Estonia's Milrem to collaborate on robotics development with Ukraine's defence sector
In a significant strategic move, Estonian robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics and the Ukrainian Defence Industry have agreed to collaborate on the development of next-generation multi-domain robotic defense systems. This cooperation was formalized in Kyiv.
The inaugural phase will involve identifying Ukraine's requirements and use cases for robotics that could augment the capabilities of its armed forces in both current and post-conflict scenarios, as Milrem Robotics explained in a statement.
The collaborating parties aim to integrate Ukraine's battlefield experience into Milrem Robotics' existing robotic and autonomous systems, and develop new products to foster Ukraine's manned and unmanned multi-domain capabilities.
Commenting on the collaboration, Milrem's CEO, Kuldar Väärsi, underscored the critical role of unmanned and robotic systems on the battlefield. He stated, "The primary objective is to safeguard troops and ensure the safety of warfighters, while offering a more potent and asymmetric effect against aggressor forces. We are honored to partner with the Ukrainian Defence Industry to produce robotic systems that will aid Ukraine in its war efforts."
Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine's minister of strategic industries, echoed Väärsi's sentiments. He emphasized Ukraine's growing expertise in defense technology and the desire to share this knowledge with international partners. Kamyshin added, "Our goal is to deepen our cooperation with leading high-tech companies to jointly build the arsenal of the free world."
The partners will also explore producing Milrem's THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles in Ukraine, as well as technical collaboration in the design of a wheeled robotic combat vehicle. Milrem Robotics has already delivered 15 THeMIS vehicles to Ukraine to support logistics, casualty evacuation, and route clearance operations.
Ukraine's Defence Industry is a significant producer of weapons and military equipment in Ukraine, consolidating state defense enterprises that employ approximately 67,000 skilled professionals.
Notably, Milrem Robotics and French company CNIM Systèmes Industriels are already providing unmanned ground vehicles and robotic mine-clearing systems to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SESU) as part of a French government-funded project aiming to bolster Ukraine’s capability for clearing explosive hazards. This collaboration highlights the robust European defense cooperation in support of Ukraine with advanced robotic capabilities.
However, it is important to clarify that while there are ongoing efforts focused on mine and explosive clearance, there is no documented evidence of a joint Ukrainian defense industry and Milrem Robotics project specifically geared towards next-generation, multi-domain robotic defense systems. The current focus remains on mine clearance and route clearance using cutting-edge robotic UGVs.
- The partnership between Milrem Robotics and the Ukrainian Defence Industry is focused on the development of next-generation multi-domain robotic defense systems, initially identifying Ukraine's requirements and use cases.
- Milrem Robotics, with its expertise in robotics and autonomous systems, aims to integrate Ukraine's battlefield experience into its existing products, fostering Ukraine's manned and unmanned multi-domain capabilities.
- In addition to the collaboration with Milrem Robotics, Ukraine's Defence Industry showcases significant proficiency in defense technology, employing approximately 67,000 skilled professionals in the production of weapons and military equipment.
