THeMIS Combat UGV Trials with Royal Thai Army Near Completion

Advancements in Unmanned Ground Vehicle Evaluation

The Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is nearing the final stages of its testing program with the Royal Thai Army (RTA), positioning itself for prospective procurement opportunities. This development signals a significant stride in integrating advanced robotics into the Thai military’s operational capabilities.

Ongoing Collaboration Between Edge Group and DTI

During the recent Defense & Security 2025 exhibition held in Bangkok, representatives from Edge Group, the principal stakeholder of THeMIS’s creator Milrem Robotics, revealed that the RTA’s evaluation phase is anticipated to conclude imminently.

• Key Partnership: Edge has collaborated closely with the Defence Technology Institute (DTI), a branch of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Thailand.

• Test Program: According to Miles Chambers, Edge’s senior vice-president of international business, a comprehensive program for testing and evaluation has been executed alongside DTI.

Chambers detailed the active deployment component of the ongoing user trials, expressing optimism regarding the subsequent acquisition program.

Combat Variant Features

The variant of THeMIS showcased at Defense & Security 2025 is specifically tailored for combat operations and is the version being proposed to the RTA.

• Integration with Advanced Systems: Notably, this model incorporates Valhalla’s LOKI remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), outfitted with a 7.62 mm caliber firearm.

• Versatile Engagement Capabilities: The LOKI RCWS can accommodate weapon systems ranging from 5.56 mm to 12.7 mm, allowing for effective target engagement at ranges up to 2,000 meters. Furthermore, it possesses a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) functionality, enhancing its operational versatility.

Implications for Future Defense Procurement

The completion of these user trials could lay the groundwork for a more substantial acquisition initiative for the Royal Thai Army. As military modernization continues to gain momentum globally, the successful integration of advanced UGVs like THeMIS could significantly bolster Thailand’s defense posture and operational efficiency.

In summary, the ongoing trials and the technological advancements embodied in the THeMIS UGV align with a broader strategy of enhancing the capabilities of the Thai armed forces, emphasizing the growing importance of unmanned systems in contemporary military operations.