Spanish defence technology concern EM&E Group launched a new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at the opening day of the FEINDEF 2025 defence exhibition in Madrid on 12 May.
The aunav.BEST is a medium-sized, multi-role UGV designed to operate in the most demanding environments and conduct a variety of roles, including reconnaissance and surveillance missions, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) work, chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear risk assessment and reconnaissance; logistical support, casualty evacuation, or operating as a weapon platform (the example shown at FEINDEF 2025 was fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun and its associated ammunition and electro-optical/infra-red targeting devices).
Manufactured at EM&E Group’s facilities in Binéfar (Huesca), the aunav.BEST “is a versatile, modular platform, with high technology and integrated artificial intelligence, offering a set of key capabilities that reinforce the effectiveness and safety of the forces deployed in the field”, the company stated in a press release.
The versatility of the aunav.BEST, which is self-stabilising, is assisted by a unique variable-geometry system that allows its width to be adapted between 685 and 950 mm according to the mission at hand. This also contributes to reducing the UGV’s logistics footprint, optimising its transport and deployment by vehicle. Weighing around 354 kg, the aunav.BEST is 1553 mm when folded, travels at a speed of 14 km/h and has an endurance of more than five hours.
The UGV is controlled by an aunav.ROCS portable control unit that is also compatible with EM&E Group’s smaller aunav.NEO HD EOD/C-IED robot.
An EM&E Group spokesperson told ESD at FEINDEF 2025 that the aunav.BEST shown at the show had been developed “taking into account the requirements of the army here in Spain” and that additional examples are being produced. EM&E Group has an intention to test the aunav.BEST UGV with the Spanish Army in the coming months, the spokesperson added.
