Oshkosh Defense Advances Next-Gen Autonomous Technology for ROGUE-Fires

Rhea-AI Summary

Oshkosh Defense , a business of Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), has secured a $29.9 million contract modification from the Marine Corps Systems Command to integrate next-generation autonomous technology into the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE-Fires). Deliveries are set to begin in 2025.

This technology aims to enhance the Marine Corps' operational capabilities by providing increased flexibility, scalability, and resilience in contested environments. The autonomous features reduce the need for human drivers in high-risk combat zones, thereby improving battlefield lethality important for success in the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Oshkosh Defense will collaborate with Forterra, a key partner in ground-based autonomy, to leverage cutting-edge technology integrated with existing platforms, advancing Force Design 2030 objectives. This partnership underscores Oshkosh's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet evolving threats and support the Marine Corps’ modernization priorities, including sea denial capabilities and optimized force design.

Oshkosh Defense is recognized globally for its best-in-class military vehicles and technology solutions, setting industry standards for sustaining fleet readiness.

Positive

• Secured a $29.9 million contract modification from the Marine Corps Systems Command.
• Integration of next-generation autonomous technology into ROGUE-Fires.
• Improves operational capabilities, flexibility, scalability, and resilience in contested environments.
• Enhances battlefield lethality by reducing the need for human drivers in high-risk combat zones.
• Supports USMC’s modernization priorities and Force Design 2030 objectives.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

The $29.9 million contract modification for ROGUE-Fires represents a strategic advancement in autonomous military technology. The integration of next-gen self-driving capabilities addresses two critical operational aspects: force preservation and tactical flexibility. By removing human operators from high-risk environments, the system significantly reduces personnel casualties while maintaining combat effectiveness. Think of it as a force multiplier - fewer personnel can control more assets across a wider battlespace.

The timing aligns perfectly with the Indo-Pacific theater's unique challenges, where distributed operations across vast maritime spaces require unmanned systems capable of operating in contested environments. The autonomous integration enhances the Marine Corps' ability to conduct sea denial operations - a important capability against peer competitors in the region. Key technical implications include enhanced survivability through reduced human exposure, improved operational tempo through 24/7 capability and better scalability of force projection.

Financial Analyst

This contract modification strengthens Oshkosh's position in the autonomous military vehicle market, a sector experiencing rapid growth. While the $29.9 million contract value appears modest relative to Oshkosh's $5.8 billion market cap, the strategic importance far outweighs the immediate financial impact. The partnership with Forterra for autonomous technology integration creates a competitive moat in the defense sector, potentially leading to larger follow-on contracts.

The development aligns with broader Pentagon initiatives to modernize military capabilities, suggesting potential for significant revenue expansion in the autonomous vehicle segment. Market implications include enhanced competitive positioning in the defense contractor space, particularly in the growing autonomous systems market. The contract's timing, with deliveries starting in 2025, provides near-term revenue visibility and positions Oshkosh for future autonomous vehicle programs across military branches.

OSHKOSH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oshkosh Defense LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] business, was awarded a $29.9 million contract modification to integrate next-generation autonomous technology into the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE-Fires) with deliveries beginning in 2025. This award from the Marine Corps Systems Command reflects Oshkosh’s commitment to delivering advanced solutions that enhance operational capabilities and align with the Marine Corps’ mission to seize and defend key maritime terrain. Oshkosh will execute the award with ground-based autonomy partner, Forterra.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Huynh. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

ROGUE-Fires enhances the Marine Corps’ sea denial capabilities by furthering multi-domain dominance against adversaries and rapid expeditionary employment of Marine forces. The advanced self-driving technology of ROGUE-Fires provides the Marine Corps with increased flexibility, scalability and resilience in contested environments. By reducing the need for human driving in high-risk combat environments, this technology enhances battlefield lethality critical to success in the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

“Through our trusted partnership with the Marine Corps and collaboration with industry leaders like Forterra, Oshkosh Defense remains committed to equipping the U.S. Marine Corps with advanced solutions that establish dominance across all domains,” said Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense. “ROGUE-Fires not only enhances mission flexibility and lethality but also directly supports the USMC’s modernization priorities, including sea denial capabilities, innovative formations, and optimized force design to meet evolving threats.”

This award underscores Oshkosh Defense’s strategic partnership with Forterra, leveraging cutting-edge autonomous technology integrated with existing platforms, to achieve unparalleled interoperability while advancing Force Design 2030 objectives. This collaboration reflects Oshkosh’s commitment to equipping Marines with innovative solutions that outpace evolving threats and secure mission success in the most challenging environments.

About Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh Defense is a global leader in the design, production and sustainment of best-in-class military vehicles, technology solutions and mobility systems. Oshkosh develops and applies emerging technologies that advance safety and mission success. Setting the industry standard for sustaining fleet readiness, Oshkosh ensures every solution is supported worldwide throughout its entire life cycle.

Oshkosh Defense, LLC is an Oshkosh Corporation business [NYSE: OSK]. Learn more about Oshkosh Defense at https://oshkoshdefense.com/.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs over 18,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® S-Series™, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. The company is among the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, focused on building systems which protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is a go-to provider of autonomous solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses autonomy for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

Learn more about Forterra at https://forterra.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks related to the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its strategic road map and meet its long-term financial goals. Additional information concerning these, and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this news release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250113179277/en/

Alexandra Hittle, Director, Global Marketing & Communications

920-410-1929

ahittle@defense.oshkoshcorp.com

Source: Oshkosh Defense

FAQ

What is the value of the Oshkosh Defense contract modification for ROGUE-Fires?

The contract modification is valued at $29.9 million.

When will the deliveries for the ROGUE-Fires contract begin?

Deliveries are set to begin in 2025.

What are the benefits of integrating autonomous technology into ROGUE-Fires?

The integration provides increased flexibility, scalability, and resilience in contested environments, and reduces the need for human drivers in high-risk combat zones.

Who is Oshkosh Defense partnering with for the ground-based autonomy in ROGUE-Fires?

Oshkosh Defense is partnering with Forterra for the ground-based autonomy.

How does the ROGUE-Fires technology enhance the Marine Corps' capabilities?

It enhances operational capabilities, battlefield lethality, and supports the Marine Corps' modernization priorities including sea denial capabilities.

What is the primary mission of the ROGUE-Fires technology?

The mission is to enhance the Marine Corps' sea denial capabilities and ensure rapid expeditionary employment of Marine forces.

How does the ROGUE-Fires technology align with the USMC’s Force Design 2030 objectives?

It advances Force Design 2030 objectives by integrating cutting-edge autonomous technology, enhancing flexibility and lethality in contested environments.