IRIA News

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Estonian defense company Milrem Robotics has announced plans to deliver more than 150 of its THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Ukraine. This initiative is part of a defense package led and funded by the Netherlands.

The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at the VDL Defentec facility in Born, the Netherlands, attended by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans and representatives from Milrem Robotics and VDL Defentec.

The THeMIS UGVs will be assembled at VDL Defentec’s Born facility, which is establishing a dedicated final assembly line to facilitate production and supply to meet future operational demands. Milrem Robotics Netherlands will oversee deliveries and provide comprehensive training for Ukrainian operators and support personnel to ensure effective deployment and maintenance in the field.

The THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System) is a versatile unmanned ground vehicle designed to support infantry units, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Its open architecture allows for rapid adaptation to various mission requirements, including casualty evacuation, supply transport, and combat support. The vehicle has operation history in 19 countries, making it the most widely adopted unmanned ground vehicle in its class.

Since its initial deployment in Ukraine in 2022, the THeMIS has demonstrated its effectiveness on the battlefield, complementing existing systems and enhancing operational capabilities.

Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Vaarsi emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are honored to lead this project in partnership with the Netherlands and VDL. The THeMIS platform has already demonstrated its value under combat conditions, and we believe this contribution will materially strengthen Ukraine’s defense capability.”

Specifications and Features

The THeMIS weighs 1,630 kilograms and measures 2.4 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.15 meters in height. It has a payload capacity of 1,200 kilograms and is powered by an electric motor combined with a diesel generator.

The vehicle is tracked for enhanced mobility, can reach a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour, and has an operational range of 1.5 kilometers. Its ground clearance is 600 millimeters (24 inches), allowing it to traverse rugged terrain and uneven surfaces effectively.

The THeMIS can be equipped with a variety of weapon systems to support combat operations, including light machine guns (LMG), heavy machine guns (HMG), 40-millimeter automatic grenade launchers (AGL), 30-millimeter autocannons, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), and loitering munition launchers. These armament options enable the vehicle to provide direct fire support for maneuver units, acting as a force multiplier and enhancing operational effectiveness on the battlefield.

In addition to its combat capabilities, the THeMIS is fitted with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Integration Kit (MIFIK), which allows the vehicle to execute missions both on and off-road independently. MIFIK features an intuitive mission planner that can be integrated into Battle Management and Command & Control (C2) systems and operated from different control stations.

Key functions include waypoint navigation, which allows precise mission planning; behavioral settings, enabling the vehicle to respond dynamically based on location or events; route editing, which permits adjustments to planned routes during mission execution; and the ability to create multiple routes for complex operations. These intelligent features enhance the autonomy and adaptability of the THeMIS, making it suitable for a wide range of operational scenarios.

Operational History and Impact

The THeMIS has been deployed in various conflict zones, including Ukraine, where it has been utilized for tasks such as casualty evacuation, supply transport, and combat support. Ukrainian forces have adapted the THeMIS for innovative uses, including mine clearing and front-line logistics. The vehicle’s versatility and adaptability have made it a valuable asset in modern military operations.

Milrem Robotics remains committed to supporting Ukraine and learning from its experience to better prepare Europe for future threats. The company plans to further assist by establishing a local team in Ukraine to enhance on-ground support and product adaptation.

The delivery of over 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine marks a significant step in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities. Through this initiative, Milrem Robotics, in partnership with the Netherlands and VDL Defentec, is providing Ukraine with advanced robotic systems that offer versatility, autonomy, and adaptability in various operational scenarios.

The THeMIS’s proven effectiveness on the battlefield underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing modern security challenges.