XRC Robotics Sovereign UGV Project for the British Army

XRC Robotics has secured a landmark UK MOD contract to fast-track its sovereign RHINO Uncrewed Ground Vehicle platform into British Army frontline experimentation programs, strengthening Britain’s domestic defence robotics capability.

XRC Robotics, a British developer of high-performance Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs), is proud to announce it has been awarded a milestone contract by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The contract, which was secured in February 2026, marks the first time the UK MOD has fast tracked robotic platforms for its frontline experimentation programs.

As the UK government intensifies its focus on "Design and Build British," this contract showcases XRC’s position to supply domestic robotic capabilities directly into the Army’s future UGV fleet. XRC Robotics provides a fully sovereign solution with in-house engineering and development, ensuring that critical intellectual property, manufacturing expertise, and supply chain security remain within the United Kingdom.

Strategic Sovereign Capability

The contract focuses on XRC’s modular UGV platform, RHINO. These British-engineered systems are designed to operate in the most contested environments, combining high-speed performance with a robust modular chassis to provide long-range, heavy payload capability.

"This contract award is a defining moment for British defence innovation" said Cam Knighton, Founder of XRC Robotics. "By partnering with British Army we are proving that the UK does not need to look abroad for world-class robotics. XRC is delivering a British solution for a British problem, ensuring our Armed Forces have the home-grown technological edge they need to prevail in modern conflict."

The XRC Advantage

• Modular Versatility: A "plug-and-play" architecture that allows for reconfiguration between ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), logistics, and casualty evacuation to suit all missions.

  
  

• Rapid Redeployment: Engineered for the realities of the front-line, XRC’s pioneering modular design ensures systems can be repaired or reconfigured by operators in the field in minutes reducing logistical burden.

  
  

• Rapid Iteration: Being UK-based allows XRC engineers to work directly alongside British Army operators across testing sites, shortening the feedback loop from the field to the factory.

  
  

• Future-Ready Software: XRC is actively developing its software and AI architecture to align with UK and MOD security standards, ensuring our technology roadmap supports sovereign data requirements.

Strengthening the UK Industrial Base

This contract supports XRC Robotics’ ongoing operations within the UK, creating high-skilled jobs in mechatronics, AI, and advanced manufacturing. By choosing a domestic lead, the MOD is investing directly back into the UK economy, fostering a robust defense ecosystem capable of exporting British excellence globally.