Milrem Robotics to Supply Over 150 THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles to Ukraine Under Dutch Defence Package

Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading developer of unmanned ground and autonomous systems, has announced an agreement to deliver more than 150 THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to Ukraine. The large-scale supply is part of a Dutch-funded defence support initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s battlefield operations through advanced robotic technologies.

The project is being coordinated and financed by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, in close partnership with VDL Defentec, which will handle the final assembly of the vehicles at its facility in Born, the Netherlands. The official signing ceremony was attended by Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans, representatives of Milrem Robotics, and senior officials from VDL.

Under the terms of the agreement, Milrem Robotics Netherlands will manage production and oversee deliveries, while VDL Defentec establishes a dedicated final assembly line for the THeMIS fleet. The new production line has been designed with scalability in mind, allowing for future expansion to meet growing European defence requirements or potential export opportunities.

According to Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Väärsi, the company is “honoured to lead this important project in cooperation with the Netherlands and VDL.” He added that the THeMIS platform has already demonstrated its effectiveness under combat conditions, and the new delivery will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to operate safely and efficiently in high-risk zones.

Willem van der Leegte, CEO of VDL Groep, highlighted that this partnership showcases the capability of Europe’s defence industry to mobilize and scale production in response to urgent security needs. He noted that the new assembly line in Born not only supports the Ukraine package but also lays a foundation for future joint innovation between VDL and Milrem Robotics.

As part of the project, Milrem Robotics will also provide comprehensive training programs for Ukrainian operators and maintenance teams to ensure proper deployment and long-term support in operational environments.

The upcoming delivery of more than 150 vehicles will add to the 15 THeMIS UGVs already in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These existing units have been used since 2022 for logistical support, supply transport, and casualty evacuation, proving valuable in difficult frontline conditions.

The THeMIS UGV: A Modular Battlefield Asset

The THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System) is a combat-proven unmanned ground vehicle developed by Milrem Robotics in Estonia. It is designed to support dismounted troops and can be configured for multiple roles, including logistics, reconnaissance, surveillance, casualty evacuation, and direct combat support.

Built on a hybrid diesel-electric power system, THeMIS offers extended endurance and quiet mobility. Its modular design allows the integration of different payloads such as weapon stations, reconnaissance sensors, or cargo platforms, depending on mission requirements.

THeMIS has been adopted by 19 countries worldwide, including several NATO members, making it the most widely used UGV in its class. The platform has been tested in varied terrain conditions—from deserts to urban battlefields—and continues to serve as a reference model for future autonomous ground systems.

Strategic Impact for Ukraine and Europe

The delivery of over 150 THeMIS UGVs marks one of the largest European unmanned ground vehicle contributions to Ukraine since the conflict began. For Ukraine, these vehicles will provide vital logistical resilience, enhanced mobility, and reduced exposure of soldiers in dangerous areas.

For Europe, the initiative demonstrates how industrial cooperation and defence innovation can be rapidly mobilized in response to modern security challenges. The establishment of a scalable assembly line in the Netherlands further strengthens the continent’s manufacturing base for advanced military robotics.

This partnership between Milrem Robotics, VDL Defentec, and the Netherlands Ministry of Defence underlines a broader European commitment to using technology and collaboration to ensure security, resilience, and sustainability in modern defence operations.