Textron unveils RIPSAW M1 UGV

Textron has unveiled its new RIPSAW M1 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). It is the company’s interpretation of a valid use case for manned-unmanned teaming in the land domain.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on April 29, 2026.

Textron Systems (NYSE:TXT) and its subsidiary Howe & Howe have unveiled the RIPSAW M1 UGV at the Modern Day Marine exhibition. The new wheeled UGV is designed to support the US Marine Corps (USMC) in reconnaissance missions, the April 28 press release states.

Described as a technology demonstrator, the M1 appears smaller than Textron’s other UGVs, the M3 and M5 RIPSAW platforms. It is also wheeled, as opposed to tracked, and fitted with two four-pod launchers for loitering munitions like the company’s Damocles.

It has been designed to support the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle programme, which Textron is competing for with its Cottonmouth. Textron and General Dynamics both won a $450 million contract in early April 2026 to deliver 16 pre-production vehicles under that programme. The USMC will then assess both vehicles and make a production decision.

The RIPSAW M1 would complement Cottonmouth in various ways, although its primary mission is extending the reach of the marines it supports. Suggested missions include:

Hard kill counter-drone operations
Reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
A loitering munition launch platform with Damocles or other drones.

The technology demonstrator displayed at the exhibition is fitted with launchers for Damocles. Armed with an explosively formed penetrator and with “beyond line-of-sight” range, Damocles could give forward reconnaissance an effective anti-armour punch.

Calibre comment: RIPSAW M1, a good use case for MUM-T

The Damocles loitering munition showing its unusual rotor design. Credit: Textron Systems.

One of the primary hurdles of getting uncrewed ground vehicles into service is the concept of operations (CONOPS). Put simply, how should these platforms contribute to a fighting force? And where do they offer the greatest benefit? There is also the concept of employment (CONEMP) – how should they be used and deployed to achieve those effects? You can think of the differences between them as a higher-level strategic challenge, and tactical employment respectively.

For example, if moving through a jungle area with a UGV changes the way that an armoured force would have to work, then the impact on the CONOPS would need to be significant. Alternatively, if getting the unmanned vehicle to shore requires several personnel to supervise it, is the resultant capability worth that level of effort?

However, Textron has touched upon several valid use cases for manned-unmanned teaming with the RIPSAW M1. For instance, if it can be trusted to safely provide a counter-drone overwatch, then it would add a real capability. Forces could position their UGVs to provide that counter-drone overwatch and carry on with their mission. Alternatively, an advanced reconnaissance screen with loitering munitions also makes a lot of sense, providing reach and punch for a deployed force. Properly employed, this could give what would presumably be a lightly armed and somewhat isolated forward reconnaissance screen the tools to severely maul an opponent’s reconnaissance forces.

The lead image shows the RIPSAW M1 from Textron. Credit: Textron Systems.