Supacat will present its HMT Jackal 3E platform at DVD 2026, highlighting its role within the UK's Land Mobility Programme. The vehicle, fitted with the 'Extenda' unit for increased payload and range, serves as a technology demonstrator for networked battlefield operations.
At the core of the demonstration is the integration of the UltraEAK GVA open architecture suite, which enables the Jackal 3E to function as a command-and-control node. In this scenario, the platform acts as a 'mothership' for an ARX Robotics Gereon UGV, providing trickle charging and remote deployment capabilities for safe stand-off sensing. Additionally, a 'coop' of Harmattan Barkhan autonomous precision-strike drones is integrated, capable of swarm operations for coordinated attacks.
This system supports a complete 'Sense, Decide, Effect' operational chain: UGVs gather remote intelligence, while drone swarms conduct autonomous reconnaissance, validate hostile targets, and adjust attack paths in real-time against moving or defended threats. The open architecture allows command and control via Harmattan AI's Kalahari network, showcasing interoperability.
This means for B2B buyers and defense contractors: The Jackal 3E configuration represents a significant shift towards multifunctional tactical platforms that unify mobility, intelligence, and precision strike. It signals growing demand for modular, open-architecture systems capable of integrating diverse autonomous assets. This evolution is critical for suppliers of C-UAS, autonomous systems, and tactical computing, as platforms like the Jackal become central nodes in networked operations.
Beyond the primary demonstration, the DVD 2026 event will feature several other HMT-based configurations from industry partners, including Moog and MBDA with a short-range air defence system, Leonardo DRS showcasing MFoCS tactical computing, and Saab with the Giraffe 1X radar. Phil Applegarth, Director at Supacat, stated: “Modern combat vehicles must do more than move troops and equipment. They must serve as nodes in networked operations, delivering intelligence, surveillance and precision strike capability at the tactical edge.”
DVD 2026 takes place September 16-17 at UTAC Millbrook, UK.
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