Milrem Robotics and the German defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) have signed a contract to deliver 14 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to Ukraine. Of the 14 vehicles, 7 will be configured for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. The other 7, to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023, will be configured for road clearance with payloads from the French defence manufacturer CNIM Systèmes Industriels. The effort is being funded by the German Ministry of Defence.
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THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) suited for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and transportation of supplies (Picture source: Milrem Robotics)
"Casualty evacuation and route clearance are two labour-intensive activities that require the engagement of several people who remain in constant threat of enemy fire. Automating these tasks with unmanned vehicles alleviates that danger and allows more soldiers to stay in a safe area or be tasked for more important activities," explained Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.
"This important project gives evidence of our common ability to provide advanced technology to Ukraine. We are determined to support Ukraine with protective and lifesaving equipment. The fast delivery of 14 THeMIS UGVs proves that KMW and Milrem are partners you can rely on," said Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW.
On September 6, 2022, Army Recognition already published that Milrem Robotics had the THeMIS equipped with stretchers for rapid CASEVAC was delivered to a Ukrainian charitable organization. Onsite training was provided upon delivery for the quick deployment of the system. "Casualty evacuation is one of the most crucial and labor-intensive activities in conflicts.
Traditionally, it takes several people to carry a stretcher and required medical equipment. However, it would require only one to operate a UGV, which can accommodate several wounded and a lot of equipment. This means that more personnel are available to help more people," explained Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.
THeMIS is a multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle with an open architecture that enables it to be rapidly configured from having a transport function to being weaponized, performing ordnance disposal or supporting intelligence operations according to the nature of the mission. The THeMIS UGV is already part of different programs in 16 countries, including eight NATO members: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US.
Seven THeMIS will be configured for road clearance with payloads from the French defence manufacturer CNIM Systèmes Industriels (Picture source: Milrem Robotics)
