THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System), unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), is a ground-based armed drone vehicle designed largely for military applications, and is built by Milrem Robotics in Estonia. The vehicle is intended to provide support for dismounted troops by serving as a transport platform, remote weapon station, IED detection and disposal unit etc.

THeMIS
Logistics variant of the THeMIS
TypeUnmanned ground vehicle
Place of originEstonia
Service history
In service2019–present
Used byEstonian Defence Forces
Royal Netherlands Army
WarsOperation Barkhane
Russian invasion of Ukraine
Production history
DesignerMilrem Robotics
ManufacturerMilrem Robotics
Produced2015–present
VariantsLogistics, Combat, ISR, EOD
Specifications
Mass1,630 kg (3,590 lb)
Length240 cm (94 in)
Width200 cm (79 in)
Height115 cm (45 in)

Main
armament
LMG, HMG, 40 mm AGL, 30 mm autocannon, ATGM, loitering munition launcher (Combat variant)
EngineElectric engine, diesel generator
Payload capacity1,200 kg (2,600 lb)
DriveTracked
Ground clearance60 cm (24 in)
Operational
range
1.5 km (0.93 mi)
Maximum speed 20 km/h (12 mph)

Capability

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The vehicle’s open architecture gives it multi-missions capability. The main purpose of the THeMIS Transport is to support onbase logistics and provide last mile resupply for fighting units on the frontline. It supports infantry units by reducing their physical and cognitive load, increasing standoff distance, force protection and survivability. THeMIS Combat UGVs provide direct fire support for manoeuvre forces acting as a force multiplier. With an integrated self-stabilizing remote-controlled weapon system, they provide high precision over wide areas, day and night, increasing standoff distance, force protection and survivability. Combat UGVs can be equipped with light or heavy machine guns, 40 mm grenade launchers, 30 mm autocannons and Anti-Tank Missile Systems. THeMIS ISR UGVs have advanced multi-sensor intelligence gathering capabilities. Their main purpose is to increase situational awareness, provide improved intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance over wide areas and battle damage assessment capability. The system can effectively enhance the work of dismounted infantry units, border guard and law enforcement agencies to collect and process raw information and decrease the reaction time for commanders. [1][2] THeMIS is capable of firing conventional machine gun ammunition or missile rounds[3][4][5]

History

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Milrem Robotics UGV THeMIS size comparison

On 29 September 2020, Estonia and the Netherlands officially announced that they are jointly acquiring 7 THeMIS UGVs. Both nations' armies have previously tested the system extensively.[6]

On 6 September 2022, Milrem Robotics delivered the THeMIS UGVs suited for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and transportation of supplies to Ukraine.[7] On November 22, 2022, German Ministry of Defense through Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has signed a contract to deliver another 14 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to Ukraine.[8]

The system has been exported to several NATO members and allies, including Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, Ukraine, and the US.[9][10]

Operators

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Map with THeMIS users in blue
  Estonia
  India
  Netherlands
  Spain
  Sweden
  Thailand
  Ukraine

See also

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  • Type-X, Milrem's 12-tonne robotic combat vehicle

References

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  1. ^ "This Estonian Tankette Is A Modular Body For War Robots". Popular Science. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
  2. ^ "Live Fire Test – Estonian Combat Robot - Defence24.com". www.defence24.com. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
  3. ^ "IDEX 2019: Milrem Robotics unveils missile-armed THeMIS UGV | Jane's 360". www.janes.com.
  4. ^ admin. "Weaponized Multi-Utility Unmanned Ground Vehicles". Small Arms Defense Journal. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
  5. ^ "THeMIS Hybrid Unmanned Ground Vehicle". Army Technology. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
  6. ^ a b "Eesti ja Holland ostavad Milrem Roboticsilt mehitamata maismaasõidukid" (in Estonian). Delfi. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Milrem Robotics delivers the TheMIS UGVs to Ukraine". milremrobotics.com. 6 September 2022.
  8. ^ "Milrem Robotics to deliver 14 TheMIS UGVs to Ukraine in cooperation with KMW". milremrobotics.com. 29 November 2022.
  9. ^ "Milrem Robotics delivers the first THeMIS to Australia". milremrobotics.com. 22 April 2021.
  10. ^ "Ei tarvitse kahvitaukoja – puolustusvoimat esitteli miehittämättömän maa-ajoneuvon ja dronen yhteistoimintaa tiedustelussa". yle.fi. 1 April 2022.
  11. ^ Saballa, Joe (2022-08-11). "Spain Receives First THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle". The Defense Post. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  12. ^ "Sweden Joins as Latest User of Milrem Robotics' THeMIS UGV". Milrem Robotics. 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  13. ^ "UMEX 2020: Milrem showcases updated THeMIS UGV". Melanie Rovery. janes.com. 25 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2023.