Denmark has recently acquired eight unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) as part of a strategic initiative to explore their potential applications in future military operations. The UGVs are supplied by two companies: four THeMIS vehicles from Estonia-based Milrem Robotics and four MFP-1 platforms from UK-based XRC Robotics.
These vehicles will be designated to the Danish Army’s Combat Service Branch located in Slagelse, in western Denmark. A comprehensive testing program is set to commence this month, aiming to evaluate the vehicles on several fronts, including technical performance, operational reliability, potential tactical uses, and any limitations encountered during their operation.
The decision to integrate UGVs into the Danish military structure is influenced in part by insights gained from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the need to reduce personnel risks in contested environments. The UGVs are designed to undertake a variety of roles such as transporting ammunition, food, and medical supplies to forward units, conducting remote reconnaissance with onboard cameras and sensors, and providing support during combat operations. Furthermore, certain platforms are intended for casualty evacuation from high-risk zones and the deployment of explosive devices.
A significant aspect of the upcoming trials will be the active involvement of soldiers who will assess how these unmanned ground systems can be seamlessly integrated into standard field operations such as logistics, surveillance, and direct combat support.
The larger THeMIS platform is particularly noteworthy, with a weight of around 1,600 kilograms (3,530 pounds) and a payload capacity of up to 1,200 kilograms (2,645 pounds). It features a diesel-electric hybrid drive, achieves a range of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles), and is equipped with rubber tracks for enhanced off-road mobility. Although the vehicles are being tested in a basic configuration, their open architecture allows room for future upgrades, including the addition of mission-specific modules like remotely operated weapon systems. Interestingly, at least one THeMIS is set to be outfitted with a light 7.62 mm machine gun during the evaluation phase.
On the other hand, the compact MFP-1 UGV weighs a mere 25 kilograms (55 pounds), making it transportable by a single soldier. Despite its smaller size, it boasts a payload capacity of up to 35 kilograms (77 pounds) and can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour. Powered by an electric motor, it has an operational range of approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) and is specifically designed for quick deployment and close-range reconnaissance missions.
Through this initiative, Denmark hopes to enhance the effectiveness of its military operations while ensuring the safety of its personnel in complex and hazardous environments.
