The use of autonomous ground vehicles (UGVs) is rapidly becoming a key component of modern warfare. On the front lines in Ukraine, one of the most advanced UGVs, the THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System), is already playing a vital role, revolutionising the way military operations are carried out.
Developed by Estonian company Milrem Robotics, THeMIS has been deployed to Ukraine, where 15 units are currently operational. Their tasks range from transporting ammunition and supplies to evacuating injured soldiers, and even supporting combat operations.
According to Raul Rikk, the Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics, the THeMIS acts like a “wingman” for soldiers. “This vehicle was developed to support dismounted troops,” he explained. It’s versatile, able to carry everything from machine guns and anti-tank systems to radio equipment, sensors, and even casualties.
The THeMIS is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric engine and weighs around 1,600kg. With a top speed of 12mph, it can carry a payload of 1,200kg, about the same as a Ford Fiesta, and, when fully fuelled, it can operate in the field for up to 15 hours.
While it can be remotely operated by humans, the vehicle also has autonomous functions. “You can give it the point where it should go, it goes there,” said Rikk. “You can say to the vehicle, go home now. It goes back to the same route that it came from.”
The flexibility of THeMIS goes even further, as it can be controlled from up to a mile away and even hundreds or thousands of miles with the help of satellite systems like Starlink. This remote control capability allows operators to manage multiple robots and drones simultaneously, with the technology enabling them to carry out tasks like logistics, observation, and ammunition transport.
In December, Ukraine made headlines when it launched its first fully robotic assault near Kharkiv. The operation saw FPV drones and UGVs, some armed with machine guns and explosives, storm Russian positions. The mission was a success, with the Ukrainians suffering minimal losses, while the Russians sustained significant casualties.
Despite the rapid advancement of robotic technology, questions remain about how much autonomy should be granted to these machines. The increasing use of UGVs raises concerns over military doctrine, particularly regarding decision-making. Should autonomous vehicles be allowed to make their own battlefield decisions, or should human operators retain full control?
Rikk pointed out that adversaries like Russia and China are not bound by the same restrictions, which could give them a technological edge. “If the adversary can operate independently without human involvement, rapidly and efficiently, then we have to consider, do we really want that?” he said.
Milrem Robotics has grown significantly in recent years, and the company now produces 500 THeMIS platforms annually at its new factory in Tallinn, Estonia. Aside from providing these advanced vehicles to Ukraine, Milrem also sends engineers to repair and maintain the machines in the field.
Despite the challenges posed by electronic warfare, THeMIS has held up remarkably well. Henrik Kotkas, Milrem’s Chief Product Officer, revealed that no THeMIS has been lost due to a loss of control, although some have been captured by Russian forces during direct attacks.
The THeMIS platform has been sold to 19 countries, with the latest batch set to be deployed in the Middle East. As military technology continues to evolve, former US Army Chief General Mark Milley predicts that within 15 years, a third of the US military will be robotic.
The rapid fusion of human and machine on the battlefield in Ukraine is a testament to the pace of technological advancement and its role in modern warfare. With the rise of combat robots like the THeMIS, the future of military operations is quickly shifting towards automation and autonomy.
The age of combat robots has arrived, and it’s only the beginning.
