Overview
- In early October 2026 the U.S. Army named HDT Robotics, operating as BLADE, one of six companies on the Infantry Last Tactical Mile effort and the company confirmed it submitted its Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle for the prototype phase.
- BLADE describes the Hunter WOLF as a production-ready, Technology Readiness Level 9, six-wheeled diesel-electric hybrid that can carry about 2,800 pounds, climb steep grades, traverse large side slopes, supply electrical power, and accept configurable payloads for cargo or casualty evacuation.
- The vehicle has a service history the company cites to support its entry: it entered service in 2017, received upgrades in 2025, was delivered to the 10th Mountain Division for training in May, and underwent evaluations with the 10th Mountain, 101st and an August event with the 82nd at Fort Polk.
- The Army chose six vendors through prototype Other Transaction Agreements to speed testing; participants will deliver production-ready prototypes for demonstrations that culminate in an operational assessment with an Army unit in early 2027 while contract values and vehicle quantities remain undisclosed.
- If prototypes prove reliable in contested terrain, the program could reduce the exposure of soldiers who now move supplies and wounded across the forward line, so observers should watch the 2027 operational assessment for evidence of performance, survivability, and logistics impact.