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23 Feb 26. SteerAI Launches xRift Autonomous Off-Road Vehicle & CoreX Navigation System.
SteerAI unveils a modular driverless platform engineered for high-performance missions across the Gulf’s most demanding desert terrains
xRift is a fully autonomous all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with a flat utility deck instead of a passenger cab, enabling multiple configurations and payloads for a variety of off-road missions
SteerAI has unveiled xRift, a versatile autonomous off-road vehicle designed to handle complex industrial and defense operations in the challenging environments of the Gulf region. Launched at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) in Abu Dhabi with the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the vehicle represents a departure from standard off-road machinery. Engineered for full autonomy, xRift features a flat utility deck in place of a passenger cab, allowing it to carry payloads of up to 500 kg. This modular design supports various configurations, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance modules, weapons systems, and transport supplies for unmapped terrain. The vehicle is powered by CoreX, an autonomous driving system developed by SteerAI. This vehicle-agnostic technology utilizes an AI-powered software stack for navigation, perception, and decision-making, enabling precise movement through unpredictable conditions. Because the CoreX hardware kit can be integrated into various existing fleets, it offers a scalable solution for increasing operational efficiency while removing human drivers from high-risk situations.
Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of SteerAI, stated, “xRift represents a new generation of high-performance autonomous offroad solution that is reliable, scalable, and customizable to end users’ exact operational needs. Its versatility and durability set it apart. The same platform can support a wide range of missions, including supply runs, field applications, or surveillance without human control. It’s a system built for endurance and assurance in the harshest conditions.”
The technical specifications of the xRift include a 225 HP liquid-cooled engine and a maximum unmanned speed of 50 km/h. The unit weighs 1,350 kg with dimensions of 4,200 x 1,880 x 1,400 mm, and features a 47-liter fuel capacity. The foundational technology was engineered by experts at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi and has been scaled by SteerAI over the past year.
Reda Nidhakou, CEO of VentureOne, SteerAI’s parent company, commented, “xRift fills a crucial gap in the market for flexible, field-ready autonomy that’s built for the region. It shows how local innovation can meet the operational realities of the defense and logistics sectors, delivering autonomy that’s robust and ready for deployment, both here and abroad.”
SteerAI, an autonomous technology venture within the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) ecosystem, expects production units to be ready for deployment by the end of 2026. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
25 Feb 26. Thailand receives additional Stryker vehicles. The US Army has delivered 17 additional 8×8 Stryker infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Royal Thai Army (RTA). The RTA announced on 23 February that the Stryker IFVs were delivered under the US government’s Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme through which the US Department of Defense (DoD) transfers surplus US military assets to allied countries. According to the Thai government’s Public Relations Department, the new vehicles will be supported through the deployment of a Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the Southeast Asian country to provide the RTA with training in maintenance and network-centric warfare tactics. Delivery of the Stryker IFVs coincides with joint military exercises that the RTA participated in with the US military, such as ‘Cobra Gold’ and ‘Hanuman Guardian’, which take place in February 2026. The Stryker IFV, produced by US-based General Dynamics Land Systems, features a sponson-shaped hull with a steep glacis and belly plate forming an angular nose, which leads to the hull roof. The sides of the hull are sloped and include a stowage box on either side. There are four evenly spaced wheels per side with hydropneumatic suspension and two steering axles at the front of the vehicle. The engine is at the front right of the hull with a forward opening access hatch, and the exhaust is on the roof of the platform above the engine. The IFV features a remote-control weapon system mounted on the right of the hull behind the engine. (Source: Janes)
23 Feb 26. Patria delivered first CAVS 6×6 armoured vehicles to Germany. Patria has delivered Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) the first five CAVS 6×6 armoured vehicles. The handover was carried out in Zeithain, Germany, last week. The deliveries are a part of the two procurement contracts made in December 2025 between Patria and Germany within the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.
“The first deliveries of the CAVS 6×6 vehicles to Germany mark a significant milestone for Patria and the entire multinational programme. These vehicles signal the beginning of Germany’s transition toward a modern, highly mobile protected mobility fleet, while also demonstrating the strength and efficiency of the CAVS cooperation framework. As Germany now advances into full scale supply, we together with our German industry partners FFG, JWT and KNDS ensure strong security of supply and provide the Bundeswehr with all the required vehicles and capabilities ,” says Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Protected Mobility business area.
