Defense & Dual Use – When Mobility Saves Lives

Sometimes the true value of a technology is not in comfort or efficiency — but in its ability to protect lives. This is particularly true for autonomous driving in defense and disaster response. In these scenarios, every second counts, every decision matters — and it’s often too dangerous to send people into the field at all. That’s where autonomous and teleoperated mobility systems become vital.

What we now call "Dual Use" — the transfer of civilian technologies into military or safety-critical applications — is already reality. Solutions proven in sectors like mining or agriculture are entering specialized vehicles, tactical transports, or supply units for crisis zones. The foundation of these systems? Drive-by-wire. With no mechanical connection between steering unit and chassis, but with maximum redundancy and secure teleoperation, drive-by-wire enables scalable, controllable mobility in extreme conditions.

Looking back:

Years ago, the U.S. Army began testing autonomous vehicles for logistics missions under the "Leader-Follower" program. The goal: convoys where only the lead vehicle is manned, the rest follow autonomously. (U.S. Army ) In Europe, early studies explored autonomous systems in civilian disaster relief and military logistics. Since 2022, European interest in autonomous defense systems has steadily grown, driven by geopolitical shifts and initiatives from the European Defence Agency (EDA). EDA.

Current status (2025):

Autonomous mobility is increasingly seen as a strategic key technology in Europe — not only for defense, but for disaster response, supply chain resilience, and cyber defense. Manufacturers like Rheinmetall, Iveco Defence, and Milrem Robotics are developing systems that operate without drivers — for supply, reconnaissance, or medical evacuation. Countries like Israel and Australia are also creating dedicated test zones for unmanned ground systems.

A report from the European Court of Auditors (ECA 2025) highlights mobility infrastructure with dual-use potential as a strategic security field. Technical standards and operational requirements are already being defined. In parallel, the innovation report from Mind the Bridge (Mind the Bridge, 2025) names autonomous platforms as a key resilience factor for European defense and supply systems.

Key insight: The technology is ready — but the interface between civilian innovation and military demand is often undefined. This is where Dual Use thinking steps in. A platform like NX NextMotion, already proven in agri-tech and logistics vehicles, can be transferred into defense platforms — with the right software stack, rugged housing, and operational safety layers.

What´s next:

By 2030, experts anticipate the widespread use of autonomous ground vehicles in safety-critical domains — from logistics trucks and reconnaissance units to tactical support vehicles. The prerequisite is a secure, certifiable foundation — exactly what Safety-by-Wire systems deliver. Meanwhile, the EDA, along with standardization bodies, is working to define interoperability for dual-use platforms across EU member states. (European Commission ) 

Why Arnold NextG makes the difference

We don’t build weapons — but we provide the mobility that saves lives when it matters. Our systems are shock- and heat-resistant, IP69K-rated, cybersecure, and modular. They can be integrated into armored vehicles or unmanned logistics carriers operated remotely through hazardous terrain.

With NX NextMotion, we deliver the technology needed today — and essential tomorrow.