Eurosatory 2014: France's Nexter exports Nerva UGV to Myanmar

Guillaume Belan, Paris - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
15 June 2014



Nexter Robotics has delivered two Nerva mini unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Myanmar, the company confirmed to IHS Jane's at Eurosatory 2014 in Paris.

The two 4 kg Nerva 4x4 mini-robots will be tested by Myanmar and could meet a total requirement estimated at 50 robots. Myanmar ordered the systems in November 2013.

Nerva has been designed to meet military specifications, and is designed for all-weather, all-terrain usage, with a robust (throwable) design and is backpack transportable.

Designed for military users, Nerva is being sold under civilian contract for Myanmar, in order to avoid any blockade from French government export commission. Accordingly, the system's electro-optic infrared (EOIR) sensor has been downgraded in order not to fall foul of export restrictions of military technology to Myanmar. They have, however, been fitted with additional battery packs to provide an improved 24 hours of operational capability.

Speaking to IHS Jane's , company director Joël Morillon said that Nexter Robotics has also entered into advanced negotiations with Vietnam and the Philippines to provide 10 robots to each country.

First showcased in Paris at Eurosatory 2012, this is the first contract for the Nerva UGV. The system has also been tested by the French Army's 13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment special forces unit. Their "impressions were enthusiastic" Morillon said. France's Gendarmerie special forces unit, the GIGN, is also understood to soon begin trials of a Nerva fitted with non-lethal weapons systems.

The Nerva can be fitted with a wide variety of sensors, including day/EOIR cameras, and explosive ordnance disposal systems. Nexter Robotics has also created a smaller 2x2 version, called Nerva S, and is currently working on a larger 6x6 UGV.

Janes IHS