Milrem Robotics Partner with Ukrainian Defense Industry
Estonian-based Milrem Robotics has announced a partnership with Ukraine’s UDI (Ukrainian Defence Industry) with the intention to forge ‘next-generation multi-domain robotic systems’.
UDI is a joint-stock company which brings together Ukraine’s state-owned defence companies, which currently employs around 67,000 people, has become the strategic manufacturer of weapons and military equipment in Ukraine. Milrem Robotics and UDI laid out a clear plan for their cooperation stating that they “will start strategic cooperation in identifying Ukraine’s requirements and use cases for robotic systems which can enhance the capabilities of Ukraine’s armed units in the ongoing war and after the war,” they will then seek to “integrate Ukraine’s battlefield experience into Milrem Robotics’ existing robotic and autonomous systems and develop new products to create Ukraine’s manned and unmanned multi-domain capabilities.”
The agreement, which was signed during the First Defense Industries Forum (DFNC1) in Kyiv, plans for the development of manufacturing activities between Milrem Robotics and the members of UDI.
“This unfortunate war in Ukraine has made it clear that unmanned and robotic systems have an important role on battlefield and this role will increase in time,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “The main goal is to protect the troops and to keep the warfighters safe, but at the same time provide stronger and an asymmetric effect on the aggressor’s forces. We are honoured to cooperate with UDI to develop and manufacture robotic systems which help Ukraine win this war.”
Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, said:
“The First International Defence Industries Forum proved that we are on the same course as our Western partners, as Ukrainian manufacturers signed an agreement with Milrem Robotics and other global arms companies. Currently, Ukraine is gaining unique experience in Defense Tech, and we are ready to share this knowledge with our partners. We aim to deepen our cooperation with leading high-tech international companies to build the arsenal of the free world together.”
Ukrainian defence developers and manufacturers will be included to integrate their defence technology, such as weapon systems, electronic warfare and mine-clearing equipment with Milrem’s robotic vehicles to meet the requirements of the armed forces.
More than a year ago Milrem Robotics, in partnership with KMW, provided 14 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles funded by the German government. One further THeMIS has also been delivered and the types in theatre reportedly include the cargo transporter, casualty evacuation and route clearance variants.
Milrem and UDI plan to explore manufacturing the THeMIS Combat (with HMG and antitank capabilities), Combat Engineering (mine detection and demining), CASEVAC unmanned ground vehicles and other Milrem Robotics’ products in Ukraine. Milrem’s announcement also stated that the companies would cooperate on designing a wheeled Robotic Combat Vehicle.