The French remote weapon systems manufacturer Hornet and Europe's leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems Milrem Robotics display a new THeMIS Combat unmanned ground vehicle at DSEI 2021 in London.

Milrem Robotics' THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with the Hornet Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The system features Milrem Robotics' THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with the Hornet Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS). The Hornet was developed for the new French 4x4 and 6x6 armored vehicle program Scorpion, however, it offers unique features for UGV applications.

"Combat robotics is the future of warfare that will significantly increase the capabilities and survivability of units. Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS is the preferred UGV for weapon systems integrations. With the future-oriented Hornet that has several innovative features, we have created an unmanned system that allows combat units to encounter today's challenges on the battlefield more effectively," said Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Director of Defence Research and Development at Milrem Robotics.

Milrem Robotics is the European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is mostly known for its THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle intended to support dismounted troops and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, a wingman for mechanized units.

Hornet is dedicated to the promotion and marketing of the Hornet range of remotely operated turrets. It was officially launched at IDEX 2021 in Abu Dhabi. Hornet offers high-end remotely operated weapons systems with the most advanced technologies and capabilities, which can be adapted to fit very specific tactical needs, including UGVs.

The current offering includes the Hornet, the flagship product of the new range, and the Hornet Lite, a lighter version with the same optronic systems. These RCWS fully enhance the capabilities of the vehicles equipped, taking them to fully new operational levels. All Hornet RCWS users benefit from the feedback and possible upgrades to the range. The remote-controlled weapon stations of the Hornet range are very versatile products, combining an effector and latest generation sensors. This makes them the tool of choice for observation, reconnaissance, and intelligence, but also for information sharing, blue/ red force tracking, designation of enemy targets and indirect fire guidance.

The Hornet stations are also incomparably more accurate than the previous generation of turrets, particularly in movement. They are gyro-stabilized from the optronic unit, which gives them exceptional stability and accuracy. The probability of hitting on the first shot is enhanced by a sophisticated ballistic solution calculation system that considers various parameters such as weapon, ammunition type, range, target movement and vehicle behavior.

THeMIS Combat UGVs provide direct fire support for maneuver forces acting as a force multiplier increasing stand-off distance, force protection and situational awareness. The THeMIS is equipped with intelligent functions such as waypoint navigation, follow-me, obstacle detection and avoidance. The intelligent functions are only used for mobility and the weapon system is controlled by a human operator. 

Milrem Robotics is the European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator with offices in Estonia, Sweden, Finland and shortly in the Netherlands. The company is the leader of the iMUGS Consortium that was awarded 30,6 MEUR from the European Commission's European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS).

Milrem Robotics' THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with the Hornet Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) (left) with the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, a wingman for mechanized units (right). (Picture source: Army Recognition)