On the occasion of the first air-land robotics day, on June 10, 2021, Nexter and other manufacturers invited by the GICAT exhibited their solutions and products alongside the capabilities already inservice with the French Army.

The Army organized this meeting in order to present its strategic vision of robotics for the 2035-2040 horizon called VULCAIN project. On the industrials side, this event is also an occasion to illustrate the state of the art of land robotics in France and to prepare the grouping of the industrial robotics players around a common structure on the Satory plateau.

As an international player but also a sponsor of the event, Nexter promoted this initiative which, according to Joël Morillon, Director of the group’s robotics activities, enables “technical assessments to be carried out while facilitating the consultation process with the administration”.

Nexter has been recognized as a major player in the military robotics sector since the creation of its subsidiary Nexter Robotics in 2012 and the first commercial successes of the NERVA range of land based micro robots. Fifty-six of these modular reconnaissance robots were sold to the French defense procurement agency (DGA) as part of the SCORPION program, and several hundred have beenproduced for foreign armies.

Among the large robots or Multipurpose Tactical Robots, Nexter markets combat vehicles armed with an X20 cannon (OPTIO-X20), surveillance robots, route opening robots or even those contributing to augmented artillery (Z-Trooper). ULTRO-600, the latest Nexter product, isa robot-mule that was presented during the Coëtquidan Schools Research Center (CREC) days organized at Coëtquidan in late March 2021. This electrically powered multipurpose tactical robot can carry up to 600kg of cargo or host a weapon system ranging from 5.56 to 12.7mm.

As part of the enhancement in the capabilities of its equipment, Nexter is also integrating multipurpose microrobots from the NERVA family into some of its vehicles, as well as tethered UAVs (IXOSXX) for close surveillance, and autonomous UAVs (XOS LG) that can see farther.

Finally, Nexter offers its cutting-edge expertise in robotics within the European Integrated ModularUnmanned Ground System (iMUGS) program. For the next three years, Nexter teams will work on improving the intelligence of a THEMIS platform from Milrem Robotics, in particular by extending its autonomous mobility capabilities.

Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. The scope of its business includes as well the supply of weapon systems andammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security.

The group continues to apply its international development policy with 69% ofthe order intake in 2019 intended for the export market. In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the upgrade of the Leclerc tank and the development of the VBMR GRIFFON and EBRC JAGUAR vehicles within the temporary business venture between Nextel, Thales and Arquus, as well as the Lightweight VBMR SERVAL.

Nexter’s 2019 turnover amountedto €2.5 billion. The group’s range of products also includes TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR®and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), robots, many equipment, as well ascustomer service, support and revaluation.