Estonian company Milrem Robotics, the leading developer of robotic and autonomous systems, has announced the launch of a UK-specific version of the THeMIS Combat Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) in collaboration with Overwatch Aerospace Ltd, MSI-Defence Systems Limited (MSI-DS), and Pearson Engineering Limited at DSEI 2025.
This strategic relationship will see the four companies develop, test, demonstrate, and produce the combat-proven THeMIS platform in the United Kingdom, specifically designed to meet the needs of UK customers.
“Collaborating with Milrem Robotics on this UK-focused UGV demonstrates how the best of British engineering, combined with proven international platforms, can deliver world-class capability to the British Army.”
Brigadier (ret) Haydn White, Senior Military Adviser at MSI-Defence Systems
“By working with trusted British partners, we deliver an advanced and mission-ready combat system and ensure that development, testing, and production happen here in the UK, creating local value and strengthening domestic defence capabilities,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
The UK version of the THeMIS Combat UGV will combine Milrem Robotics’ battlefield-proven THeMIS UGV platform with MSI-Defence Systems’ advanced TERRAHAWK Remote Weapon Station (RWS) and Overwatch Aerospace’s innovative APEX Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). Pearson Engineering will contribute its proven expertise in integrating mission-critical capabilities into armoured platforms, ensuring the vehicle is optimised for survivability, mobility, and adaptability to UK operational requirements.
Strategic partnership with Estonia drives UK defence technology forward
“Integrating our APEX UAS into the THeMIS Combat UGV introduces a completely new dimension to battlefield awareness and adaptability. By merging unmanned ground and aerial capabilities into a unified system, we enable forces to operate more effectively, with improved situational awareness and lower risk to personnel. This collaboration ensures our innovation directly aligns with UK defence priorities,” noted Drew Michael, CEO of Overwatch Aerospace Ltd.
GOOD TO KNOW
The European Defence Fund decided to finance an unmanned ground systems development project led by the Estonian defence industry company Milrem Robotics with 50 million euros. Read more here.
The MSI-DS TERRAHAWK RWS is fully stabilised remote weapon station, which offers exceptionally precise firepower and situational awareness in a package designed for rapid integration with a wide range of payloads and sensors, said Brigadier (ret) Haydn White, Senior Military Adviser at MSI-Defence Systems. “Collaborating with Milrem Robotics on this UK-focused UGV demonstrates how the best of British engineering, combined with proven international platforms, can deliver world-class capability to the British Army,” added White.
The program will now move into a comprehensive development and trial phase, with the goal of delivering a deployable, scalable, and enduring robotic combat solution for the British Army.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Milrem Robotics is the world’s foremost developer of robotics and autonomous systems, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, the US, and the UAE.
- The company’s flagship, the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), is part of robotic programmes or in service across 19 countries. Milrem is also recognised for the HAVOC Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) and the MIFIK — the autonomous functionalities kit.
- The company is also recognised for successfully completing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project iMUGS, which focused on developing a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems. iMUGS2, the continuation of the first project, is currently in progress.
FACTS
Estonia’s defence industry is dedicated to:
- Providing advanced solutions to enhance global defence capabilities.
- Rapid innovation and adaption enabled by favourable business environment.
- Pledge over 3% of GDP to defence, work closely with NATO and support Ukraine to contribute to global security.
Are you interested in trading with Estonia? Enterprise Estonia is providing sourcing services for foreign enterprises. Contact Estonian export advisors or use our free e-consulting service to start trade with Estonia.