The Finnish-led CAVS programme currently consists of seven member nations: Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, The United Kingdom and Norway with the vehicles being also operational in Ukraine. Within the CAVS programme, the 6×6 armoured vehicle system development is led by Patria, that has more than four decades of experience in developing and delivering state-of-the-art protected troop transportation and system integration. Vast majority of supply of the vehicles is conducted by utilising the member nations’ local industry capabilities and every new nation is inherently reinforcing the security of supply for the whole collaboration system. Patria has already received orders including options for nearly 2000 Patria 6×6 vehicles and has delivered more than 300 vehicles. The programme is open to like-minded nations with similar equipment requirements, by mutual consent of the participating countries.
20 Feb 26. The CV9035 MkIV for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic has been unveiled during a ceremonial rollout at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden. Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson welcomed esteemed guest Slovak Minister of Defence, Robert Kaliňák, and high ranking Armed Forces officials to the momentous event. The CV9035 MkIV for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic has been unveiled during a ceremonial rollout at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden. (Credit: BAE Systems) The first of 152 vehicles rolled off the production line in the second half of 2025 and are currently undergoing comprehensive testing in Sweden. The ceremonial rollout marks a milestone in Slovakia’s CV90 program, which is being delivered under a government-to-government agreement between Slovakia and Sweden. It represents one of the largest modernization projects of the Slovak Armed Forces in decades and a key step in fulfilling Slovakia’s commitments to NATO.
“We are proud to see the Slovak CV90 program progressing as planned, with effective industrial cooperation at its core,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Slovakia has joined the family of nations operating the CV90, a combat-proven platform serving multiple European armies.”
Slovak industrial partners involved in the production and delivery of the vehicles for the Slovak Armed Forces joined the event. The contract includes significant participation from domestic industry, with Slovak companies accounting for more than 40% of the contract’s total value. The supply chain consists of close to 30 Slovak companies and continues to grow. During 2025, it expanded to include companies such as Hriňovské Strojárne, Konštrukta–Defense, MSM Land Systems, S.M.S. spol sro, STV Machinery and ThyssenKrupp Rothe Erde Slovakia. This cooperation enhances security of supply, strengthens local knowledge and creates a foundation for Slovak industry to participate in future CV90-related programs, beyond national deliveries. The CV90 program stimulates local production, including technology transfer, expansion of facilities, and increased job opportunities throughout the region.
The CV9035 MkIV is the latest version of the proven infantry fighting vehicle. The Slovak variant is equipped with a 35mm Bushmaster III cannon, an advanced fire control system, and modern digital architecture, as well as an active protection system solution and an integrated advanced anti-tank guided missile, increasing the CV9035s’ multi-domain capabilities on the battlefield. The MkIV offers enhanced ballistic and mine protection, a more powerful engine delivering up to 1,000 horsepower, and the ability to integrate new sensors and weapon systems based on user requirements. The CV9035 MkIV provides crew with increased protection and improved situational awareness on the battlefield. It was designed to be upgraded over time, demonstrating its long-term investment value. The CV90 is already in service in eight European nations, with vehicles for two additional NATO and European Union member countries currently in production. Participation in the CV90 User Club enables the exchange of operational experience, cooperation in training and sustainment, and coordinated development of future upgrades, supporting both operational readiness and long-term capability development. (Source: PR Newswire)
