The US Army is seeking companies to develop an autonomous vehicle capable of carrying, loading, and unloading heavy missile payloads for its new Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) program.
Under the request for information, the service wants firms to demonstrate the ability to design, build, and deliver both a CAML autonomous mobility platform and a convoy leader vehicle, along with a command-and-control system, within 12 to 18 months.
CAML represents a shift toward highly mobile, optionally crewed logistics and launcher systems, designed to increase flexibility and reduce manpower requirements in contested or dispersed battlespaces.
The army plans an industry day in January 2026 to further clarify requirements and gather input, with a field demonstration of autonomous movement and payload handling planned for late 2026.
What’s Required
Vehicles must support multiple modes — autonomous convoy, waypoint navigation, and optionally piloted manual operation — while handling palletized payloads of 40,000 to 60,000 pounds (18,143 to 27,215 kilograms) without trailers.
The reloading and unloading system must be built into the vehicle, with an onboard 120 kW power supply for payloads, and the vehicle must fit within transport dimensions of 12 feet (3.6 meters) high and 8 feet (2.4 meters) wide.
Companies responding to the request are asked to provide capability statements detailing prior experience, supply chain structure, manufacturing capacity, and potential subcontractors.
Both traditional defense contractors and commercial firms, including non-traditional suppliers, are encouraged to participate.
Global Developments in Autonomous Launcher Platforms
Several countries are already exploring systems that resemble aspects of CAML.
Poland has expanded its rocket artillery with the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher, delivered on the Jelcz 8×8 chassis since 2023 and integrated with Polish Topaz fire-control systems.
Local industry participation in assembly and integration mirrors CAML’s encouragement of commercial and non-traditional suppliers.
In the US, Lockheed Martin has demonstrated an uncrewed version of the M142 HIMARS launcher capable of autonomous navigation and firing using onboard sensors.
General Dynamics Land Systems has developed modular, semi-autonomous vehicles for logistics and reconnaissance, showing that defense firms can deliver unmanned platforms with payload handling and mobility capabilities similar to CAML requirements.
