Milrem Unveils New THeMIS Drone Factory in Estonia

Milrem Robotics has opened a new Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) production facility in Estonia.

THeMIS is an armed unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to support dismounted troops, explosives detection and disposal teams, logistics missions, and mobile weapon stations.

Established near Milrem’s headquarters in Tallinn, the center will increase THeMIS assembly and manufacturing to over 500 units annually.

The company wrote that this factory will further “satisfy the growing need for intelligent robotics solutions” of THeMIS users.

Currently, the drone is included in military projects across 18 international partners, eight of which are NATO allies.

In addition, the vehicle is operational to assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russia’s aggression.

“Many end-users, satisfied with the results of testing the robotic vehicles, are preparing to launch high-quantity procurements,” Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Väärsi said.

“With the opening of our new facility, we are better prepared to answer these calls. Also, the growing use of UGVs in Ukraine shows a clear focus and importance of unmanned ground systems.”

Supporting Estonia’s Security, Economy

Milrem noted that upgrades to corresponding prototyping capabilities will accompany the launch of its Tallinn hub to amplify other developments related to the firm’s growing products.

A separate 1,000-square-meter (10,800-square-foot) space was also added to extend the company’s corporate area.

According to Milrem, the overall projects at the site are expected to generate new roles and improve collaborations with industry partners and suppliers, ultimately boosting the talent pool and economy in the region.

“For many years, Estonia’s defence industry policy has aimed to develop a high-tech defence industry that can be competitive in export markets,” Estonian Ministry of Defence Secretary Kusti Salm said.

“Milrem Robotics is a good example of how a defence industry start-up has grown in 10 years into a large and innovative industrial company, in Estonian terms, with a wide international customer base that can include a wide range of Estonian subcontractors, engineers and specialists in its network.”

“The creation of such companies – and others that have been established in recent years – is a sign of the maturity of the Estonian defence industry and the potential to contribute more to national defence and economic development.”