AM General, the American multinational provider of solutions for military mobility, will present at the annual meeting and trade show of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) from October 12 to 14, 2026 (Booth No. 1925, Hall B) platforms that are intended to provide critical capabilities for the success of deployed forces. Among other things, the company will showcase the high-performance, redesigned next-generation HMMWV platform, a fully autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with advanced AI technology, and the JLTV A2, equipped with state-of-the-art drone and Counter-UAS technology.
“I am looking forward to this year’s AUSA, because there is no better time to demonstrate to our long-standing customer, the U.S. Army, our evolving capabilities and to show how we adapt to the rapid pace of change on the modern battlefield,” said John Chadbourne, President and CEO of AM General. “From a new drivetrain to advanced autonomous capabilities to enhanced combat power, our systems provide a strong foundation for the troops and their mission.”
At the show, the AM General UGV will be presented in collaboration with the defense company XTEND. “XTEND Nest” is a mobile launch container based on the XOS system that enables drone deployment from a fixed or mobile location. XOS is XTEND’s system for “Physical AI” (physical AI). On the AM General UGV, the NEST enables the vehicle to carry an unmanned aerial system and establish a mobile launch point closer to the mission site. This allows operators to stay away from potentially dangerous areas.
JLTV A2 with Drone System “Iron Wasp” at AUSA 2026
In addition, the UGV is equipped with the gesture-controlled system “Scorpio 1000,” which enables precise missions in complex environments or in areas without GPS availability and supports rapid reconnaissance as well as surveillance missions (ISR). Also on display is the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2, which features enhanced combat power and Counter-UAS capabilities from Rafael Systems Global Sustainment (RSGS). The JLTV A2 is the next-generation light tactical vehicle that is currently being delivered to the U.S. Army.
It stands out from the A1 model with significant improvements, including a new drivetrain, improved corrosion protection, and greater interior noise suppression. At the show, the JLTV A2 will be equipped with the remote-controlled weapon station (RWS) 30 mm Samson from RSGS, as well as the autonomous, vehicle-launched Counter-UAS drone system “Iron Wasp.” The weapon station is part of the battle-tested Samson RWS product family, which has already been integrated into thousands of tracked and wheeled vehicles worldwide.
The Iron-Wasp drone was developed for armored and tactical vehicles to intercept enemy drones and loitering munitions both while stationary and in motion. It can also be paired with vehicle-mounted or standalone sensors. Both RSGS systems can be easily integrated into the flexible JLTV-A2 platform, expanding the already powerful spectrum of this vehicle. In addition, the company presents the next-generation High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and thus marks the first step in a multi-stage modernization of this legendary tactical vehicle platform.
AM General to implement a broader common-parts strategy across platforms
The vehicle features an updated exterior design – including a new hood and a new grille designed to accommodate an improved powertrain – as well as a high-travel suspension system that provides increased mobility and ruggedness even in the most demanding terrain. Production for the first of three phases is planned for the end of 2027. The subsequent phases build on this foundation and include improved crew ergonomics, a modern digital cockpit, and a new vehicle electronics architecture. In addition, the integration of advanced autonomous and optionally manned capabilities is planned.
The heart of the modernized platform is a new Common-Rail Direct Injection engine (CRDI) delivering 250 hp and more than 500 lb-ft (about 678 Nm) of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This unified powertrain will also be integrated into various other AM General programs for light tactical vehicles, including the AMG UGV and the mobile Artillery system HMMWV Hawkeye (105 mm).
In addition to increased power and improved fuel efficiency, the powertrain features a wide-range transmission and an electronic shift lever that simplifies configuration for left- or right-hand drive variants. The unified architecture is aimed at boosting performance, increasing mission flexibility, and enabling a broader common-parts strategy across AM General’s next-generation tactical vehicle platforms.
