The US Army has awarded $15.5 million in contracts for three US companies to add autonomous capabilities to its existing infantry support vehicles (ISVs).
Under the Unmanned Systems Autonomy agreements, Maryland firm Forterra, Washington-headquartered Overland AI, and California-based Scout AI have been tasked with integrating commercial autonomy solutions into the military platforms.
The initiative includes the delivery of prototypes for demonstration and evaluation in May 2026, helping the army assess the solutions’ reliability and performance and inform future decisions on the use of autonomous and unmanned systems across the force.
If successful, it could also pave the way for adaptation into other ground vehicles.
Future Battle Platforms Project Manager Col. Ken Bernier remarked that the service is looking forward to the solutions’ performance on military missions.
“We remain committed to bringing the best technologies to our warfighters and shaping the future of autonomous mobility for our Army at an unprecedented speed,” he added.
Autonomy Solutions
Overland AI Co-founder and President Stephanie Bonk shared with Breaking Defense that the company will integrate its “Overdrive” autonomy stack and “Spark” hardware component into the ISVs.
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Polk, Louisiana, will test the upgraded ISVs for six months, including a Combat Training Center rotation.
In April, the Seattle company integrated the same autonomous technology into General Dynamics’ Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) vehicle.
Meanwhile, Scout AI and Forterra have not disclosed their proposals, but expressed enthusiasm about receiving the award.
Scout AI Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Collin Otis called it a “super positive” step toward advancing next-generation AI systems, and Forterra’s VP for Defense Business Development Pat Acox emphasized the company’s commitment to building field-ready systems that simplify the soldier’s mission.