16 Feb 26. Saudi Arabian Border Guard Otokar URAL II Double Cab version displayed at WDS 2026. Saudi Arabia’s military forces fall into three distinct categories: KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Armed Forces, under the Ministry of Defence and consisting of KSA Army, KSA Air Force and KSA Navy; Saudi Arabian National Guard or SANG; under the Ministry of National Guard; and Saudi Arabian Border Guard or SABG, under the Ministry of the Interior. All three Ministries displayed at the 2026 World Defence Show in Riyadh, with the latter unveiling an in-service example of their new Otokar URAL II 4×4 four-door armoured vehicle on their outdoor stand. First displayed by the SABG in January of this year during the closing ceremony for Exercise WATAN 95 (HOMELAND 95) with a few photos subsequently appearing on social media, the URAL II is an uprated version of the earlier Otokar URAL armoured personnel carrier first produced around 2014. The Turkish manufacturer is contractually constrained by confidentiality clauses from discussing details of the SABG procurement, so for the moment we were unable to ascertain precise details of this vehicle. However in an 08 February press release coinciding with the start of WDS 2026, Otokar announced the company would “introduce the new URAL II for the first time. URAL II reflects an evolution of the platform, offering enhanced ballistic and mine protection developed in line with changing operational needs and the demands of complex and high-risk environments.” Original Otokar URAL 5-door Armoured Personnel Carrier displayed at IDEF in Istanbul in 2025 [© Bob Morrison] The statement continued: “Debuting at World Defense Show 2026, URAL II marks the latest development within Otokar’s tactical wheeled armoured vehicle family, introducing an increased level of ballistic and mine protection while preserving the platform’s established mobility characteristics. Designed in response to the operational requirements of internal security and paramilitary forces, URAL II prioritises crew protection in higher-risk operating environments without compromising agility. The platform’s modular architecture allows configuration for different mission profiles, supporting flexible deployment across a range of security tasks.” (Source: joint-forces.com)
24 Feb 26. SandGrain, a pioneer in secure authentication platforms for connected electronics networks, and X-FAB, the leading analog/mixed-signal and specialty foundry, today announced their successful technology collaboration for the development and manufacturing of the CyberRock SGT1001 Token. This development marks a first-time-right success, leveraging X-FAB’s customized 180nm XP018 platform to deliver a secure, traceable European ecosystem that protects IoT devices against hacking, in alignment with the upcoming EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), set to become mandatory on December 11, 2027.
The CyberRock SGT1001 Token is the vital trust anchor of SandGrain’s hybrid CyberRock solution. By combining secure silicon tokens with a robust SaaS cloud platform powered by uniquely secure HSMs, SandGrain’s flagship solution, CyberRock, delivers end-to-end, streamlined provisioning and certificate-free, post-quantum ready protection for connected devices. This unique hardware-software integration positions SandGrain at the forefront of scalable and standards-compliant IoT security. Designed to address the growing security challenges in industrial IoT and critical infrastructure worldwide, the integration of SandGrain’s innovative authentication technology with X-FAB’s robust manufacturing capabilities enables fast time-to-market while ensuring compliance for next-generation automotive markets. The XP018 platform is a modular 180nm high-voltage CMOS technology supporting an extended temperature range from -40 to 175°C. It offers a broad device portfolio, including high-gain bipolar components, capacitors, and a comprehensive suite of design IP, such as automotive-grade non-volatile memory solutions. This technology modularity, device, and IP availability, along with the possibility for customization, make it ideal for cost-sensitive industrial and medical applications.
This announcement builds on SandGrain’s recent €13.5 m Series A funding round (announced December 9, 2025), highlighting the emphasis on European supply chain sovereignty amid rising cyber threats, the relentless drive of innovation, and quick execution to market. Reliability tests have been successfully completed in January 2026 ensuring lifetime operation, which was the final step in the formal product release.
“SandGrain sought a secure, renowned, and fully traceable European ecosystem for the CyberRock-Token development, and we are thrilled with X-FAB’s support from day one,” said Antoine Leclercq, Chief Operating Officer at SandGrain. “This strong collaboration has enabled a reliable and secure market readiness, and we’re excited about the product launch and our protecting connected electronics across Europe and other parts of the world.”
“X-FAB proudly collaborates with innovative startups like SandGrain to drive technological advancements,” said Joerg Doblaski, Business Unit Manager Smart CMOS & SOI at X-FAB. “Our excellent design support and ability to customize open-platform technologies, such as our XP018 platform, have enabled this first-time-right success and fast time-to-market within a strong European ecosystem.”
The collaboration underscores both companies’ role in shaping secure IoT ecosystems and will be showcased at Embedded World 2026 in Nuremberg, March 10–12, hall 5, stand 173.
