Ukraine to receive record number of THeMIS drones from Estonia’s Milrem Robotics

As reported by Defence Industry Europe, the supplies will be delivered as part of European Union assistance. It is noted that the agreement was concluded with a view to scaling up production for future additional procurements.

According to Defense Express, these systems have been in use by Ukrainian troops since 2022.

While exact numbers have not been disclosed, Milrem Robotics planned to have over 200 of its robots in Ukraine by the end of 2025, compared with just 14 units reportedly in service at the start of 2024.

THeMIS systems are actively used by Ukrainian forces for logistics, medical evacuation, and demining operations. Combat variants equipped with different weapons, including anti-tank guided missiles, also exist. 

THeMIS ground robotic system with the Burya turret, photo: Frontline

Recently, Ukrainian company Frontline integrated its Burya turret onto the THeMIS platform, armed with a 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher capable of accurate fire at distances over 1,100 meters. Such capabilities are particularly valuable in countering the widespread use of drones that can quickly locate and strike stationary positions, reducing risk for operators.

THeMIS was among the first robotic platforms deployed by Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. Today, they are operated in 19 countries worldwide and demonstrate the potential of European defense manufacturing. 

In Ukraine, efforts continue to integrate these systems into existing operational planning scenarios, adapt them for specific missions, and scale their deployment, including domestic turret developments and other combat configurations.

• THeMIS unmanned tracked armored personnel carriers, manufactured by the Estonian defense company Milrem Robotics, have arrived in Ukraine.