“EDGE Group’s Milrem Robotics Launches Innovative UGV Featuring Hunter 2-S Swarming Drones”

EDGE entity Milrem Robotics, Europe’s foremost innovator in robotics and autonomous systems, today revealed the THeMIS Combat unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), fitted with the HALCON HUNTER 2-S swarming loitering munition. HALCON stands as a regional frontrunner in the crafting and manufacturing of guided weaponry systems and beyond. The new THeMIS Combat was introduced in London at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI 2023), one of the globe’s largest defence and security exhibitions.

Wim Strydom, COO of HALCON, stated: “We are enthusiastic about presenting an advanced technological solution that highlights EDGE’s smart ordinance and autonomous systems working together. The THeMIS Combat represents an exceptional platform, and the HUNTER 2-S loitering munition will enhance its autonomous functionalities. This also underscores its commitment to cultivating synergies and strategic alliances within the Group.”

Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director of Milrem Robotics, remarked: “Units can maneuver the THeMIS Combat alongside HUNTER 2-S drones closer to enemy positions. This enables them to engage proximal targets more swiftly or venture deeper into enemy territory to locate suitable targets. Deploying robotic systems behind enemy lines is significantly quicker and more efficient than deploying manned units for similar operations.”

The mission-proven THeMIS UGV, which is incorporated into robotics initiatives across 16 nations, aims to assist dismounted infantry units. It is outfitted with MIFIK – Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit – which provides autonomous mobility capabilities, including point-to-point navigation, follow-me functionality, obstacle detection, and avoidance systems.

The HUNTER 2-S is an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) featuring advanced artificial intelligence (AI) designed to execute coordinated missions in a swarm formation. It can independently follow a flight plan, cooperate with other drones in the swarm, and loiter while identifying and classifying targets until engagement by a human operator. The HUNTER 2-S possesses a 2kg payload capacity, a cruising altitude of 500m, and a speed of 90km/h, with an operational endurance of 45 minutes.

The THeMIS Combat and other Milrem Robotics solutions can be discovered at stand no H4-122.