European consortium submits plan for next-generation integrated UGS
A key scenario under iMUGS was manned and unmanned teaming. (Photo: MilRem)
Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) is part of effort under the European Defence Fund (EDF) to develop next-generation multipurpose Uncrewed Ground Systems (UGS).
A consortium of European companies has submitted a proposal for the second stage of an effort to develop a medium UGS via a programme dubbed iMUGS2 following the completion of the first stage last year.
The iMUGS2 consortium has expanded to 29 partners from 15 EU member states, including all partners from the first iMUGS project, and includes MilRem Robotics, Diehl Defence, KNDS, Kongsberg and FN Herstal.
IMUGS2 will transition experimental UGS technology into a cost-effective System-of-Systems (SoS) solution that delivers practical deployable defence capabilities and is mature for national procurement and force integration by 2030.
The original iMUGS programme was built around MilRem’s THeMIS UGV. There were seven subprojects: autonomy, system integration and manned-unmanned teaming, interoperability, swarming and C2, cybersecurity and communications.
There are three major development areas for iMUGS2. Firstly, to develop, validate and demonstrate cost-effective, combat-ready UGSs that support dismounted troops at various operational levels and provide practical value in different operations.
Secondly, the project will develop operational concepts demonstrating how UGS and uncrewed aerial systems can enhance infantry battalion and cross-domain operations capabilities.
Thirdly, the project will enhance the modular and open architecture and framework to enable efficient integration of autonomous functionalities with legacy and new systems across unmanned and optionally manned ground platforms.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army plans Q2 prototype proposal request for its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme]()
US Army plans Q2 prototype proposal request for its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme
The US Army is seeking a mature 155mm, wheeled, self-propelled capability to replace the towed M777 howitzer in the Stryker, Mobile and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams as it targets a potential 498-unit acquisition goal.
-
![British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026]()
British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026
Project Stokes could see a new 120mm mortar capability enter British service, with domestic production and international partnerships central to competing bids.
-
![MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems]()
MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems
ITT Cannon’s MKJ Warrior connectors are designed for the harshest environments, delivering mission critical comms, navigation and USB data/power.
-
![Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts]()
Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts
Experience on the battlefield is accelerating the adoption of active protection systems as technologies continue to evolve to reflect shifting global defence needs.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale]()
World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale
Shephard sat down with Hanwha Middle East and Africa president Sung Il at World Defense Show 2026 to hear about the company’s plans for the region and how it plans to use local industry success to win deals.
