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The Hungarian company HT Division Zrt. showcased its Katica and Mini-Katica platforms – two Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) – at Milipol Paris. A highlight of the exhibition was LUNA, a lightweight weapon station designed to neutralize unmanned systems.
Unmanned ground vehicles and their armament are no longer novelties. Recently, the German startup ARX Robotics presented its armed Gereon UGV. However, manufacturers differ greatly in the dimensions and operational concepts in which they deliver their solutions to the field.
HT Division from Hungary showcased two very differently sized platforms in Paris: Katica (Hungarian for “ladybug”) and Mini-Katica. These UGVs offer a wide range of deployable weapon stations. HT Division focuses on modular, versatile, and combat-capable platforms for both ground and air use.
Mini-Katica – Compact Minibug
The Mini-Katica is a particularly small tracked UGV that can be equipped with various payloads, including a 15-grenade launcher, a 7.62×51 mm Gatling gun, or a simple weapon station on which assault rifles can be mounted.
Technical Specifications – Mini-Katica
- Dimensions: 70 × 55 × 49 cm (without payload and antennas)
- Weight: 100 kg
- Max payload: 400 kg
- Speed: 3.6 km/h
- Range: 800–1,000 m
- Endurance: 2.5 hrs in operation, 24 hrs in surveillance mode
- Obstacle clearance: 60 cm
According to HT Division, Mini-Katica is designed for missions where unmanned mobility is essential. However, due to its small size and limited speed, it is likely less suitable for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) despite the manufacturer’s statement.
A company spokesperson told Defence Network: “This vehicle was developed for missions where it is dangerous for military personnel to conduct operations, such as in urban areas, caves, and tunnels.” Its advantages lie primarily in its compact size and maneuverability in confined spaces.
It is well-suited for use as a mobile drone defense system with a corresponding weapon station (see below). It can also be used for mine detection. Mini-Katica performs well in surveillance, escort, or security roles in tight, complex terrain where larger UGVs would be obstructive.
LUNA Weapon Station
Newly shown at Milipol was the LUNA (Lightweight Unmanned Neutralizing Armament) weapon station, which can be mounted not only on the Mini-Katica but also on quadruped robots („robotic dogs”) or under larger drones.
LUNA is designed to deploy mounted assault rifles, for example – but not exclusively – against smaller drones. HT Division promises stabilized precision even when the carrier platform is in motion. For target detection, LUNA also utilizes electro-optical and infrared systems.
Die Waffenstation LUNA ist eine Möglichkeit, Drohnen zu bekämpfen. Foto: CPM / Navid Linnemann
Katica – Flexible Multi-Purpose UGV
The Katica – the big brother on wheels – was a must-have at Milipol. This UGV is an unmanned, multi-functional ground vehicle designed, according to HT Division, for a wide range of missions—from cargo transport and personnel protection to armed reconnaissance operations.
Its key characteristic is high modularity: HT Division offers different propulsion and chassis configurations (diesel, hybrid, electric; wheels or tracks) to meet diverse operational needs.
The platform is designed to carry “almost all relevant payloads,” including remote weapon stations, anti-tank missile systems, or drone launchers.
SARP 120/M Weapon Station by Aselsan
HT Division is the official partner and distributor of Aselsan in Hungary. Therefore, the Katica UGV at Milipol was displayed with Aselsan’s SARP 120/M weapon station.
This modular platform can carry two or four guided anti-tank missiles. Its primary armament is a 12.7 mm machine gun, with an additional 7.62 mm secondary machine gun.
Eine Möglichkeit: Montage der Waffenstation SARP 120/M von Aselsan auf dem UGV Katica von HT Division. Foto: CPM / Navid Linnemann
Key Features of SARP 120/M:
- Remote operation with stabilized two-axis turret control
- Target acquisition day and night (video/IR + laser rangefinder)
- Automatic target tracking and ballistic computation
- Ability to engage moving targets while in motion
The combination of Katica and SARP 120/M makes the overall system a potent platform for armed UGV applications. Aselsan’s weapon station is also used on manned vehicles.
Development Continues – HT Division
HT Division demonstrated in Paris that the development of UGV solutions is far from over. The platforms are gradually being offered with a wide range of variations – from propulsion systems to armaments. Their fundamentally modular design further expands the possibilities. The next step will involve increasing automation.
With the Katica and Mini-Katica, HT Division showcased two facets of its UGV strategy: powerful, armed vehicles on the one hand, and mobile, tactically flexible platforms on the other.
Regarding the smaller version, the company may need to improve speed—less than walking pace is adequate for surveillance but insufficient for a mobile weapon station intended to accompany the soldier of the future.
Source: https://defence-network.com/milipol-ht-division-faehrt-mit-ugvs-vor/