Autonomous Volcano decides where to mine the battlefield.
Autonomous Volcano experimental mining complex
The Pentagon is developing unmanned and unmanned systems in the engineering corps. One of the results of these efforts is the Autonomous Volcano minelayer. The vehicle automatically mines the terrain and places obstacles in the enemy's path. The prototype system is currently undergoing field testing.
Autonomous technology
The US Army already has several remote mine-laying systems—they lay anti-personnel or anti-tank obstacles. Recently, a proposal was made to upgrade these systems with modern unmanned technology.
The task was awarded to several specialized ground forces organizations, and commercial companies with existing technologies were also brought in. The project was named Autonomous Volcano, a name that directly refers to two things: the absence of a crew ("autonomous") and the key component—the Volcano mine system.
The system was assembled by the spring of 2026 on the basis of a five-axle PLS A1 truck (10x10 wheel arrangement) with an autonomous control system. The M139 Volcano system, in a containerized configuration, is responsible for laying mines.
At the test stage
In mid-May, the prototype first took to the range at Camp Grayling, Michigan. They demonstrated basic techniques: navigating the terrain, preparing and firing mines. The autonomous control system handled them well.
Driverless cabin
From July 20th to 29th, large-scale testing of the Convergence Capstone 6 took place at Fort Irwin. Personnel from the 4th Infantry Division were introduced to new autonomous military vehicles—a total of about 100—and tested them at the range.
Among them was the Autonomous Volcano. They simulated full-scale operation in a combat unit, practicing laying mines in areas of varying sizes and density.
New battlefield management systems were also tested. A remote command post received a mine-laying order in real time, compiled the mission, and transmitted it to the autonomous system. It reported its completion, and the data was immediately uploaded to the tactical map.
Convergence Capstone 6 itself is one of the key episodes of the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) modernization program. It is testing the integration of over a hundred advanced systems, from communications and reconnaissance to autonomous ground platforms. Autonomous Volcano, within this architecture, occupies the position of a next-generation component—managed engineer obstacles. It receives missions from a unified digital network and feeds data on the obstacles created into the overall tactical picture. The project fits into a general Pentagon trend: autonomous vehicles operate as part of networked groups, not as isolated examples of engineering equipment.
For now, the remote mining system remains experimental. Further testing and trial operation are ahead, and their results will determine its fate. Program participants say they are already positively assessing the project at the basic concept stage.
From ready-made components
Autonomous Volcano was created to test new ideas and see how they perform in practice. Hence the approach: build from ready-made and readily available components, without developing anything complex from scratch.
Operator console at a remote control post
The base was a standard military truck, the Palletized Load System A1 (PLS A1), from a family of heavy-duty vehicles related to the HEMTT. It features a five-axle platform with a container loading platform and a multi-lift for loading containers. The main components, according to available information, were left unchanged—the specifications remained the same.
The truck was equipped with an autonomous driving system from the American company Forterra Systems. It included several video cameras, lidars, navigation devices, a central computer, and communications equipment. A set of actuators was also required to operate the vehicle's controls.
The Forterra system automatically guides the vehicle along a predetermined route, taking into account the terrain, executes operator commands, and simultaneously controls the payload and transmits data to it.
The mine unit is based on the standard M139 Volcano, which has long been installed on manned trucks and helicopters for rapid minelaying. In the standard configuration, the crew sits in the cabin, meaning in a high-risk area. The autonomous version retains the same ammunition load and minefield parameters, but performs the same operation without personnel in the vehicle—including in situations where the presence of a crew is considered unacceptable: under enemy fire or under the threat of precision missiles. weaponsThe Autonomous Volcano doesn't outperform the standard Volcano in terms of minefield performance, but it does radically change the risk profile for engineering units.
Two launchers were mounted on an open platform, each with a pair of Volcano dispensers. The launchers are positioned at an angle to the horizon, facing in different directions, and cannot rotate. The desired sector is achieved by maneuvering the vehicle itself. A control unit from the Volcano system was also installed here.
Shooting off mines
Each Volcano dispenser (canister) is a rectangular device that holds 40 mine cartridges. The Volcano uses standardized M87 cartridges with varying loads: some cartridges carry five anti-tank mines and one anti-personnel mine, while the M87A1 variant carries six anti-tank mines. They also contain a propellant charge and auxiliary devices. The dimensions and weight of the cartridges are standardized, so each dispenser can hold exactly 40 (according to secondary technical reviews, the length is approximately 610 mm, the diameter is approximately 127 mm, and the weight does not exceed 14 kg). Two launchers with four dispensers hold 160 cartridges—when loaded with the M87A1 variant (six mines per cartridge), the total ammunition load reaches 960 mines.
The launch is controlled by an electronic unit: it sets the mine density, the size of the field, and the self-destruct time. In Autonomous Volcano, this unit is integrated with other systems.
While moving, the carrier sequentially fires the contents of the cassettes. At standard density, the resulting explosive barrier is 100–120 meters wide and 1000–1100 meters long. The mines' lifespan is predetermined: typical self-destruct intervals are approximately 4 hours, 48 hours, or 15 days.
The control system automatically generates a mine map and transmits it to a higher command post to prevent friendly forces from being blown up. But the safety of friendly forces isn't the only reason to maintain such records. Autonomous or remote mine laying increases the need to account for the munitions laid, accountability for their use, and subsequent demining. An accurate digital map allows for the creation of safe routes for friendly units, and also serves as a basis for clearing the area and ensuring compliance with international mine obligations.
Security questions
Self-propelled minelayers like the Autonomous Volcano are needed to quickly lay minefields in targeted areas. Mines are scattered on the ground, creating a barrier that restricts enemy maneuvers and inflicts casualties.
But such equipment has its own well-known risks. For mine laying to be sudden and effective, the minelayer must operate almost in the enemy's path—where it is quite likely to be detected and attacked. Worse, modern reconnaissance detects such a vehicle even before it reaches the mine laying area.
A separate headache for autonomous platforms is the means EWGPS jamming, communication channel jamming, and interference with lidar and video cameras disrupt navigation accuracy and undermine the stability of control. Under active electronic warfare, an autonomous minelayer risks losing orientation, entering safe mode, or even disrupting the minefield deployment. This explains the limitations on operational scenarios.
Completely protecting a minelayer from the enemy is a virtually impossible task. But it's important to distinguish between two levels of risk: the vehicle itself remains vulnerable, while unmanned technology shields personnel from attack. This is the principle on which the project is built.
The driver and operator in the cabin are now automated. Two rounds of testing under different conditions demonstrated that the system is up to the task. While a human remains in control, the operators are seated at a safe distance and are not directly exposed to risk.
Judging by the reports, the key declared functions have been implemented. Certainly, some hardware and software issues emerged along the way, and they are being identified and addressed, as is usually the case with such projects. The modified system will undergo further testing. The vehicle's future depends on the results: no decisions regarding serial implementation have been announced at the time of writing.
Autonomous Volcano has once again demonstrated how modern technology expands the capabilities of existing equipment. Off-the-shelf components alone won't get you very far, and the early stages of development don't yet allow us to predict the Autonomous Volcano's future. Further testing will tell what happens.
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