Milrem Arms THeMIS UGV Features Advanced BURIA Launcher

Defense Feeds – Milrem Arms THeMIS UGV has successfully integrated a Ukrainian-made remote weapon system onto its unmanned ground vehicle platform, creating a new combat support system that offers precise targeting while keeping operators out of harm’s way.

This innovative combination was recently tested in Ukraine under live-fire, operational conditions, delivering promising results that could reshape battlefield tactics and enhance the role of robotic warfare.

Integration of Advanced Weapon System with THeMIS UGV

The key feature of this newly armed robotic system is the BURIA remote weapon station (RWS), developed by Ukrainian defense firm Frontline.

The BURIA remote weapon station features a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that can accurately strike targets at distances beyond 1,100 meters (approximately 0.68 miles).

The remote turret weighs 47 kilograms (104 pounds) and includes an automated fire control and guidance system, which allows for rapid target acquisition and precise firing from a safe distance.

Mounted on the THeMIS robotic vehicle—a proven unmanned ground system known for its adaptability and robustness—this fusion represents a leap forward in unmanned combat support.

THeMIS itself has been deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, performing roles including casualty evacuation, route clearance, and armed reconnaissance.

With a top speed of 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph) and an endurance of up to eight hours per operation, the platform is versatile and well-suited for modern combat environments.

Paul Clayton, Director of Industrial Partnerships at Milrem Robotics, emphasized the importance of the integration, noting that the live-fire trials “verify the reliability and accuracy” of the BURIA-THeMIS system.

He highlighted that it underlines the growing role of robotic platforms in enhancing tactical effectiveness while improving operator safety on contemporary battlefields.

Live-Fire Trials Demonstrate Capability and Stability

The recent live-fire tests conducted in Ukraine showcased the system’s capability to accurately engage targets at distances greater than one kilometer.

During these trials, the THeMIS platform displayed excellent stability and consistent target tracking, crucial for accurate fire support in dynamic combat situations.

This operational validation marks an important milestone, showing the combination as an effective remotely operated fire support system.

The successful live-fire demonstration reinforces the platform’s versatility, already known for carrying a wide range of kinetic payloads, from machine guns to anti-tank guided missiles.

Frontline CEO Yevhen Tretiak praised the collaboration, stating this project exemplifies “Ukrainian innovation combined with European engineering.”

He sees the BURIA-equipped THeMIS as part of the future battlefield, where robotic systems perform both offensive and defensive roles while minimizing risks to soldiers.

Strategic Impact and Ongoing Development

Since January 2025, the BURIA remote weapon station has been actively deployed by the Ukrainian military and has recently moved into serial production.

Its integration with the THeMIS UGV marks one of the first times a weaponized unmanned ground vehicle with such capability has been employed in combat operations by Ukrainian forces.

The partnership between Milrem Robotics and Frontline showcases an increasing integration of European robotic innovations with Ukraine’s practical battlefield expertise.

The partnership aligns with broader initiatives like the BraveTech EU military innovation program launched in July 2024, which pledged $117 million to accelerate battlefield-driven technology solutions by European and Ukrainian defense firms.

Further extensive testing is planned to evaluate system performance across diverse battlefield scenarios.

Data gathered from these operations will inform future upgrades and deployment strategies to fully optimize this robotic combat platform.

With its proven mobility, endurance, and firepower, the combined BURIA-THeMIS system signals a significant enhancement in autonomous combat support assets.

This development represents a step change in how battlefield robotics are evolving.

Integrating a remote grenade launcher on an all-terrain unmanned vehicle underscores the shift towards robotic systems providing both force multiplication and enhanced operator protection.

As armed conflicts increasingly see unmanned systems at the forefront, platforms like BURIA-equipped THeMIS offer a glimpse into future combat where precision, safety, and cooperation between nations drive next-generation battlefield innovations.