Mar 7 2016
During this years unmanned systems exhibiton UMEX 2016 in Abu Dhabi, the Estonian defence solutions provider, Milrem, will be showing the capabilities of the first-of-its-kind hybrid modular unmanned ground vehicle THeMIS in an exclusive demo performed for the first time in the Gulf region.
The THeMIS, made in Estonia (Photo: Business Wire)
THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System) is a multi-mission vehicle platform that can assist and replace soldiers on the battlefield in complex and hazardous tasks and is able to reduce operational risks and work as a force multiplier.
THeMIS will be exhibited at UMEX 2016 in the Estonian Pavilion 3-B5, from 6 – 8 March 2016.
Unlike existing UGVs, THeMIS is a highly modular platform that allows different superstructures to be mounted and integrated onto the middle vehicular platform for complex missions such as rescue, transport, reconnaissance. The flexibility and versatile nature of the system not only increases efficiency, it also significantly reduces the life cycle costs of these complex unmanned systems with simplified maintenance and spare supplies.
“Unmanned systems will play a significant role in the development of military capabilities in future. Within the next 10 years, we will see smart ground systems complimenting the human troops during joint missions. We’re sure that this universal UGV concept will effectively supplement defence capabilities on a battalion level,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem.
“Milrem is determined to adjust THeMIS according to UAE and Gulf region customer’s expectations in good cooperation with local technology partners. THeMIS will help to achieve same the same goals or even more with less number of human soldiers,” he added.
In line with THeMIS, Milrem has also launched the Digital Infantry Battlefield Solution (DIBS), the tactical usage of smart unmanned systems up to battalion level. This is a program in developed in conjunction with Estonian National Defence College. DIBS analyses wide variety of tactical user cases and provides new approaches to the warfare doctrines. Practical solutions will be tested in corporation with Estonian Defence Forces.
Milrem has successfully conducted initial running tests for the THeMIS prototype, and THeMIS will be ready for production by the end of this year.
For more information, watch the test drive video here or download the HD version here.