AML - Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (LRPF-IFPC)
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It's the ammo issue I was wondering about. I'm used to seeing an initial stock of arty ammo come with a new system project but subsequent to that its a national procurement budget issue. Correct? I seem to recall M777 was a bit messy going from UOR to in-service.
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UOR is a four letter word...It's the ammo issue I was wondering about. I'm used to seeing an initial stock of arty ammo come with a new system project but subsequent to that its a national procurement budget issue. Correct? I seem to recall M777 was a bit messy going from UOR to in-service.
But yes, a non UOR is responsible for initial provisioning of spares and ammo. I believe the current standard is thirty days of supply.
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Some updates on the Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) program in the US as well as some further details on what they are looking for in terms of autonomy.
defence-blog.com
Also notable that a key focus of the project is the wider Army shift to "smaller crews, dispersed launch sites, and automated logistics".
U.S. Army seeks new autonomous missile launcher
The United States Army has released a set of new Requests for Information aimed at advancing the Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher, or CAML, a next-generation autonomous fires platform intended to reshape how the service moves, loads, and employs missile systems
defence-blog.com
They seem to have pretty quick timelines for the program with demos in FY 2026 and planned design, build, test and deliver in 12-18 months.
Also notable that a key focus of the project is the wider Army shift to "smaller crews, dispersed launch sites, and automated logistics".
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U.S. Army tests DeepFires autonomous rocket launcher and robotic resupply system at Project Convergence Capstone 6 in California
The U.S. Army has tested an experimental autonomous rocket launcher, robotic resupply vehicle and mobile command system at Fort Irwin, California.
defence-industry.eu
Autonomous launcher trials
"The U.S. Army has tested an experimental autonomous rocket launcher, robotic resupply vehicle and mobile command system at Fort Irwin, California. The evaluation formed part of Project Convergence Capstone 6, an Army campaign focused on integrating emerging technologies into field operations.
"Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, conducted the testing at the National Training Center. The Fort Sill-based unit worked directly with developers to assess the system under operational conditions.
"The experiment centered on DeepFires, a highly mobile autonomous launcher designed for multiple missions. The project was developed with the Army, Oshkosh, Forterra, Corvid Technologies and Collins Aerospace."
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Further to the previous:
www.armyrecognition.com
....
Three (or more) trucks - one crew in one command truck, one (or more) launcher vehicles, one (or more) resupply vehicles with the launchers and limbers playing follow the leader in convoy and being distributed and remotely controlled in action.
"The architecture addresses vulnerabilities observed in recent conflicts. The widespread use of ISR drones, satellites, counter-battery radars, and precision-guided weapons has reduced the survivability of conventional artillery units. By physically separating the command element from the launchers and resupply vehicles, DeepFires reduces the visual, thermal, and electromagnetic signature of the crewed component. If a launcher is detected, the command crew can remain several kilometers away in a protected location. Future development plans indicate that a single JUMPS C2 vehicle could control up to four autonomous launchers and multiple robotic resupply vehicles, increasing available firepower without a proportional increase in personnel while improving force survivability. This distributed architecture is also intended to sustain a high operational tempo in contested multidomain environments."
....
The launchers and limber are compatible with all HIMARS/MLRS rounds, Tomahawks and Patriots as well, apparently, as shorter range SAMs, meaning they can be used across all artillery functions.
"The rear section of the vehicle incorporates a containerized launcher module equipped with two rows of vertical launch cells that can be configured according to mission requirements. This modular architecture enables the integration of different weapon types. Equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, the system provides long-range conventional strike capability against command posts, strategic infrastructure, or integrated air defense systems at ranges exceeding 1,600 kilometers. Configured with Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors, the same launcher can perform air and missile defense missions against aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles using hit-to-kill interception technology. This modular approach enables the platform to shift from deep-strike operations to force protection missions without major structural modifications. "
....
"DeepFires is designed to operate across a wide range of terrain and weather conditions. It incorporates onboard power generation, can sustain autonomous operations over extended periods, and features increased payload capacity to reduce the frequency of resupply missions. The platform is also C-130-transportable, enabling rapid deployment to remote operational areas or locations with limited infrastructure. This level of strategic mobility supports the rapid deployment of long-range fires capabilities during expeditionary operations."
