The German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann officially announced its partnership with the Estonian company Milrem Robotics and the signature of a contract to deliver 14 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to Ukraine.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Milrem Robotics THeMIS UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicle in live demonstration. (Picture source army Recognition)
Of the 14 vehicles, seven will be configured for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. The other seven, to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023, will be configured for route clearance with payloads from the French defense manufacturer CNIM Systèmes Industriels.
“Casualty evacuation and route clearance are two labor-intensive activities that require the engagement of several people who remain in constant threat of enemy fire. Automating these tasks with unmanned vehicles alleviates that danger and allows more soldiers to stay in a safe area or be tasked for more important activities,” explained Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defense R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.
The Estonian company Milrem Robotics delivered one CASEVAC THeMIS to a Ukrainian charitable organization earlier this year which has proven to be a valuable asset.
“The deployment of the THEMIS UGV to Ukraine means that the Ukrainian forces can increase the safety of their soldiers and let the UGVs handle tasks that are an immediate threat to humans. That is the ultimate purpose of robotic systems. Milrem Robotics is proud to be able to contribute to Ukraine’s fight against the aggressor,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
"This important project gives evidence of our common ability to provide advanced technology to Ukraine. We are determined to support Ukraine with protective and lifesaving equipment. The fast delivery of 14 THeMIS UGVs proves that KMW and Milrem are partners you can rely on,” said Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW.
The THeMIS UGV is already part of different programs in 16 countries, including eight NATO members: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US.
The THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System) is a multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle developed and manufactured by the Estonian company MILREM Robotics. The design of the robot is based on an open architecture that enables it to be rapidly configured from having a transport function to being armed, performing ordnance disposal or supporting intelligence operations according to the nature of the mission.
The THeMIS is based on a tracked chassis and can be powered by two types of propulsion systems including a diesel motor and an electric generator. It has a combat weight of 800 kg and is capable of transporting an equivalent payload. It can be controlled via remote control at a distance of up to 1.5 km.
