The HAVOC robotic combat vehicle (RCV), developed by a consortium led by Textron Systems and featuring technology from Milrem Robotics and KONGSBERG Defence & Aerospace, represents a significant step forward in uncrewed ground warfare. Designed for high-threat environments and multi-domain operations, the platform combines heavy firepower with modular autonomy and advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities.
HAVOC RCV: A Modular Platform for Multi-Domain Operations
The HAVOC robotic combat vehicle is Textron Systems’ entry into the U.S. Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle-Medium (RCV-M) program. Built on the proven Type-X chassis from Estonia-based Milrem Robotics, HAVOC is designed to operate alongside manned formations or independently in contested environments. The platform emphasizes modularity, allowing mission-specific payloads to be rapidly integrated depending on operational needs.
Key features of the HAVOC platform include:
- Modular architecture: Supports flexible mission packages including direct fire support, reconnaissance, electronic warfare (EW), logistics resupply, or CBRN detection.
- Hybrid-electric drive: Enhances silent mobility while reducing thermal/acoustic signatures.
- Remote operation with autonomous modes: Enables supervised autonomy with teleoperation fallback.
The base vehicle weighs approximately 12–15 tonnes depending on configuration and offers scalable armor protection up to STANAG Level 4. Its tracked design provides high mobility across varied terrain while maintaining low ground pressure—ideal for expeditionary or urban operations.
KONGSBERG Protector RS6 Turret with XM913 Chain Gun
A standout feature of the HAVOC RCV is its integration of the KONGSBERG Protector RS6 remote weapon station (RWS), armed with Northrop Grumman’s XM913 30×113 mm chain gun. This weapon system provides significant firepower against light armored vehicles, infantry fighting positions, and drones.
The RS6 turret offers several advantages:
- Stabilized firing platform: Allows accurate engagement on the move.
- Advanced optics suite: Includes day/night sensors and laser rangefinders for target acquisition at extended ranges.
- Low-profile design: Minimizes silhouette while maximizing protection for onboard systems.
The XM913 cannon—originally developed under the Army’s Next Generation Weapons program—fires programmable airburst munitions as well as armor-piercing rounds. Its effective range exceeds 3 km against soft targets. The combination of this gun with advanced fire control makes it suitable not only for direct engagements but also as an overwatch asset in combined arms operations.
Integrated Counter-UAS Missile Suite Enhances Survivability
In response to proliferating threats from Group I/II drones (<25 kg), the HAVOC RCV incorporates a dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability. Mounted alongside the main gun are launchers that can carry short-range surface-to-air missiles such as Thales’ Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) or Raytheon’s Coyote Block II interceptors—though exact missile types remain unconfirmed in public sources as of mid-2024.
This layered defense approach enables HAVOC to:
- Engage low-flying UAVs autonomously or via remote operator cueing;
- Deter ISR drones attempting to locate friendly forces;
- Add SHORAD functionality to maneuver formations lacking organic air defense assets;
KONGSBERG has previously demonstrated integration of C-UAS missiles on its RS6 turret at events such as AUSA and Eurosatory using proximity-fused munitions guided by electro-optical tracking systems. This capability aligns with NATO efforts to harden maneuver units against loitering munitions and commercial quadcopters increasingly used in peer conflicts like Ukraine.
Textron-Milrem Partnership Leverages Proven Platforms
The HAVOC vehicle leverages Milrem Robotics’ Type-X RCV—a combat-proven uncrewed ground platform already fielded by European customers including Estonia and Norway—as its mobility backbone. Textron Systems leads U.S.-based integration efforts under a teaming agreement signed in early 2023 that includes KONGSBERG for weapons systems integration and FLIR/Teledyne for sensor suites.
This collaboration brings together:
- Milrem’s autonomy stack (Intellect), which enables waypoint navigation, obstacle avoidance, convoy behavior;
- KONGSBERG’s scalable weapon stations (RS4/RS6), already deployed on Stryker Dragoon IFVs;
- Textron’s experience with armored vehicles like M1117 ASV and Shadow UAVs;
Status Within U.S. Army RCV Program and Future Outlook
The U.S. Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle program aims to field light (RCV-L), medium (RCV-M), and optionally heavy variants by late this decade as part of its Next Generation Combat Vehicle portfolio under Army Futures Command. In January 2023, Textron Systems was one of four vendors awarded contracts to build prototypes for Phase II trials at Fort Hood/Yuma Proving Ground starting Q4 FY2024.
If selected after testing phases—which include mobility trials, live-fire exercises, autonomy stress tests—the HAVOC could enter low-rate initial production by FY2027–28 depending on funding levels under POM-26 budgets. The Army seeks platforms capable of operating semi-independently within human-machine teams across MDO environments where GPS denial/EW threats are prevalent.
Operational Implications: Force Multiplication Without Risking Lives
If fielded at scale, platforms like HAVOC could dramatically reshape tactical doctrine by enabling persistent surveillance or precision fires without exposing soldiers directly to enemy contact zones. In particular:
- Manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T): Infantry squads could use HAVOCs as forward scouts or mobile support-by-fire elements during urban clearing ops;
- Sustainment risk reduction: Uncrewed vehicles can deliver ammunition or medical supplies through contested terrain without risking convoys;
- Cognitive offload: AI-enabled threat detection could reduce operator burden during high-tempo engagements;
- C-UAS overwatch: Units lacking organic SHORAD can deploy RCVs as mobile drone interceptors during maneuver phases;
- Tactical deception: Decoy use of unmanned platforms may confuse enemy targeting cycles relying on visual cues or SIGINT signatures;
Conclusion: A Glimpse Into Future Ground Warfare Dynamics
The HAVOC robotic combat vehicle exemplifies how modularity, autonomy, and integrated lethality are converging into next-generation land systems tailored for multi-domain operations. By combining a proven mobility chassis with advanced weaponry like the Protector RS6 turret—and layering in emerging capabilities like C-UAS missile defense—it offers commanders new tactical options across conflict spectrums ranging from peer warfighting to gray-zone deterrence missions.