Increased payload capacity means that the "HIMARS" sized vehicle can carry "MLRS" sized payloads (2 pods instead of one, 12 GMRLS instead of 6, 4 PrSMs instead of 2)
...
"Beyond its technical characteristics, DeepFires reflects the U.S. Army's broader transition toward a distributed artillery architecture in which launchers, logistics assets, and command elements are physically separated but connected through resilient digital networks. The program aligns with the Army's Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) modernization effort and its Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) concept, both of which seek to preserve operational freedom in contested environments. If the system reaches operational maturity, it could influence future artillery modernization programs among allied armed forces facing similar requirements for dispersion, mobility, and survivability against adversaries capable of combining electronic warfare, persistent surveillance, and long-range precision strike capabilities."
....
Is the Canadian Army following developments here as they seem to have implications for the recently expressed intent to buy HIMARS systems for the Long Range Precision Fires programme?
U.S. Army Evaluates DeepFires Autonomous Launcher for Future Long Range Precision Fires
DeepFires validates Human Machine Integration by letting robotic launchers operate while commanders retain fire control.
www.armyrecognition.com
....
Three (or more) trucks - one crew in one command truck, one (or more) launcher vehicles, one (or more) resupply vehicles with the launchers and limbers playing follow the leader in convoy and being distributed and remotely controlled in action.
"The architecture addresses vulnerabilities observed in recent conflicts. The widespread use of ISR drones, satellites, counter-battery radars, and precision-guided weapons has reduced the survivability of conventional artillery units. By physically separating the command element from the launchers and resupply vehicles, DeepFires reduces the visual, thermal, and electromagnetic signature of the crewed component. If a launcher is detected, the command crew can remain several kilometers away in a protected location. Future development plans indicate that a single JUMPS C2 vehicle could control up to four autonomous launchers and multiple robotic resupply vehicles, increasing available firepower without a proportional increase in personnel while improving force survivability. This distributed architecture is also intended to sustain a high operational tempo in contested multidomain environments."
....
The launchers and limber are compatible with all HIMARS/MLRS rounds, Tomahawks and Patriots as well, apparently, as shorter range SAMs, meaning they can be used across all artillery functions.
"The rear section of the vehicle incorporates a containerized launcher module equipped with two rows of vertical launch cells that can be configured according to mission requirements. This modular architecture enables the integration of different weapon types. Equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, the system provides long-range conventional strike capability against command posts, strategic infrastructure, or integrated air defense systems at ranges exceeding 1,600 kilometers. Configured with Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors, the same launcher can perform air and missile defense missions against aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles using hit-to-kill interception technology. This modular approach enables the platform to shift from deep-strike operations to force protection missions without major structural modifications. "
....
"DeepFires is designed to operate across a wide range of terrain and weather conditions. It incorporates onboard power generation, can sustain autonomous operations over extended periods, and features increased payload capacity to reduce the frequency of resupply missions. The platform is also C-130-transportable, enabling rapid deployment to remote operational areas or locations with limited infrastructure. This level of strategic mobility supports the rapid deployment of long-range fires capabilities during expeditionary operations."
Increased payload capacity means that the "HIMARS" sized vehicle can carry "MLRS" sized payloads (2 pods instead of one, 12 GMRLS instead of 6, 4 PrSMs instead of 2)
...
"Beyond its technical characteristics, DeepFires reflects the U.S. Army's broader transition toward a distributed artillery architecture in which launchers, logistics assets, and command elements are physically separated but connected through resilient digital networks. The program aligns with the Army's Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) modernization effort and its Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) concept, both of which seek to preserve operational freedom in contested environments. If the system reaches operational maturity, it could influence future artillery modernization programs among allied armed forces facing similar requirements for dispersion, mobility, and survivability against adversaries capable of combining electronic warfare, persistent surveillance, and long-range precision strike capabilities."
....
Is the Canadian Army following developments here as they seem to have implications for the recently expressed intent to buy HIMARS systems for the Long Range Precision Fires programme?
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