Forterra MESA
Forterra · US
Forterra MESA is a modular 4x4 autonomous ground vehicle unveiled 28 April 2026 for last-tactical-mile logistics and casualty evacuation. It is a factory-modified Polaris Ranger XD 1500 built on Polaris's production line, with a flat L-Track deck carrying up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), Forterra's AutoDrive autonomy and Vektor communications. Company-claimed range is 217 miles with up to 48 hours run time.
Sources: https://www.forterra.com/posts/forterra-strengthens-battlefield-autonomy-portfolio-with-new-mesa-vehicle-extending-mission-capability-to-the-last-tactical-mile ; https://www.tectonicdefense.com/exclusive-forterra-unveils-mesa-agv/
Specs
| Launch year | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Payload | 907 kg |
| Endurance | 48 h |
| Propulsion | Factory-modified Polaris Ranger XD 1500 4x4 side-by-side with operator station removed and a flat payload deck; press reports 30-inch tires and a lower gear ratio. Powertrain is assumed to be the stock Ranger XD 1500 gasoline engine and transmission; Forterra has not published MESA powertrain details. |
| Price | Under USD 650,000 (target) |
| Price notes | Designed to cost less than USD 650,000. Design-to-cost ceiling reported by Tectonic Defense (2026-04-28), tied to the Army UGCRV program's cost specification. Not a list or contract price; Forterra has published no pricing. |
Suppliers
- Polaris Government and Defense (US): chassis: Ranger XD 1500
- goTenna (Forterra subsidiary) (US): rf: Vektor
Sources
NDAA Shop — NDAA- and TAA-verified parts for defense ground robots