The Martin Collier Phillips Corporation (MCPC) today announced it has been awarded a contract valued at $185 million by the U.S. Army to deploy its next-generation autonomous robotic training systems at the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California. The contract, managed by the Army’s Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), represents a significant advancement in force-on-force training readiness.
Under this three-year contract, MCPC’s M. Tilden Robotics Center will provide a comprehensive suite of autonomous robotic platforms, command and control software, and integration services designed to replicate near-peer adversary threats in the NTC’s vast training complex. The system will create a dynamic, intelligent opposing force (OPFOR) capable of challenging brigade combat teams in complex, realistic combat scenarios.
The contract scope includes:
- Deployment of over 200 autonomous ground vehicles, ranging from infantry simulators to armored vehicle surrogates
- Integration of advanced AI-driven behaviors and tactics for autonomous systems
- Development of a sophisticated networked command and control architecture
- Real-time data collection, after-action review capabilities, and performance analytics
- Comprehensive training, maintenance, and logistical support
This contract leverages MCPC’s unique capabilities at the M. Tilden Robotics Center, which has aimed to help manufacturers, warehousers, and medical facilities across a wide range of industries. The center’s expertise in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and robotics engineering makes it ideally suited to deliver this cutting-edge training capability to the Army.
“The National Training Center is where our soldiers are forged for the challenges of modern warfare, and we are proud to provide the tools they need to train as they fight,” said a spokesperson for MCPC. “Our autonomous training systems will create a more realistic, adaptable, and challenging opposing force than ever before. By leveraging our robotics expertise and AI capabilities, we’re helping the Army build the readiness required for multi-domain operations against sophisticated adversaries.”
The contract is expected to create or sustain approximately 150 highly specialized positions across MCPC’s U.S. operations, with primary work conducted at the M. Tilden Robotics Center and supporting functions from the corporation’s various domestic facilities.
About Martin Collier Phillips Corporation
The Martin Collier Phillips Corporation is an American defense, aerospace, medical, and information technology manufacturer and service specialist with worldwide interests. Founded in 1930, MCPC currently employs around 20,000 workers worldwide and has locations across the United States with several hubs internationally. The corporation operates full-service research, engineering, and manufacturing wings dedicated to aerospace engineering, healthcare innovation, weapons systems, and cutting-edge information technology solutions.