German defence technology startup ARX Robotics has announced plans to invest £45 million in a new facility in southwest England. The company will manufacture autonomous battlefield robots for global deployment at the undisclosed location. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce 1,800 ground-based drones annually.
Key Features of ARX Robotics’ Battlefield Robots
ARX’s robots resemble small tanks without guns, using treads for mobility. They can be equipped with various tools such as radar systems, mine-sweeping devices, and medical stretchers. The largest model can transport military payloads weighing up to 500kg, including injured soldiers, across battlefields. Other variants serve as moving target-practice devices or carry aerial drones into combat zones.
Modular Design and Autonomous Operation
The robots are designed with modularity in mind, using off-the-shelf components that allow for rapid repair by soldiers in the field without requiring specialized tools. While they operate autonomously, military personnel can also control them remotely using a tablet.
Military Adoption and Future Plans
Several European countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and the UK, have conducted field tests of ARX’s technology. In February, the company delivered 30 of its robotic systems to Ukrainian forces engaged in active combat. ARX’s CEO, Marc Wietfeld, stated that the UK facility will contribute to the “long-term technological sovereignty” of both the UK and Europe, emphasizing the importance of strengthening European resilience through technological advancement and modernization of land forces.
European Defence Spending Context
The investment comes amid a significant increase in European defence spending in response to escalating geopolitical tensions. The EU has endorsed the “ReArm Europe” plan, aiming to mobilize up to £683 billion over four years to enhance military capabilities. The UK government has also committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, with at least 10% allocated to innovative technologies.
UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey welcomed ARX’s investment, stating it would create highly skilled jobs and support European security. ARX was founded in 2022 by Marc Wietfeld and fellow German army veterans. The company raised £7.7 million in seed funding from NATO’s innovation fund last year.
