AML - Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (LRPF-IFPC)

[Kirkhill]

So, process wise, there is nothing to stop our Treasury Board filling warehouses with munitions?

 

[FJAG]

Projects follow this process:

Identification
Options Analysis
Definition
Implementation

Major contracts will generally be let as a project exits Def to enter Imp.

Projects may have multiple phases of Def and Imp, and often will have infra components as well, which may include second order requirements as well.

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.

 

[dapaterson]

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.

UOR is a four letter word...

But yes, a non UOR is responsible for initial provisioning of spares and ammo. I believe the current standard is thirty days of supply.

 

[GR66]

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.

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

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 across future battlefields.

The Autonomous Mobility Platform RFI asks companies to outline their capacity to design, build, test, and deliver an uncrewed mobility vehicle, a convoy leader vehicle, and an autonomy command-and-control system within 12–18 months. The Army notes that solutions “are not required to be standard Army-inventory vehicles,” and adds that commercial platforms are encouraged.

The platform must support three modes: autonomous convoy following, waypoint navigation, and optionally piloted manual control. It must also be capable of autonomously loading and unloading heavy palletized payloads, supporting at least 40,000 to 60,000 pounds without trailers, generating 120 kW of onboard electrical power, and meeting strict size limits for transport and mobility.

The CAML program represents the Army’s broader move toward autonomous fires, distributed launchers, and reduced crew exposure. Autonomous systems like CAML are part of a shift toward future formations that rely on smaller crews, dispersed launch sites, and automated logistics—factors that directly affect how U.S. forces deter and respond to emerging threats.

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".