Milrem Robotics to Deliver 150 THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles to Ukraine

Strategic Partnership Announcement

On October 6, 2025, Milrem Robotics, an expert in unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technology, confirmed an agreement to supply 150 of its THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine. This initiative is set to be financed and coordinated by the Netherlands, demonstrating a significant commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing challenges.

Collaborative Assembly Effort

A substantial portion of these vehicles will be assembled through a partnership with Dutch company VDL Defentec. This collaboration signifies a notable development in European defense manufacturing, aimed at enhancing regional security stability.

• Initial Announcement: The donation was first disclosed in September 2025, with the contributing nation withheld from public knowledge until the recent formal announcement.
• Signing Ceremony: The agreement was celebrated by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans alongside officials from both Milrem Robotics and VDL at a ceremony held at VDL’s Born facility.

Scalability and Future Production

Milrem Robotics Netherlands will oversee the delivery process in close collaboration with VDL Defentec, which is setting up a dedicated final assembly line at its Born facility. This assembly line is designed for scalability, ensuring adaptive production capabilities to meet future demands.

Training and Operational Support

To facilitate the effective deployment and maintenance of the UGVs, Milrem Robotics will provide thorough training for Ukrainian operators and support personnel. This initiative aims to maximize the operational effectiveness of the units in demanding field conditions.

Enhanced Operational Capacity

The forthcoming deliveries will expand on the 15 THeMIS UGVs currently operational in Ukraine. Milrem Robotics has reported that these existing units have shown considerable efficacy in battlefield scenarios since their introduction in 2022.

• Quote from Milrem Robotics CEO: Kuldar Väärsi expressed pride in leading this initiative, emphasizing the THeMIS platform’s proven combat value. He stated, “We believe this contribution will materially strengthen Ukraine’s defense capability.”

Reinforcing European Defense Collaboration

The project exemplifies the robust cooperation within the European defense sector and highlights its capacity to scale up contributions to international security efforts.

• VDL Group’s Perspective: Willem van der Leegte, CEO of VDL Groep, acknowledged the initiative as a testament to the collaborative strength within Europe’s defense industry, adding that the establishment of the assembly line sets a solid foundation for future production and innovation between Milrem Robotics and VDL in the Netherlands.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, such contributions are crucial for enhancing the operational assets available to its armed forces, underlining the imperative for coherent and strategic international partnerships in defense procurement and technology transfer.