France is set to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s unlawful invasion by supplying unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) constructed in Estonia. This initiative was revealed by Milrem Robotics, a Tallinn-based company, which will provide six of its advanced Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) platforms, specifically equipped for route clearance operations.
The UGVs will be sent to the French military equipment developer CNIM Systèmes Industriels. Their task will be to integrate a specialized demining payload into the vehicles before they are dispatched to Ukraine’s conflict-affected regions. The deployment of these vehicles is aimed at enhancing the Ukrainian State Emergency Service’s capability to conduct rapid minesweeping missions in high-risk settings.
According to Milrem, the fleet will perform essential functions such as remote scanning, identifying, and neutralizing various explosive threats. This capability ensures the safety of mine countermeasures teams operating in these challenging environments. In addition to their primary role in mine clearance, the drones will also assist in securing civilian movement, protecting environmental resources, preserving agricultural areas, and supporting residential renovations.
In Ukraine, the newly delivered drones will be referred to as Route Clearance Unmanned Systems (ROCUS) UGVs. They will join the initial seven systems that were already provided under this collaborative effort in 2022. Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Väärsi commented on the situation, noting that THeMIS UGVs have demonstrated their reliability and versatility across various operational scenarios, not only in Ukraine but also in other contexts.
Furthermore, this initiative underscores a strong European defense cooperation, emphasizing the commitment to delivering substantial support to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. In line with this cooperation, Milrem Robotics has established a partnership with Ukraine’s state-owned defense firm Ukroboronprom. This agreement, signed earlier in 2023, aims at the joint manufacturing of advanced tactical UGVs, which will leverage the combined expertise of both organizations in ground-based autonomous systems. Future developments will include THeMIS variants focused on anti-tank capabilities, mine countermeasures, and medical support.
