What's Happening?
Oshkosh Defense LLC, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation, has introduced its Family of Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicles (FMAV) at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition. The event, taking place from October 13-15, 2025, showcases Oshkosh's commitment to supporting the U.S. Army's modernization priorities. The FMAV includes three production-ready variants: the Extreme Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicle (X-MAV), Medium Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicle (M-MAV), and Light Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicle (L-MAV). These vehicles are designed to enhance long-range precision fires, resilient formations, and scalable autonomy, providing ready-now solutions to soldiers in contested environments. The X-MAV is equipped with Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, the M-MAV supports the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions, and the L-MAV features the AeroVironment Switchblade 600 Loitering Munition and Titan C-UAS.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the FMAV by Oshkosh Defense is a significant step in advancing military technology and capabilities. These autonomous vehicles are engineered to meet the U.S. Army's current and future needs, offering scalable autonomy and payload versatility. This development is crucial for enhancing the Army's operational readiness and effectiveness in various missions, including long-range munitions and electronic warfare. The FMAV's ability to operate autonomously or with minimal human intervention reduces crew burden and increases survivability in hostile environments. As the Army continues to prioritize modernization, Oshkosh's FMAV provides a strategic advantage by delivering adaptable and resilient solutions that can evolve with battlefield demands.
What's Next?
Oshkosh Defense plans to continue showcasing its FMAV portfolio and engage with military leaders at the AUSA 2025 event. The company aims to demonstrate the vehicles' capabilities and discuss future applications with stakeholders. As the Army evaluates these autonomous platforms, potential procurement and deployment decisions may follow, impacting military strategy and operations. Oshkosh Defense's leadership will be available to discuss the company's broader portfolio of vehicles and technologies, highlighting their commitment to innovation and mission success.
Beyond the Headlines
The deployment of autonomous military vehicles raises important ethical and operational considerations. As these technologies become more integrated into military operations, questions about decision-making, accountability, and the role of human oversight in autonomous systems will need to be addressed. Additionally, the shift towards autonomous platforms may influence military training and doctrine, requiring adjustments to accommodate new technologies and capabilities.
