It costs $150,000 to $250,000 USD, depending on configuration.
By Hezy Laing
The IDF’s Rex MK II robotic mule is a versatile unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to support infantry units in the field.
Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Rex MK II represents a leap forward in autonomous battlefield logistics and tactical mobility.
Originally conceived as a gear-carrying platform, the Rex MK II has evolved into a multi-role robotic assistant capable of transporting weapons, ammunition, medical supplies, and other essential equipment.
It can carry up to 1.2 tons of payload across rugged terrain, allowing soldiers to operate more freely without being weighed down by heavy gear.
A product like the Rex MK II robotic mule is needed because modern warfare demands mobility, endurance, and safety in increasingly complex and dangerous environments.
Infantry units often operate in rugged terrain, urban combat zones, or remote areas where traditional supply lines are slow, vulnerable, or impossible to maintain.
Carrying heavy gear—ammunition, weapons, water, medical supplies—can exhaust soldiers and limit their effectiveness.
Rex MK II solves this by acting as a mechanical porter, reducing physical strain and allowing troops to move faster and fight longer.
What sets the Rex MK II apart is its ability to be optionally armed.
The vehicle can be equipped with a remote weapon station, enabling it to provide suppressive fire or defensive support when needed.
This transforms it from a passive logistics tool into a semi-autonomous combat asset, capable of engaging threats while keeping human operators at a safe distance.
The Rex MK II is designed to follow troops autonomously, using advanced sensors and navigation systems to track movement and avoid obstacles.
It can also be remotely controlled, giving commanders flexibility in how it’s deployed.
Its quiet electric drivetrain and low profile make it ideal for stealthy operations in urban or forested environments.
In addition to carrying weapons and ammunition, the Rex MK II can assist in casualty evacuation, though it is not primarily built for medevac like Elbit’s Rook UGV.
Instead, its strength lies in enhancing operational endurance, allowing units to stay in the field longer with better access to supplies and firepower.
Since 2021 the Rex MK II is in operational use by the IDF and has also been deployed internationally in various military trials and support roles.
In Israel, the Rex MK II is used by infantry units along the country’s borders, where it performs logistical support, intelligence gathering, and remote weapon deployment.
Its ability to carry over a ton of supplies—including ammunition, food, water, and medical gear—makes it invaluable for extended missions in rugged terrain.
The IDF has also tested its “follow-me” mode, allowing the robot to autonomously trail soldiers while avoiding obstacles.
Internationally, the Rex MK II has participated in British Army trials under the Theseus Project, where it demonstrated its capabilities in “last mile resupply” missions—delivering gear to frontline troops in dangerous zones without exposing human personnel.
Its compact size and modular design allow it to be transported by aircraft like the V-22 Osprey, making it suitable for rapid deployment in NATO operations or special forces missions.
The platform has also been showcased at global defense exhibitions such as DSEI London, attracting interest from multiple countries seeking autonomous ground systems for both combat and support roles.
The Rex MK II robotic mule’s cost is not publicly disclosed in exact figures, but defense analysts estimate its unit price to be in the range of $150,000 to $250,000 USD, depending on configuration.
In summary, Rex MK II is actively used by the IDF and has proven itself in international military evaluations.
Its versatility—from carrying gear to engaging threats—positions it as a key player in the future of robotic warfare.
