DSTL is procuring the unmanned vehicles to explore the capabilities and limitations of these autonomous systems in areas such as mobility, vulnerabilities and safety.
Milrem Robotics will supply the vehicles in partnership with defence technology company QinetiQ, who will integrate autonomous functions to the vehicles and arrange transfer to the end user.
In cooperation with QinetiQ, Milrem Robotics is participating in two UK large-scale robotics programmes – JTARR (Joint Tactical Autonomous Resupply and Replenishment) and RPV (Robotic Platoon Vehicle). Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, says: “The UK has a clear view on the importance of robotics on the battlefield and its impact on defence capabilities. This is illustrated by the two large-scale robotics programmes in which Milrem Robotics is currently participating in the UK.”
DSTL follows similar organisations in the Netherlands, Norway and Germany who have also opted to explore the Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) platform. In addition, THeMIS UGV has been delivered to France, US and Indonesia in logistics configuration intended to provide combat support and carry supplies with an option to integrate additional kinetic or non-kinetic payloads.
