Milrem Robotics’ new combat uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) Themis variant, being developed with a trio of U.K. firms, could be put through its paces in Ukraine.
Estonian autonomous systems specialists Milrem Robotics has announced it is teaming up with three British firms to create a version of its Themis uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) tailored to British needs.
The combat UGV will combine Milrem’s battle-proven Themis UGV platform with MSI-Defence Systems’ Terrahawk remote weapon station (RWS) and Overwatch Aerospace’s Apex uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
A third British firm, Pearson Engineering’s contribution will be centred on integrating the platform’s capabilities and optimising it for U.K. operational requirements.
Speaking with Defence Leaders at DSEI U.K. in London this week, Director of Industrial Partnerships at Milrem Paul Clayton explained: “We think there is a requirement, having done the analysis of where U.K. light forces are and especially support to Estonia, to have an ability to be able to up-gun the lethality in line with the Chief General Staff’s decree that he wants to double it by 2027 and triple it by 2030.
“So what we’ve done is we’ve done a little bit of pre-emption on this. We’ve thought: ‘How do we put together a vehicle that we’ve already got operational with U.K. partners to be able to deliver that?’”
He added: “We found a partner with Pearson that would be able to manufacture the vehicle under license in the north-east of England, which would be really good. We found MSI, who do remote-control weapon stations, to be able to provide the firepower. And Overwatch, which is a small U.K. startup which delivers a loitering munition that can launch from the vehicle up to 40 kilometers to have an effect on the enemy.”
“The base platform is on Themis, which is about 1.6 tons, 2.5 metres by 2 metres, and it’s currently operational, it’s in Ukraine…We’re taking the knowledge of Ukraine, making it in the U.K., and then sending it back to Estonia, potentially, to be able to enhance our brigade as part of their forward-land forces.”
“So this is our aspiration at the moment. We’ve decided between all of the partners that we want to do this and move forward. The first step is integrating all the weapon systems onto the vehicle, both mechanically, electronically and with software. We’re looking to do that and have that done by the end of quarter two next year. And then with a view to get it out with troops, should the British Army agree… to be able to go and conduct exercises and experimentation so they can see if they like it.
“And we would also like to put this through into Ukraine under Task Force Kindred, for example, so we can get it battle-tested in the most harsh environments, challenging environments.”
CEO of Overwatch Aerospace Drew Michael said integrating APEX onto the UGV “introduces a completely new dimension to battlefield awareness and adaptability. By merging unmanned ground and aerial capabilities into a unified system, we enable forces to operate more effectively, with improved situational awareness and lower risk to personnel.”
Senior Military Adviser at MSI-Defence Systems Brigadier (ret) Haydn White observed: “Collaborating with Milrem Robotics on this U.K.-focused UGV demonstrates how the best of British engineering, combined with proven international platforms, can deliver world-class capability to the British Army.”
And Pearson Engineering CEO Ian Bell said his firm would “ensure that the Themis Combat UGV is adapted perfectly for U.K. operational environments and that it delivers reliable performance in the most challenging conditions.”
- You can read more details on the Milrem Robotics website
