomahawk launch logistics were resolved differently, with systems such as those launched from HIMARS or the tracked M270 MLRS utilising a launcher similar to ROGUE-F (also on a JLTV chassis), though the systems will be distinct and not interchangeable.
The overhaul of American artillery rocket forces significantly intersects with the strategic outlook on potential conflicts with China in the Pacific. Notably, the 2021 AML Surrogate Launcher test involved firing four test missiles PrSM-ER with up to 1000 km range at simulated Pacific atoll land targets and 3 PrSM missiles with up to 500 km (eventually extending to 700 km) at a naval target.
The small 90 kg warhead may not sink a Chinese destroyer or bunker immediately, but multiple hits could incapacitate a ship, and 'soft' land targets abound. Similarly, the NMESIS system aims to secure control over atoll waters and surrounding islands for the USMC. The NSM missiles are considered among the most advanced, offering a significant threat to potential invaders or defenders of territories the Americans might seize.
The shift towards unmanned artillery aims to slash maintenance costs while preserving effectiveness. Likely, AML will eventually replace the M142 HIMARS, and possibly the M270, in the US Army. Moreover, a launcher akin to ROGUE-F, adjusted for standard artillery containers, is expected to replace the Marines' HIMARS.
This trend towards unmanned systems spans beyond just artillery in the US, as both the Army and the Marines anticipate integrating a variety of unmanned combat and logistical support units. These systems are not only lighter and less costly to maintain than manned equipment but also mitigate human casualties in battle—a paramount advantage.
However, unmanned vehicles still necessitate operator oversight, which hinges on the reliability and security of mainly unmanned, thus inherently susceptible, communications. Advances in artificial intelligence may alleviate some challenges but are unlikely to offer a panacea.
The move towards unmanned artillery is not exclusive to the US. In 2021, South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace unveiled plans for an unmanned successor to the K9 artillery system. Additionally, other self-propelled guns, like the Czech MORANA and the German Boxer RCH 155, are set to feature unmanned turrets, indicating a broad shift towards minimizing human presence within these war machines.
