UK Unveils “Project Atilla”: Turning Warrior IFVs into Robotic Minefield Breachers

On August 21, 2025, the British Ministry of Defence announced Project Atilla, a bold initiative to convert retired MCV-80 Warrior infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) into unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) capable of breaching minefields. This move reflects the UK’s strategy of modernizing older equipment for new roles rather than donating them abroad, particularly to Ukraine, where such vehicles would have required costly training and logistical support.

From Warrior to Robot

Under the plan, up to six Warriors will be retrofitted with mine-clearing tools such as ploughs and rollers. In the first phase, they will be optionally crewed, able to operate with soldiers inside or via remote control from miles away. In the second phase, the vehicles will be pushed further towards full autonomy, forming the backbone of future heavy UGV programs.

The project is valued at around £12 million (excluding VAT), or £15 million including VAT, and will run from January 2026 to March 2028, with an option for a one-year extension. Key dates include a contract notice on September 1, 2025, application deadline on September 26, and the award announcement on November 18, 2025.

The Weevil Prototype

At the heart of Project Atilla is the Weevil prototype, developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Pearson Engineering. Tests near Newcastle proved the Warrior chassis could be operated entirely remotely, fitted with cameras, sensors, and a full-width mine plough. Operators could control the vehicle safely from several miles away, dramatically reducing risks to soldiers.

Unlike the older Trojan Armoured Vehicle, which costs around £4 million and requires a crew of three, the Weevil-based Warrior demonstrates a cheaper, safer, and more flexible approach to breaching minefields.

A Second Life for the Warrior

The Warrior IFV, introduced in 1987, was designed by GKN Defence (later BAE Systems). It carries a crew of three plus seven infantry soldiers, powered by a 550-horsepower engine, and has served in multiple operations. Although a Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme was once planned to extend its life into the 2040s, it was cancelled in 2021 due to budget cuts. Instead, the fleet is being retired in favor of the Boxer and Ajax vehicles.

As of mid-2024, the British Army had 632 Warriors still in service, with about 80 already earmarked for retirement. Project Atilla ensures that many of these surplus vehicles will gain a valuable new role instead of being scrapped.

A Global Shift in Warfare

The UK’s push to robotic minefield breachers mirrors wider global trends.

• Japan is upgrading its Type 89 IFVs by replacing troop compartments with launch systems for loitering munitions.

• Russia has developed the BMP-3 Sinitsa, capable of remote or crewed operation.

• In the United States, prototypes like BAE’s Black Knight and Textron’s Ripsaw M5 are undergoing trials as unmanned combat vehicles.

• Finland is testing its Patria AMV XP with advanced 5G remote-operation systems.

These programs highlight how major armies are transitioning traditional armored vehicles into unmanned platforms, reducing risks to soldiers while enhancing battlefield efficiency.