
The Marine Corps new anti-ship missile launchers will add a self-driving capability following a Pentagon contract for ground vehicle autonomy.
On Monday, Forterra announced that its AutoDrive System will be integrated into Oshkosh Defense’s Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary (ROGUE) Fires vehicles, an unmanned variant of the Joint Tactical Light Vehicle, developed for the Marine Corps. The service is set to operate two vehicle variants through the Naval Strike Missile-mounted Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) and the Tomahawk-capable Long Range Fires Launcher. According to the service, these launchers will provide the service with “an organic anti-surface warfare capability in support of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.”
“Fielding self-driving ground autonomy on ROGUE Fires is crucial to the Marines’ modernization plans and Forterra is proud to partner with Oshkosh Defense on a system that will reduce casualties and improve our warfighters’ ability to fight and win,” said Christian Seifert, Head of Robotic Missile Systems at Forterra in a statement to USNI News.
Since its introduction in 2021, the unmanned ROGUE Fires missile launcher maneuvered via remote control or followed a leader vehicle. Marine operators also guided the vehicle on foot using this follow-the-leader capability. While earlier modes of guidance demonstrated limited autonomy, this is the first time the service plans to install a self-driving capability on NMESIS. Forterra claimed that its AutoDrive system will bring enhanced maneuverability in any environment while also lessening the strain on its Marine operators from remotely controlling the launcher.
This contract comes amid two low-rate initial production orders in Fiscal Year 2025 and the recent activation of the system’s first NMESIS battery in the Hawaii-based 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment. The service also activated its first Tomahawk cruise missile battery based on the ROGUE-FIRES platform last year in California.
“By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge autonomous technologies with Oshkosh systems, we’re equipping the Marine Corps to strengthen sea denial capabilities, enhance operational agility, and maintain a decisive technological edge against evolving threats,” Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense, highlighted in a press release.
These launchers will be the Marine Corps primary anti-ship capabilities in the coming years under Force Design 2030, a service-wide plan that aims to prepare Marines for a future island-hopping fight in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.