THeMIS UGVs successful in Ukraine as local development approaches
Milrem’s THeMIS has been used to deal with unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. (Photo: Milrem)
Milrem Robotics has completed the delivery of 14 THeMIS UGVs to Ukrainian armed forces where they have been used for route clearance and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) roles in the war against Russia.
Seven of the systems will carry cargo and for CASEVAC and seven, equipped with payloads from the French CNIM, will be used for route clearance and demining operations.
Last month, Milrem signed a cooperation agreement with the Ukrainian Defense Industry (UDI), a consolidation of national defence industry companies, which detailed several development and manufacturing activities between Milrem and the members of UDI.
Under the agreement the parties will begin strategic cooperation in identifying Ukraine’s requirements and use cases for robotic systems which could potentially enhance the capabilities of Ukraine’s armed units in the ongoing war and after the war.
The experience of the system in the war will be integrated into system improvements and the parties will investigate manufacturing THeMIS combat, combat engineering (mine detection and demining) and CASEVAC UGVs, as well as other Milrem Robotics’ products in Ukraine.
Cpt (res) Jüri Pajuste, head of Ukrainian programmes at Milrem Robotics, said the systems were being used to clear anti-tank mines and unexploded ordnance. He noted that they were also being used to transport equipment to dangerous or less accessible areas.
Pajuste said: “The operators of the UGVs noted that during the bezdorizhzhia, as the muddy season is referred to in Ukrainian, the THeMIS can act as a re-supply vehicle instead of heavy trucks that tend to get stuck.
“Also, the small size and low height of the UGV makes its discovery by the enemy difficult and that has increased its survivability.”
More from Land Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering kicks off export drive for new Bronco 3
The original Bronco was developed to meet the requirements of the Singapore Army and subsequently built in large numbers and many configurations.
-
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.
On the show floor at DSEI 2025, representatives from ST Engineering and ARIS, and retired Italian general Ivan Caruso outlined the background to the teaming agreement with land warfare expert Christopher F Foss.
-
DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates
The company is investing in increasing production while major subcontractors also push to keep up with demand, with Sweden’s recent Request for Information potentially adding another 500 to the order book.
-
DSEI 2025: Controp Discusses AI-Enabled Multi-Domain Surveillance Solutions
At DSEI 2025, Controp representatives outline how artificial intelligence is being integrated with electro-optical payloads to improve decision-making and operational efficiency across land, air, and maritime domains.
-
SCD highlights advances in infrared imaging for defence operations
Infrared imaging manufacturer SCD outlines its approach to enhancing visibility for defence forces operating in complex environments.
-
DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks
The mobility trials saw the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) tested at a variety of locations in the UK, covering a combined 760km across a variety of terrains including road and cross country.