Japan orders THeMIS UGVs
THeMIS UGVs have been adopted by 16 countries including eight NATO nations. (Photo: Milrem)
Milrem’s Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) is a modular, multimission, hybrid UGV. The current fifth-generation model incorporates knowledge gained during tests in the US, Europe and the Middle East, as well as during field-deployment in Mali in the French-led Operation Barkhane.
Japan has ordered three Milrem Robotics THeMIS UGVs for resupply, transportation and intelligence gathering for service with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces.
The vehicles will be equipped with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit (MIFIK), enabling them to execute on- and off-road operations independently, and allowing operators to plan missions using waypoint navigation and set en-route vehicle behaviours.
A Milrem spokesman announced at World Defence Show in February 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that it had recently signed two new contracts, the first of which was expected to be revealed “shortly” with the second after a “slightly longer delay”. The first of these contracts was likely to have been the Japanese contract.
The platform has been ordered by or is in service with 17 countries including eight NATO countries: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK and the US. THeMIS UGVs have also been in service with Ukrainian soldiers in the war with Russia.
In January, it was announced that Milrem would supply 60 large UGVs to the UAE, a combination of heavily armed and reconnaissance systems, under a deal announced worth more than US$200 million. Forty of the vehicles will be THeMIS.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement]()
AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement
The CAESAR Mk II, which was debuted internationally at Eurosatory last year, is a step up from the first model which has seen combat in Ukraine and the Middle East.
-
![AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system]()
AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system
The Elta 6631 has been developed using the experience of the Israel Defense Forces in route proving, and can be customised for various customers and circumstances.
-
![AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion]()
AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion
Boeing will work with prime contractor Lockheed Martin to boost PAC-3 production capacity to hit higher delivery targets, as demand for the interceptors continues to surge.
-
![AUSA 2025: AM General “on target” for JLTV full-rate production in 2026 as it uncrews a Humvee]()
AUSA 2025: AM General “on target” for JLTV full-rate production in 2026 as it uncrews a Humvee
AM General believes it has completed working with customers for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to reach a final version of the vehicle and to prepare to begin producing vehicles under full rate production.
-
![AUSA 2025: Honeywell debuts SAMURAI CUAS system after demonstrations and trials]()
AUSA 2025: Honeywell debuts SAMURAI CUAS system after demonstrations and trials
The system is designed to operate against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and has been demonstrated for the US Army and Department of Defense. It is designed to be agnostic and provide software and C2 systems in support of a range of sensors and effectors.
-
![AUSA 2025: German RCH 155 gets tracks]()
AUSA 2025: German RCH 155 gets tracks
KNDS Deutschland has unveiled a tracked Boxer demonstrator integrating the RCH 155 turret, offering lower ground pressure, on-the-move firing and an ISO-container resupply solution as customers line up for mobility-focused artillery.
