Image: Danish MoD
The Danish Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and Procurement Agency (FMI) has acquired a total of eight uncrewed land vehicles, also known as Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGV). The UGVs come from Estonian THeMIS and British MFP-1, which each deliver four vehicles.
The uncrewed vehicles will be handed over to the Service Branch for Combat Troops in Slagelse. A new test program will begin in January 2026, which will identify the technical performance, tactical possibilities and limitations of the systems.
Combat support in the field
One of the main elements of the test process is for the soldiers to test and demonstrate how uncrewed “ground drones” can be used for everything from supply and reconnaissance to combat support in modern warfare, inspired by the experiences from Ukraine.
The large THeMIS weighs approximately 1,600 kg and can transport up to 1,200 kg of payload over terrain with its rubber tracks. The platform is diesel-electric (hybrid) and has a range of up to 200 km. For now, THeMIS has been purchased without additional equipment, but the open architecture allows for a number of modules – for example, a stabilized remotely controlled weapon system (STAVS).
Reconnaissance and observation
Jakob, a caseworker in the Land Division at FMI, is one of those who has been involved in securing this acquisition. He says that the plan is that at some point during the testing process with the UGVs, a light 7.62 mm machine gun will also be mounted on the THeMIS platform.
At the other end of the scale is the small MFP-1 from XRC Robotics. The MFP-1 weighs just 25 kg and can be lifted and carried by one person. Despite its size, it can carry a load of 35 kg and travel up to 60 km/h, powered by a battery motor with a range of 30 km. This mini-UGV is designed for rapid deployment and reconnaissance.
“Initially, it’s for pure observation,” Jakob says of the small vehicles.
Tactical potential in modern warfare
The experience from Ukraine also provides several concrete examples of the value of UGVs.
Both sides in the conflict have used uncrewed vehicles to deliver ammunition, food and medicine to the front lines, as well as to evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield, where flying drones are a constant threat.
Source: Danish MoD Press Release














