Indian Army's Armoured Corps Unveils Ambitious MUM-T System Plans

Indian Army's Armoured Corps Unveils Ambitious MUM-T System Plans

The Indian Army's Armoured Corps has taken a significant step towards modernising its combat capabilities with the selection of EdgeForce Solutions for the MUM-T system. The proposed system aims to integrate unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and command-and-control (C2) stations to enhance battlefield reconnaissance, surveillance, and command-and-control capabilities.

The ₹1.4 crore bid secured by EdgeForce Solutions represents the lowest quoted price for the project, but it does not necessarily reflect the final contract value or even confirmation of induction. Further steps in procurement and acceptance would have to be taken for the system to be put into service.

The proposed MUM-T system is designed to enable manned formations to operate alongside unmanned platforms, pooling information from multiple platforms on a common operator station. This approach can give commanders a broader view of the local battlespace, allowing for more effective decision-making.

The system is expected to integrate customised EO/IR, thermal, and LiDAR sensors, secure communications, and a centralised command-and-control element. The UGV component is envisioned to have a 500–1,000 kg payload capacity, a top speed of around 30–40 km/h, and up to 10–12 hours of endurance in a hybrid configuration.

The vehicle is also expected to have autonomous navigation capabilities, including SLAM, obstacle avoidance, and secure communications. This combination of autonomous mobility and a relatively high payload capacity can enable the UGV to carry different mission modules depending on the requirement.

The proposed system is also expected to enable a range of payloads, including remotely operated weapon systems (RWS), medium machine guns (MMGs), and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). The architecture also envisages integration with UAVs and loitering munitions, representing a combination in which the ground vehicle and aerial platforms can operate within the same command structure.

Hyderabad-based EdgeForce Solutions has developed its own UGV technology, which combines stereo vision, LiDAR, and navigation sensors. The company's wider portfolio includes AI-enabled defence applications, anti-drone systems, radar signal classification, and other autonomous technologies.

The requirement from the Armoured Corps for a MUM-T reflects the broader move towards combining conventional combat platforms with unmanned systems. Rather than viewing UGVs and UAVs as standalone assets, the proposed architecture is seeking to connect them through a common command-and-control framework.

The reported ₹1.4 crore L1 bid represents a significant investment in the development of the MUM-T system. However, the final contract value and confirmation of induction would depend on further steps in procurement and acceptance.

The Indian Army's Armoured Corps is taking a bold step towards modernising its combat capabilities with the proposed MUM-T system. By integrating unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and command-and-control stations, the system can enhance battlefield reconnaissance, surveillance, and command-and-control capabilities, giving commanders a broader view of the local battlespace.