BEIRUT — Estonian defense tech firm Milrem Robitics announced it is teaming with a trio of UK companies to create a new version of Milrem’s THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle tailored to British needs.
Announced at the DSEI defense expo in the UK on Tuesday, Milrem said it would be working with Overwatch Aerospace, MSI-Defence Systems, and Pearson Engineering to “develop, test, demonstrate, and produce the combat-proven THeMIS platform in the United Kingdom, specifically designed to meet the needs of UK customers.”
The UK-customized version will integrate Milrem’s THeMIS UGV with MSI’s remote weapon station TERRAHAWK and Overwatch’s APEX unmanned aerial system, while Pearson will provide the integration of “mission-critical capabilities into armoured platforms.”
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“By working with trusted British partners, we deliver an advanced and mission-ready combat system and ensure that development, testing, and production happen here in the UK, creating local value and strengthening domestic defence capabilities,” said Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Väärsi.
Overwatch CEO Drew Michael said that adding the APEX drone to THeMIS will merge “unmanned ground and aerial capabilities into a unified system, we enable forces to operate more effectively, with improved situational awareness and lower risk to personnel.” MSI senior military advisor Haydn White, meanwhile, said the TERRAHAWK will offer “precise firepower,” and Pearson CEO Ian Bell said his firm would “ensure that the THeMIS Combat UGV is adapted perfectly for UK operational environments.
The statement added that THeMIS combat UGV will enter development and trial phase to be delivered for the British army, but didn’t provide specifics.
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Milrem, which is majority owned by Emirati defense conglomerate EDGE Group, says that 19 nations have acquired THeMIS, including the UK already. The company says the robot has been combat deployed in Ukraine for ferrying cargo and casualty evacuation, though one official suggested in January that direct strike missions were a possibility.