Milrem Robotics Teams Up with KMW to Supply 14 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine

The prominent European robotics and autonomous systems innovator, Milrem Robotics, alongside the German defense enterprise Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), has finalized an agreement to supply 14 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to Ukraine.

Out of the 14 units, seven will be designed for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and are expected to be delivered by the conclusion of this year. The remaining seven, scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2023, will be tailored for route clearance, featuring payloads from the French defense producer CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

This initiative receives funding from the German Ministry of Defense.

“Casualty evacuation and route clearance are two demanding operations that necessitate the involvement of multiple individuals who remain under constant threat from hostile fire. Automating these chores with unmanned vehicles mitigates that risk and allows more personnel to remain in a secure environment or be assigned to more critical responsibilities,” elaborated Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.

Earlier this year, Milrem Robotics provided a CASEVAC THeMIS to a Ukrainian charitable organization, which has proven to be an invaluable asset.

“The introduction of the THEMIS UGV to Ukraine signifies that Ukrainian forces can enhance the safety of their personnel and enable the UGVs to undertake tasks that pose an immediate risk to human life. This aligns with the ultimate objective of robotic systems. Milrem Robotics is honored to contribute to Ukraine’s struggle against the aggressor,” stated Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“This significant endeavor reflects our collective capability to deliver cutting-edge technology to Ukraine. We are resolute in our commitment to support Ukraine with protective and lifesaving gear. The swift provision of 14 THeMIS UGVs demonstrates that KMW and Milrem are trusted partners,” said Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW.

THeMIS is a versatile unmanned ground vehicle featuring an open architecture, which allows it to be rapidly adapted from a transport role to being outfitted with weaponry, performing ordnance disposal, or aiding intelligence operations based on mission requirements.

The THeMIS UGV is currently involved in various initiatives across 16 nations, including eight NATO allies: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US.