BAE Systems teams with Forterra to develop autonomous AMPV prototype

BAE Systems and autonomous drive system specialist Forterra announced on 30 September 2025 that they are collaborating to rapidly prototype an autonomous Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).

The partnership is the first one that BAE Systems has established as part of its effort, announced on 6 August 2025, to drive innovation in the AMPV programme by investing in rapid capability kit installations for the vehicle.

Under the partnership the companies will create a highly survivable, self-driving AMPV prototype at a speed that significantly outpaces traditional development cycles, with plans to demonstrate the capability option and its technologies in 2026.

“This partnership isn’t about buzzwords; it’s about rolling up our sleeves and presenting tangible options that empower the [US] Army to maintain its dominance on any battlefield against any current or emerging threat,” Bill Sheehy, ground manoeuvre product line director for BAE Systems, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Bringing together two of the best in both worlds – to include combat vehicle production and autonomous technology development – means we can move faster, think bigger and give soldiers the edge they deserve.”

Forterra provides broad autonomous mission capabilities with an interoperable mobile platform designed to enable seamless integration of diverse payloads to support a wide range of missions. Using a modular open systems and collaborative approach to enhance next-generation systems being fielded to the US Army, the resultant capability kit will feature Forterra’s AutoDrive full-stack autonomous vehicle system on the modular chassis of the AMPV.

“Forterra designs and develops its technologies with the most complex challenges in mind,” stated Forterra vice president of defence growth Patrick Acox. “AutoDrive is a pathway to stronger networks and smarter operations, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the AMPV capability kit. Working with BAE Systems to build an integrated AMPV will be another breakthrough that becomes a stronger shield for national security.”

The work done by BAE Systems and Forterra on developing an autonomous AMPV will also be applicable to other armoured vehicles with the US Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams, such as the Bradley A4 infantry fighting vehicle and the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer.