Italian defense company IDV, part of the Leonardo Group, showcased its latest uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) technologies at Eurosatory 2026, unveiling upgraded versions of its VIKING platform alongside the public debut of the CL2X hybrid tracked combat vehicle.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Defensehere, Dr. Geoff Davis, Managing Director at IDV, said the company’s focus is on delivering highly mobile autonomous systems capable of performing logistics, reconnaissance and combat missions while reducing risk to personnel.<\/p>\n
“This is the latest iteration of our VIKING platform, used by a number of NATO allies,” Davis said, adding that IDV recently announced a contract to supply eight VIKING vehicles to the Italian Army.<\/p>\n
The 6\u00d76 VIKING is a purpose-built uncrewed ground vehicle designed to fit two vehicles inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Its six-wheel-drive, four-wheel-steer configuration and independent suspension are intended to provide high mobility over difficult terrain while protecting sensitive payloads such as casualties or electronic equipment.<\/p>\n
Powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system, VIKING can travel up to 30 kilometers in silent electric mode before its onboard range-extending engine increases total operational range to more than 250 kilometers while simultaneously powering onboard mission systems.<\/p>\n
According to Davis, the platform incorporates advanced onboard computing, artificial intelligence and machine-learning capabilities to enable autonomous navigation and edge processing.<\/p>\n
“We prefer to use passive systems wherever we can,” he said, noting that the vehicle combines stereo vision cameras, thermal imagers and day\/night electro-optical sensors with LiDAR when required.<\/p>\n
The upgraded VIKING made its international debut at Eurosatory in two mission configurations.<\/p>\n
One version is equipped with Leonardo’s HITROLE C-UAS remote weapon station featuring the Blaze 30\u00d7113 mm cannon for counter-drone operations, while another carries a three-missile launcher developed with MBDA for anti-armor missions.<\/p>\n
Davis described the missile-equipped vehicle as providing a “shoot-and-scoot” capability, allowing the UGV to autonomously reposition, engage targets and rapidly relocate while keeping operators outside high-threat environments.<\/p>\n
Beyond combat roles, VIKING can also be configured for logistics, casualty evacuation, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), CBRN missions and other payloads.<\/p>\n
IDV also introduced the CL2X (Hybrid Uncrewed Light Tank), a 16-ton tracked autonomous combat platform making its public debut at the exhibition.<\/p>\n
Designed to operate alongside main battle tanks in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations, CL2X can carry payloads of up to five tons and is powered by a hybrid-electric drivetrain capable of delivering up to 500 kilometers of operational range, including approximately 30 kilometers in silent mode.<\/p>\n
The vehicle on display was fitted with Leonardo’s HITFIST 30 UL unmanned turret armed with the company’s ITAR-free 30 mm X-Gun, supported by the Janus-D sighting system for surveillance, targeting and counter-UAS operations.<\/p>\n
According to IDV, the platform is designed to support remote control, teleoperation and future autonomous functions while enabling a single command vehicle to coordinate multiple UGVs across the battlefield.<\/p>\n
“We’re using AI and machine learning to really enhance the mission,” Davis said. “Whether it’s helping identify targets, following troops autonomously or carrying out complex battlefield tasks, autonomy is central to where these platforms are heading.”<\/p>\n
At Eurosatory, IDV also demonstrated a digital command-and-control environment illustrating how multiple autonomous ground vehicles could be coordinated simultaneously by a single operator, reflecting the company’s vision for future networked land operations.<\/p>\n