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's Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) has an open architecture which has allowed it to be reconfigured to serve as a transportation, weapons or IED-detection platform.
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
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme]()
Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme
The move signals significant progress for the delayed Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme with first powerpack prototypes set to be tested before the end of the decade.
-
![UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence]()
UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence
Reported to provide a high percentage of precision in its engagements, the South Korean air defence system has been receiving growing international interest since it was deployed by the UAE to defeat Iranian missiles.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
-
![UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary]()
UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary
Estonia is looking for innovative ways to deal with its particular challenges but, according to the MoD’s permanent secretary, Kaimo Kuusk, technology still needs to be backed up by old-fashioned long-range punch.
