Spain Unveils Europe’s first Autonomous Military Convoy
Sener Aerospace & Defence has completed the final demonstration of its COMMANDS project in Seville, marking a major milestone in Europe’s efforts to integrate crewed and uncrewed vehicles for future land operations.
The event brought together senior officials from the Spanish Army, the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DIGAM), and representatives from several European defense ministries.
The COMMANDS consortium, coordinated by Sener Aerospace & Defence and funded through the European Defence Fund, was designed to advance the autonomy and efficiency of military logistics convoys. According to Sener, the demonstration showcased the first uncrewed logistics convoy with initial operational capability, a system capable of operating with limited human oversight in dynamic battlefield conditions.
Hosted by GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas, the demonstration featured autonomous ground vehicles performing coordinated logistics maneuvers supported by AI-driven navigation and perception systems. The project’s aim is to allow European forces to conduct supply and transport missions in high-risk areas without endangering personnel.
In a statement, Sener said the initiative represents “a decisive step forward in the autonomy and efficiency of logistical convoys for land operations,” adding that it reinforces Europe’s commitment to developing sovereign defense technologies tailored to operational requirements.
Over the past three years, the consortium has focused on advancing artificial intelligence and autonomous mobility systems under direct guidance from European military operators. The company said this cooperation reflects a growing effort to strengthen strategic defense integration within the European Union while reducing reliance on non-European technologies.
Sener’s demonstration included the company’s proprietary Naviground solution, which automates optionally crewed logistic vehicles. The convoy system demonstrated a “follow-me” capability—where uncrewed vehicles replicate the movements of a lead vehicle—and an autonomous last-mile shuttle based on IVECO Defence Vehicles platforms.
According to Sener, Naviground integrates with Indra’s Battle Management System (BMS) installed on GDELS ASCOD armored vehicles, ensuring interoperability through NATO-standard digital architectures including GVA 10 and STANAG 4609. These standards enable seamless data sharing, situational awareness, and coordinated command between crewed and autonomous platforms on the battlefield.
The company emphasized that the COMMANDS project exemplifies a European-driven approach to defense innovation. “This achievement, driven from Spain, strengthens Europe’s defense capabilities and marks a step change in tactical mobility and coordination across allied operations,” Sener said in its statement.
The COMMANDS consortium includes multiple European defense and technology partners working under the European Defence Fund framework, which aims to foster cross-border collaboration in the development of next-generation defense capabilities.