The training was delivered over two weeks at the Combat Service Support Trials and Development Unit. It prepared personnel from 8 Squadron, 27 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, for Project Convergence Capstone 6 as part of Project MAIA, the British Army’s effort to explore autonomous systems for future logistics operations.
The completion of the first UK HX autonomous convoy marks a milestone in the Army’s evaluation of autonomous capability. Rheinmetall said the work showed how advanced technologies could improve operational effectiveness while giving soldiers the skills and confidence to plan, manage and operate autonomous logistics convoys.
Training used the HX2 development vehicle White Pony, fitted with Rheinmetall’s PATH Autonomous Kit. The platform-agnostic system is designed to enable existing vehicle fleets to operate autonomously through advanced sensors, AI-enabled navigation and robotic control software.
The system allows vehicles to operate independently or as part of a convoy. Rheinmetall said the training gave British Army personnel practical experience in realistic operational scenarios before the upcoming exercise in California.
Soldiers were trained as Convoy Commanders, Lead Vehicle Drivers and Safety Drivers. They then moved through increasingly demanding on-road and off-road exercises involving blocked routes, disabled vehicles and dynamic convoy management.
The scenarios were designed to reflect challenges expected during Project Convergence Capstone 6 at Fort Irwin, California. The exercise will bring together international partners to evaluate emerging technologies in realistic operational environments.
The programme was delivered by Rheinmetall teams from Austria, the UK and Canada. Rheinmetall said the effort demonstrated its international expertise and its work with defence partners to develop, test and deliver new capability.
“Autonomous technologies are transforming the future of military logistics. Through our collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence and colleagues across Rheinmetall, we are helping British Army personnel develop the skills and confidence to operate next-generation autonomous capabilities. This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation, collaboration and operational expertise come together, and we look forward to supporting the continued development of these capabilities at Project Convergence Capstone 6,” said Mr. Christoph Müller, CEO of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles.
Project Convergence Capstone 6 is intended to generate insight into how autonomous systems can strengthen logistics and improve operational resilience. Rheinmetall said the completed training reinforces its commitment to technologies that support the changing needs of modern armed forces and help shape the future of military logistics.
