Milrem Robotics will supply 60 large UGVs to the UAE, a combination of heavily armed and reconnaissance systems, under a deal announced on 24 January and worth more than US$200 million.
A official from the Estonian robotic vehicle manufacturer, speaking to Shephard Media at Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles conference in London this week, said the deal would create a “tactical formation of robotic systems and be used to develop concepts of operation”.
“It is the largest order ever of this type, the largest in the western world for these types of vehicles,” the company official claimed. “It is a significant order for the future of the company and shows the UAE to be at the cutting edge of military technology.”
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The contract will be for 20 larger Type X Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCV) and 40 smaller THeMIS UGVs. It included the supply of tracked Type X RCVs with 30mm MK44 cannons, THeMIS Combat units equipped with 30mm M230LF remote weapon stations with indirect fire systems, and THeMIS Observe units with radar and camera systems including shot detection capabilities.
Under the terms of the contract, Milrem will lead an experimentation and trial programme aimed at integrating unmanned ground capabilities into the UAE Armed Forces’ arsenal. The initiative has marked a significant step towards enhancing the country’s armed forces’ combat capabilities through the deployment of THeMIS UGVs and tracked Type X RCVs.
The UAE’s EDGE Group bought a majority share in Milrem in February 2023.