The Estonian defence solutions provider, Milrem, has unveiled the first-of-its-kind modular hybrid unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System).
A multi-mission vehicle platform that can assist and replace soldiers on the battlefield in complex and hazardous tasks, THeMIS is able to reduce operational risks and work as a force multiplier, the company said in a statement.
The company said that unlike existing UGVs, “THeMIS is a highly modular platform that allows different superstructures to be mounted and integrated onto the middle vehicular platform for complex missions such as rescue, transport, reconnaissance”.
The flexibility and versatile nature of the system not only increases efficiency, it also significantly reduces the life cycle costs of these complex unmanned systems with simplified maintenance and spare supplies, the statement added.
“Unmanned systems will play a significant role in the development of military capabilities in future. Within the next 10 years, we will see smart ground systems complimenting the human troops during joint missions,” Kuldar Väärsi, the CEO of Milrem, said.
Together with Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics), Milrem has also developed the THeMIS ADDER, which is a variant where THeMIS is equipped with ST Kinetics’ remote weapon station, the RWS ADDER. THeMIS ADDER was exhibited at the Singapore Airshow 2016 earlier in February.
In line with THeMIS, Milrem has also launched the Digital Infantry Battlefield Solution, the tactical usage of smart unmanned systems up to battalion level. This is a program in development in conjunction with Estonian National Defence College. The solution analyses wide variety of tactical user cases and provides new approaches to the warfare doctrines. Practical solutions will be tested in corporation with Estonian Defence Forces.
Milrem AS is an Estonian defence solutions provider specialising in military engineering, repairing and maintenance, established in 2013.
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