Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has been awarded a contract to supply the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) with THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles. The company will supply Japan with three THeMIS UGVs configured for various tasks, including supply transportation and intelligence gathering. The vehicles are equipped with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit (MIFIK), enabling them to execute on- and off-road operations independently. MIFIK allows UGV operators to plan missions using waypoint navigation and set en-route vehicle behaviours. MIFIK is used strictly for vehicle mobility.
THeMIS UGVs were selected by the Japan Ministry of Defense as a target of the newly introduced Rapid Acquisition Program. Milrem Robotics will provide maximum support for Japan to be equipped as soon as possible. In addition, THeMIS UGVs were chosen because they utilise cutting-edge technology and have already been adopted in 16 countries, including eight NATO countries: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US. THeMIS UGVs are also assisting Ukrainian soldiers in the war with Russia. It is expected that THeMIS UGVs will provide new ways to keep more soldiers safe and make operations more efficient for the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
“The goal of the Ground Self-Defense Forces is to fundamentally strengthen its defence capabilities with unmanned assets in order to gain asymmetric superiority while limiting human losses. A task to which UGVs are uniquely qualified. We are honoured that the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces has selected us to support them in increasing the combat effectiveness of their ground forces through advanced robotics and achieving their capability goals,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
Milrem Robotics is an Estonian robotic vehicle manufacturer. Their primary products are the THeMIS UGV, the Multiscope UGV and a robotic combat vehicle designated as the Type-X. Milrem Robotics was established in 2013. Development on the first unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) began late 2014. The company runs subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and the US. In February 2023 the EDGE group located in the UAE[1] bought a majority share of the company giving the UAE access to knowledge about the European IMUGS (integrated modular ground system) and CUGS (combined unmanned ground system).
