Oshkosh unveils autonomous rocket launcher for US army

On October 13, American industrial company Oshkosh Defence unveiled its new Medium Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicle (M-MAV), a next-generation rocket launcher platform designed to operate autonomously and fire the full range of U.S. Army MLRS munitions.

The announcement was made at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2025 Annual Meeting in Washington, Caliber.Az reports per Defence news outlet.

Built on Oshkosh’s FMTV A2 medium tactical truck, the M-MAV is engineered to meet the Army’s growing demand for survivable, flexible, and autonomous launch systems.

The vehicle is capable of deploying weapons from the MLRS Family of Munitions, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), Extended-Range GMLRS, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), and future munitions such as the Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3).

“The Army has been clear on the need for autonomous, payload-agnostic platforms that are ready now,” said Pat Williams, Oshkosh Defence’s Chief Programs Officer. “Our Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicles are built on proven tactical vehicles, with scalable autonomy and payload versatility to deliver what the Army needs today, while adapting to future battlefield requirements.”

The M-MAV can operate either as a fully autonomous or optionally manned system, with advanced navigation, remote control, and automated resupply features. These capabilities are intended to reduce crew workload, enhance survivability, and support dispersed operations in high-threat environments.

Operators can deploy rocket artillery remotely, allowing them to maintain a safe distance from counterfire. The system’s autonomy also enables integration into distributed fire formations, providing operational flexibility where manned platforms may face higher risks or logistical challenges.

Oshkosh said the platform represents a broader shift toward unmanned systems in U.S. defence programs, designed to complement existing forces, extend operational reach, and reduce risk to personnel. Using the familiar FMTV A2 chassis, already widely used in the Army, also simplifies logistics and supports scalable mission requirements.

By Aghakazim Guliyev