The Estonian Defence Forces Artillery Battalion used Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) in a live-fire exercise to provide advanced situational awareness, conduct casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), and support unit manoeuvres while providing direct fire support from various positions.
During the exercise held in April, two THeMIS UGVs were used by the Artillery Battalion: the THeMIS Combat Support integrated with FN Herstal’s deFNder Light Remote Weapon System (RWS) with a 7.62mm machine gun, and the THeMIS Observe with Acecore’s tethered drone.
THeMIS Combat supported an advance force that consisted of an antitank weapons team and a forward observer’s team. The UGV provided covering fire and supported the retreat of the two teams to main positions whilst transporting their anti-tank weapons. At the main battle position, the UGV was used for casualty evacuation.
THeMIS Observe provided overwatch and enhanced the battalion’s situational awareness. The use of a tethered attachment to the THeMIS UGV provided 24 hours constant observation of the operational area.
“Taking part in the live-fire exercise of the Artillery Battalion was a great opportunity for us to validate our new infantry support UGV with end users in an actual combat scenario,” said Jüri Pajuste, Director of Defence Research at Milrem Robotics. “The THeMIS Combat Support as well as other unmanned ground systems will enhance various combat capabilities and help reduce loss of life during combat operations,” Pajuste added.
