diff --git a/Rover/Rover.h b/Rover/Rover.h
index d0a6f15ad3..fd22073c5b 100644
--- a/Rover/Rover.h
+++ b/Rover/Rover.h
@@ -44,6 +44,10 @@
 #include <AP_OpticalFlow/AP_OpticalFlow.h>
 #include <AC_PrecLand/AC_PrecLand_config.h>
 #include <AP_Follow/AP_Follow_config.h>
+#include <AP_ExternalControl/AP_ExternalControl_config.h>
+#if AP_EXTERNAL_CONTROL_ENABLED
+#include <AP_ExternalControl/AP_ExternalControl.h>
+#endif
 
 // Configuration
 #include "defines.h"
@@ -143,6 +147,11 @@ private:
     // Arming/Disarming management class
     AP_Arming_Rover arming;
 
+    // dummy external control implementation
+#if AP_EXTERNAL_CONTROL_ENABLED
+    AP_ExternalControl external_control;
+#endif
+
 #if AP_OPTICALFLOW_ENABLED
     AP_OpticalFlow optflow;
 #endif