14 THeMIS Units for CASEVAC and Route Clearance

Milrem Robotics is to deliver 14 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine, in cooperation with KMW in an effort funded by the German MoD.

Of the 14 vehicles, seven will be configured for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. The other seven, to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023, will be configured for route clearance with payloads developed by CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

“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 Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.

Milrem delivered a single CASEVAC THeMIS to a Ukrainian charitable organisation earlier this year that has proven to be a valuable asset.

“The deployment of the THeMIS UGV to Ukraine means that the Ukrainian forces can increase the safety of their soldiers and let the UGVs handle tasks that are an immediate threat to humans. That is the ultimate purpose of robotic systems,” commented company CEO, Kuldar Väärsi.

“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,” added Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW.

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 weaponised, performing ordnance disposal or supporting intelligence operations according to the nature of the mission. It is already part of multiple programmes in 16 countries, including eight NATO members: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US.