Milrem Robotics discussed the use of their drones in Ukraine
Milrem Robotics, the manufacturer of THeMIS drones, discussed their experience during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The press service Milrem Robotics shared this on its official website. THeMIS ground-based unmanned platforms supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces are actively used for demining, cargo transportation, and other tasks, based on the feedback shared with the company.
"The UGVs delivered to Ukraine are being used to clear areas from anti-tank mines as well as unexploded ordnances (UXOs), transporting equipment to areas that are not accessible with conventional vehicles or where the risk of losing that equipment is high," said Cpt (ret.) Juri Pajuste, in charge of the Ukrainian program in Milrem Robotics. Milrem Robotics has delivered 14 THeMIS drones to Ukraine. Seven systems are designed for cargo transportation and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), and seven are supplied with engineering equipment manufactured by the French CNIM for mine clearance operations.
"Casualty evacuation and route clearance are two labour-intensive activities where soldiers performing these tasks immediately become targets for the enemy. UGVs, on the other hand, can be operated from a distance, keeping the soldiers in a safe location," Pajuste added.
THeMIS UGV in the demining version is being prepared to transport unexploded ordnance in Ukraine
THeMIS was also used by engineers to carry their own anti-tank mines for the expedited deployment of minefields. "The operators of the UGVs noted that during the bezdorizhzhia, as the muddy season is referred to in Ukrainian, the THeMIS can act as a re-supply vehicle instead of heavy trucks that tend to get stuck.
Also, the small size and low height of the UGV makes its discovery by the enemy difficult and that has increased its survivability," Pajuste said.
Milrem Robotics to provide drones to the Ukrainian military
In early December, Milrem Robotics signed an agreement with Ukroboronprom to jointly develop next-generation robotic defense systems. The agreement signed during the First Defense Industry Forum (DFNC1) in Kyiv includes several areas of development and production between Milrem Robotics and Ukroboronprom. As a first step, the parties will launch strategic cooperation to determine the needs of Ukraine and options for using robotic systems that could strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Ukrainian companies involved will then integrate the experience gained on the battlefield into Milrem Robotics' existing robotic and autonomous systems and develop new products to create manned and unmanned systems.
In addition, the parties are considering localizing the production of robotic platforms developed by Milrem Robotics in Ukraine.