Solutions to win: Ukraine to produce combat robotic systems with Milrem Robotics

The JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry signed an agreement with Estonian Milrem Robotics to jointly develop a new generation of multi-domain robotic defense systems, the press release says.

What is the problem?

Robotics is now actively developing globally, as maintenance and logistics are significantly cheaper than human labor. Robots can be sent to riskier tasks and are not so afraid of their surroundings – the equipment can self-destruct, make faster decisions, and, unlike humans, are not subject to stress.

Modern technologies make robotizing all the equipment used in combat operations possible, having all the capabilities to track the enemy, destroy the equipment, and rescue those injured on the battlefield.

The Saber automatic turret is one of the first Ukrainian robotic developments to be used in the war with Russia.

Another Ukrainian development is the Myslyvets surveillance and firearms system, which can perform not only combat missions. It also helps evacuate the wounded from the battlefield and transport combat supplies.

To be successful on the front line and to protect our defenders, there must be thousands of such robots.

What is the solution?

The agreement, signed during the First Defense Industry Forum (DFNC1) in Kyiv, includes several areas of development and production between Milrem Robotics and Ukroboronprom.

How does it work?

The first step of such an agreement is that the parties will start strategic cooperation by identifying Ukraine's needs and options for using robotic systems that can enhance the capabilities of the troops.

Ukrainian companies will be involved in integrating the experience gained on the battlefield into existing Milrem Robotics robotic and autonomous systems to develop new products to create manned and unmanned systems.

Ukrainian defense companies will also integrate their technologies, such as weapons systems, electronic warfare, and demining equipment.

This is necessary to combine Ukrainian technologies with Milrem robots and meet the requirements of the armed forces.

The parties are considering localizing the production of robotic platforms developed by Milrem Robotics in Ukraine.

The THeMIS multi-purpose platform can be used for cargo delivery, and an auxiliary platform for transporting heavy weapons, including mortars.

The platform can be used in combat as an autonomous system carrying a remote-controlled module with an automatic grenade launcher machine gun, ATGM (Javelin), and a 30-mm automatic cannon.

Ukrainian forces have 15 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles used to support logistics, evacuate the wounded, and clear routes.