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| THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle |
Militarymedia.net - A glimpse into the future battlefield, the Estonian Defense Force has conducted live fire drills in which two Milrem Robotics THeMIS combat robots provide troops with situational awareness, support fire and casualty evacuation.
The April 2021 exercise involved ground troops maneuvering against a simulated incoming armored attack - represented by a white delivery van that had seen better days. With the main force remaining in the defensive position 1 km away from the enemy force, THeMIS Combat UGV integrated with FN Herstal's deFNder Long Range Weapon System was moved to a forward point 430 m ahead.
The task of the THeMIS Combat Support robot is to transport the anti-tank team ammunition and provide support fire using a 7.62 mm machine gun to the anti-tank team and observers as they advance. Meanwhile, the THeMIS Observe UGV deployed an Acecore moored drone behind the main force for situational awareness and gathering targeting information for artillery. Apart from combat performance, the drone also acts as a live fire safety monitor.
Then, after the main target is destroyed, THeMIS Combat acts as a field ambulance to evacuate the simulated victims behind. Through this maneuver, the robot is controlled by the troops via a handheld interface and an augmented reality headset.
"We found several advantages in incorporating the UGV into our combat scenario," said Lt. Mari-Li Kapp, operations and training (S3) commander in the Artillery Battalion. "Having the UGV as part of the reconnaissance force preparing for the arrival of the main unit, the UGV can secure indirect fire and anti-tank teams by providing direct fire support during combat and while some units retreat. UGVs can also act as front guard by themselves because they are. can provide situational awareness and act as forward observer for indirect fire. "
