VisionWave Unveils the Varan UGV — Leading the Ground Autonomy Revolution

Rhea-AI Summary

VisionWave (Nasdaq: VWAV) announced the Varan UGV, a next‑generation modular autonomous ground vehicle with European field testing planned in December 2025 with a major defense industry partner subject to regulatory approvals.

The platform features independently actuated suspension legs, electric and hybrid variants, AI navigation driven by 4D radar, swarm coordination, and mission‑adaptable payload bays for counter‑UAS, APS, remote weapons, transport and CASEVAC roles. Varan was designed and built in Britain to support scalable production and multi‑domain integration.

Positive

• European field testing scheduled for December 2025
• Designed and built in Britain to support mass production
• Modular payloads include counter‑UAS, APS, RWS, transport, CASEVAC
• Swarm coordination enabled by VisionWave’s 4D radar and autonomy engine

Negative

• Field tests are subject to regulatory approvals
• Ballistic protection is pending formal ballistic certification
• No commercial contracts, revenue figures, or performance certifications disclosed

Insights

Defense autonomy strategist

VisionWave plans December 2025 field tests of the Varan UGV with a major European defence partner, marking a material product and partner milestone.

The Varan combines a modular payload approach with a proprietary drive train and VisionWave's 4D radar plus autonomy stack. Its design targets multiple mission sets via swap-in modules such as counter-UAS, active protection, remote weapons, logistics, and CASEVAC. The announced December 2025 field testing with a major defence industry partner constitutes a concrete step from concept to operational evaluation.

Key dependencies include successful regulatory approvals, demonstrated autonomy and survivability under test conditions, and formal ballistic certification for the claimed armour. Trials must validate swarm coordination, payload integration, endurance, and maintenanceability to convert this engineering demonstrator into a program of record.

Watch for public test results, any official procurement or co-development contract terms, and the timing of formal ballistic certification over the next 6–18 months. Positive field results and a follow-on procurement or funded integration contract would materially change program prospects.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. and LONDON, Nov. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VisionWave Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: VWAV) (“VisionWave” or the “Company”) today announced the upcoming field testing of its Varan UGV, a next-generation, highly autonomous and modular ground platform engineered from the ground up with the goal to transform the modern battlefield. Testing is scheduled to begin in December 2025 in Europe with a major defense industry partner, pursuant to all required regulatory approvals.

The Varan represents a fundamental shift in defence innovation - a response to the new reality where a small, inexpensive drone can neutralize a heavily armoured vehicle. As the balance of power shifts from traditional armour to autonomous intelligence, the Varan stands at the forefront of what many are calling the next drone revolution - only this time, on the ground.

The name, inspired by the Varan lizard, reflects its instinctive ability to move with precision, remain undetected, and dominate any terrain through AI-driven autonomy.

Built as a true force multiplier, the Varan is designed to deliver exceptional mobility, adaptability and modularity. Its proprietary drive train employs independently actuated suspension legs, combining the agility of robotic platforms with the speed of wheeled vehicles and the terrain dominance of tracked systems.

Powered by VisionWave’s cutting-edge 4D radar and proprietary autonomous navigation engine, the Varan operates both individually and in coordinated swarms, navigating complex terrain, avoiding obstacles, and detecting ground and aerial threats in real time.

*Artist rendition

The platform’s mission-adaptable modularity allows rapid reconfiguration with a variety of payloads, including:

• Counter-UAS modules for air-threat interception and perimeter defence
• Active Protection Systems (APS) for vehicle survivability
• Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for tactical engagement
• Troop and supply transport configurations
• ⁠CASEVAC modules for casualty evacuation and battlefield medical support.
  
  

Available in electric and hybrid variants, the Varan is optimized for stealth, endurance, and rapid deployment—delivering autonomy, reduced logistical footprint and cost efficiency compared with any comparable system in development today.

Developed by VisionWave’s UK engineering team under the leadership of Jez Williman, Head of Ground Vehicle Development, the Varan was designed and built in Britain using scalable, interoperable architecture to support mass production and multi-domain integration.

“The Varan represents a new generation of battlefield intelligence,” said Noam Kenig, Chief Executive Officer of VisionWave. “It’s more than a vehicle - it’s a living system of automation and adaptability. As one of the participants in early autonomous vehicle research projects that contributed to the broader ecosystem later showcased in the DARPA Grand Challenge - the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency competition that pioneered modern self-driving systems - it feels like a full-circle moment to see how far autonomous mobility has advanced. As UGVs become the next great evolution of unmanned warfare, Varan stands ready to lead that revolution.”

*Artist rendition

Jez Williman, Head of Ground Vehicle Development, added: “We designed the Varan entirely from the ground up as a true autonomous vehicle - every system, actuator, and algorithm developed in-house to achieve extreme terrain capability, reliability, and serviceability.

The result is a compact, interoperable platform with anticipated multi-hit lightweight armour pending formal ballistic certification, simplified maintenance, and exceptional scalability across mission types. Whether deployed as a single unit or within a swarm, the Varan adapts instantly - from reconnaissance to resupply to defence. This is autonomy you can trust, maintain, and multiply.”

The upcoming European field trials will demonstrate the Varan’s swarm coordination, modular payload integration, and all-terrain endurance, positioning VisionWave as a global leader in autonomous multi-domain defence innovation.

*Artist rendition

Varan is the first in a family of next-generation ground autonomy systems currently in development at VisionWave.

About VisionWave Holdings, Inc.
VisionWave (Nasdaq: VWAV) is a defense technology company specializing in AI-powered sensing, autonomous systems, and threat-response platforms. Its portfolio spans super-resolution radar, multispectral/RF imaging, and the Evolved Intelligence™ (EI) engine for real-time perception, prediction, and control across air, land, and sea.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Words such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “potential,” “anticipated,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These include statements regarding the timing, scope, and outcome of Varan testing, performance claims, cost advantages, swarm capabilities, and future product releases. Actual results may differ materially due to risks including but not limited to: failure to obtain regulatory approvals, technical failures during testing, budget constraints of potential customers, competition, supply-chain disruption, and changes in export-control regimes. See VisionWave’s most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q for a fuller list of risk factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements.

Investor Contact: investors@vwav.inc
Website: https://www.vwav.inc

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68f50410-c525-4b2a-b9ff-6afa0530ac8d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/256a7a3d-3a03-4e6d-9803-de765895b3e5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/460144f4-92ba-40b7-8708-689ad1d7ea4c

FAQ

When will VisionWave (VWAV) begin field testing the Varan UGV?

Field testing is scheduled to begin in December 2025 in Europe with a major defense partner, subject to approvals.

What payloads can the Varan UGV carry for VWAV missions?

The Varan supports modular payloads including counter‑UAS, active protection systems, remote weapon systems, troop/supply transport and CASEVAC.

Does the Varan UGV support swarm operations for VWAV deployments?

Yes; the Varan is designed to operate individually and in coordinated swarms using VisionWave’s autonomous navigation and 4D radar.

Where was the Varan UGV developed and is it production‑ready for VWAV?

Varan was designed and built in Britain by VisionWave’s UK engineering team and uses scalable, interoperable architecture intended for mass production.

Are Varan’s survivability features fully certified for VWAV use?

No; the platform has anticipated multi‑hit lightweight armour but formal ballistic certification is pending.