24 Feb 26. Slovakia considers procuring CV90120. Slovakia is considering co-operating with BAE Systems Hägglunds on the Swedish company’s CV90120 armoured vehicle armed with a 120 mm gun, Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák said during the roll-out ceremony for his country’s first CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicle in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, on 20 February. The CV90120 is being considered based on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and the CV90’s suitability for the hilly terrain of eastern Slovakia, according to Kaliňák. He told Janes that the CV90120 would complement, rather than replace, Slovakia’s T-72 and Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBTs) if a decision is made in favour of the Swedish vehicle, which he expected to be taken in the next 12 months. BAE Systems Hägglunds managing director Tommy Gustafsson-Rask told Janes that Slovakia had made a request for information on the CV90120, with a meeting after the Slovak CV90 Mk IV roll-out to discuss the subject.
Weighing up to 38 tonnes, the CV90120 is armed with the Rheinmetall L44A1 high pressure low recoil barrel with a super fast autoloader that can fire all standard NATO 120 mm smoothbore ammunition, including the German company’s DM11 three-mode programmable high-explosive and enhanced kinetic energy rounds. The vehicle is also armed with anti-tank guided missiles in bore with a range of 10,000 m and a 7.62 mm remote weapon station, according to BAE Systems. (Source: Janes)
23 Feb 26. Quantum Systems unveiled its own unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for the first time at Enforce Tac 2026, officially launching the ground robotics domain within the group of companies.
With MANDRILL, Quantum Systems is consistently expanding its portfolio of autonomous systems into the land domain. The system is fully integrated into the open, modular MOSAIC UXS software suite and marks the beginning of a planned family of ground systems for land-based operations.
MANDRILL is not designed as an isolated platform, but as an integral part of Quantum Systems’ networked, multidimensional robotics ecosystem.
Modularity for versatile mission profiles
The MANDRILL is based on a modular architecture and can be quickly adapted to different mission requirements. The system is designed for a wide range of military and law enforcement missions, including:
- Reconnaissance (ISR) with EO/IR gimbals and other sensor payloads
- Logistics and engineering support
- Medical evacuation (Medevac)
- Towing and recovery operations
- Electronic warfare
- Integration of robotic drone launch and landing devices
Thanks to its open system architecture, the vehicle can be flexibly expanded with additional sensors, effectors and subsystems. Through its native integration into MOSAIC UXS, MANDRILL is designed from the outset to work with existing and future unmanned air, land and, in the future, maritime systems, making it a prerequisite for unmanned multi-domain operations in a networked system environment.
Launch of a new domain
With MANDRILL, Quantum Systems is establishing a dedicated ground robotics domain, strategically focused on industrial manufacturing and system interoperability.
“With MANDRILL, we are laying the foundation for a powerful and scalable family of systems in the ground-based sector,” explains Hendrik Kramer, Head of the Ground Robotics Domain at Quantum Systems. “Our aim is not to develop a single vehicle, but to create a modular, networked ecosystem that can be flexibly adapted to the requirements of modern deployment scenarios. The MANDRILL is a robust, modular platform that is consistently designed for further development.”
Kramer also emphasises the strategic importance of entering this market: “With the operational launch of the Ground Robotics domain, we are combining expertise in mechanics, autonomy, software integration and mission systems. Our goal is to offer customers an interoperable solution that integrates seamlessly into existing structures while anticipating future technological developments.”
Multi-domain networking as a strategic core
The introduction of MANDRILL is part of Quantum Systems’ overarching multi-domain strategy. At its heart is the open software suite MOSAIC UXS, which enables cross-domain networking of different, manufacturer-independent unmanned systems.
“The future of unmanned systems lies not in isolated platforms, but in intelligently networked alliances,” says Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer at Quantum Systems. “With MOSAIC UXS, we are creating an open, scalable architecture that connects air and land systems in a shared digital battlefield. MANDRILL is a crucial building block in our multi-domain vision.”
Karkour adds: “Our customers need integrated solutions that combine reconnaissance, impact, logistics and command capabilities in a single system network. The combination of proven UAV technologies and new ground robotics platforms opens up completely new operational possibilities – from sensor-based aerial target reconnaissance to autonomous ground support.”
The Road Ahead
The roadmap for the Ground Robotics domain already envisages further platforms and specialisations within the Family of Ground Systems.
With its consistent focus on modularity, interoperability and multi-domain integration, Quantum Systems positions itself as a provider of comprehensive unmanned system solutions – from a single source, networked and future-proof.
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