Estonian defense manufacturer Milrem Robotics has signed the largest contract in its history for THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Notably, this record order is intended for Ukraine's Defense Forces.
According to Defence Industry Europe, deliveries will take place under a European Union assistance program. The agreement is also seen as a step toward scaling up production for future additional procurements.
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As Defense Express recalls, Ukrainian forces have been operating THeMIS UGVs since 2022. The exact number in service is not known. However, in early 2025 Milrem Robotics announced plans to have over 200 of its robots deployed in Ukraine by the end of the year, compared with just 14 units reported in early 2024.
It is unclear whether those projected figures already included the new large-scale order, the size of which has not been disclosed. If not, Ukraine can expect a significant increase in the number of robotic platforms.
Last year, Milrem Robotics also announced plans to expand its production capacity, with a new plant expected to reach an output of up to 500 robots annually.
THeMIS UGVs are widely employed by Ukraine's Defense Forces for logistics, medical evacuation, and demining tasks. Armed variants also exist, including those equipped with anti-tank guided missile systems.
Recently, Ukrainian defense company Frontline integrated its Burya (Storm) turret onto the THeMIS platform. The system mounts a 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher, enabling stable and accurate fire against targets at ranges beyond 1,100 meters.
Such capabilities are especially important given the current mass use of drones, which can quickly locate and strike static weapons positions. Robotic systems, in turn, significantly reduce the risk for human operators.
The broader field of UGVs is expanding rapidly, ranging from small kamikaze platforms based on anti-tank mines to large, vehicle-sized systems such as the Protector, developed by Ukraine's Ukrainian Armor company. This is a highly promising direction for defense innovation, with continuous search for new solutions.
Nevertheless, the THeMIS stands out as one of the very first platforms of its kind to be deployed in combat by Ukraine's Defense Forces. Today, it is in service in 19 countries worldwide, making it a strong symbol of Europe’s defense-industrial capabilities.
Looking ahead in Ukraine, further integration is expected, including the use of domestic turrets, incorporation into operational planning scenarios, and adaptation of the systems for specific missions with subsequent large-scale deployment.
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