British MOD Launches £12M Project Atilla to Convert Warrior IFVs into Unmanned Minefield Vehicles

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The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has launched Project Atilla, a bold initiative aimed at transforming retired MCV-80 Warrior infantry fighting vehicles into unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) capable of clearing minefields. This project reflects a strategic pivot toward autonomous systems in high-risk military operations, leveraging existing assets to reduce costs and enhance operational safety. By repurposing these legacy platforms, the Ministry seeks to extend their utility while minimizing environmental and financial burdens associated with disposal.

Photo: British MoD

In its initial phase, Project Atilla will convert up to six Warrior vehicles into remotely operated or optionally crewed platforms. These modified vehicles will be equipped with specialized mine-clearing tools such as ploughs and rollers, enabling them to safely traverse and neutralize hazardous terrain. The integration of remote control systems allows operators to manage the vehicles from a distance, significantly reducing the risk to personnel during minefield operations.

The second phase of the project will focus on advancing these vehicles toward full autonomy, incorporating sophisticated navigation and decision-making capabilities. This evolution will involve refining the technical specifications and operational parameters to support future procurement of autonomous UGVs. The goal is to create a scalable and adaptable system that can be deployed across various combat engineering scenarios.

The contract for Project Atilla is valued at £12 million, excluding tax, and covers the period from 2026 to 2028. There is also an option to extend the contract for an additional year, depending on the outcomes and progress achieved during the initial term. This financial commitment underscores the Ministry’s confidence in the project’s potential to deliver transformative capabilities for the British Army.

A key milestone in the project was the development of the Weevil prototype, which demonstrated the feasibility of remote operations using the Warrior chassis. Controlled via a ruggedized tablet interface, Weevil successfully navigated simulated minefields, validating the concept and informing future design iterations. The trials highlighted the robustness of the platform and its suitability for adaptation into a remote-controlled engineering vehicle.

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