U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), track a simulated adversary vessel using the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS), and a Counter Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Utility Task Vehicle, during a defense of the amphibious task force (DATF) drill aboard the Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) Jan. 28, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)
WASHINGTON — Defense robotics firm Overland AI announced it has been awarded a new $20 million contract to “produce autonomous ground vehicles” for the US Marine Corps “in support” of the Corps’ Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS).
The company said Monday the contract marked the “first step toward integrating fully autonomous ground vehicles at scale in USMC programs of record,” and noted the award makes the firm the “first ground autonomy company to prime a production contract.”
“Pairing the autonomous platforms with our Marine Air Defense Integrated System will greatly extend the operational reach and lethality of our air defense units,” Marine Corps Program Manager for Ground Based Air Defense Joe Klocek said in the Overland AI release.
The Marine Corps uses the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) to employ MADIS, and Overland AI’s autonomous ground vehicle is designed to integrate into that ecosystem, according to Overland AI CEO Byron Boots.
