Unmanned ground vehicle Varan: Visionwave shows autonomous UGV platform at Eurosatory 2026

Visionwave presented its new Varan platform for the first time at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris: a modular, autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).

The Varan was developed for the demands of modern environments in which electronic warfare is waged. It operates without the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and without active sensors; if required, it navigates purely passively. According to Visionwave, the vehicle uses stereo vision cameras, thermal imaging and AI-supported 3D interpretation of the terrain to plan its routes autonomously and drives autonomously in convoy even under the most extreme conditions. It can also be operated remotely or semi-autonomously.

Unmanned ground vehicle with adaptive suspension

Because the height-adjustable suspension adapts to the terrain automatically, the UGV overcomes obstacles without anyone having to intervene manually. Visionwave quotes a gradient capability of 60 per cent and a side slope of up to 40 per cent – in open terrain as well as at water obstacles or urban barriers. All four wheels have their own drive, allowing the vehicle to turn in the tightest of spaces. With a top speed of up to 70 kilometres per hour, it is above average in speed compared with other UGVs.

A single chassis forms the basis on which the unmanned vehicle can be adapted to a wide range of missions. Thanks to an open architecture, user nations can integrate their own sensors, national cryptography, payloads and armament.

Up to 500 kilograms of payload and towing loads of more than 1,000 kilograms are available for this. Depending on the mission fit, continuous operation of at least 4 and up to 28 hours is possible. If a wheel arm is damaged, the vehicle can still complete the mission under its own power, according to Visionwave.

Its design is intended to allow it to return even when damaged. Thanks to common modular components and a standard field repair kit, it can be repaired directly in the area of operations, with no special infrastructure required. The dimensions: 265 centimetres long, 145 centimetres wide.