SEATTLE, June 29, 2026 (Globe Newswire) — Overland AI today announced it is the first ground-based autonomous company to sign a production contract. This is a major milestone for both the company and the broader defense market.
A land-based AI AGV installed at the company’s testing site.
Overland AI, in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps Ground Air Defense Program Manager (PM GBAD), was awarded an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) production contract through the Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) Accelerating Acquisition and Deployment of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program to manufacture autonomous ground vehicles in support of the Maritime Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS).
This is the first step toward large-scale integration of fully autonomous ground vehicles into the U.S. Marine Corps’ program of record. Until now, unmanned assets have primarily been remotely operated and controlled, with constraints limiting operators to control of a single vehicle and relying on communications during operations.
“We are committed to achieving industry firsts, and Overland AI is proud to be the first ground autonomous company with a production contract,” said Byron Boots, Overland AI co-founder and CEO. “The Marine Corps and OUSW (R&E) are signaling the urgency to deploy autonomous ground vehicles now. Ground AI is ready to deliver.”
“We look forward to incorporating Overland AI capabilities into the Marine Corps Ground Air Defense portfolio,” said Joe Kloczek, U.S. Marine Corps Ground Air Defense Program Manager. “Combining autonomous platforms with our maritime and air defense integrated systems will significantly expand the operational range and lethality of our air defense forces.”
Land-based AI AGV during extensive field testing.
This award reflects a broader push within the Department of the Army to move proven autonomous systems into programs of record and operational use. GBAD Chancellor is setting the pace, moving autonomous capabilities directly into the hands of the Marines, beyond discussion and experimentation.
This APFIT award builds on Overland AI’s recent work with PM Ground Weapons Systems to integrate autonomy into the ROGUE Fires platform and further deepens the company’s relationship with the Marine Corps.
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