DSEI UK 2025: New partners to build UK-specific THeMIS

A partnership has been formed to create a UK-specific version of the THeMIS Combat Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV). Pearson Engineering will work alongside Milrem Robotics, Overwatch Aerospace Ltd, and MSI-Defence Systems Limited (MSI-DS) to develop, test, demonstrate, and produce the platform in the UK. 

The collaboration will see Pearson Engineering contribute its expertise in integrating capabilities into armoured platforms, while Milrem Robotics provides the THeMIS UGV platform. MSI-Defence Systems will supply its Terrahawk Remote Weapon Station (RWS), and Overwatch Aerospace will provide its APEX Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS), according to the announcement made at DSEI 2025.

Ian Bell, CEO of Pearson Engineering, stated that his company will ensure the UGV is “perfectly adapted for UK operational environments” and delivers “reliable performance in the most challenging conditions.” He added that the partnership highlights a shared commitment to “lead the industry into a new era of innovation and safety.”

Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, said that the THeMIS has “proven its value in multiple theatres worldwide,” and this UK variant will “take its capabilities even further.” He added that by working with British partners, they will deliver an “advanced and mission-ready combat system” and ensure that development, testing, and production occur in the UK, creating “local value and strengthening domestic defence capabilities.”

In a separate announcement from September 10, Pearson Engineering stated that it is investing £3 million to expand its robotics capabilities. The funding will be used at its Armstrong Works site creating at least 20 new jobs and establishing new Artificial Intelligence Labs. This investment builds on Pearson Engineering’s existing robotics expertise and aligns with the Government’s plans for the North East as an AI Growth Zone, the press release states. The company has developed technologies such as Threat-Sense, which uses AI to detect and identify surface-laid mines for military vehicles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Ian Bell, CEO of Pearson Engineering, commented: “The future of the battlefield is changing, and Pearson Engineering is committed to being at the forefront of how we protect lives and reduce the risk to individuals. Our technology, such as Threat-Sense, is already helping armed forces around the world to explore how they can use uncrewed innovation to better protect troops.”

Calibre comment

As mentioned elsewhere on Calibre Defence, the British Army is moving towards a force model where 40% of its combat power will come from attritable systems. This essentially means uncrewed platforms that it would prefer not to lose, but losing them is not considered to be problematic. A lot of focus in this regard has been on aerial drones, but there could be many applications for autonomous and uncrewed systems within the British Army. Many people that Calibre Defence met with during DSEI UK reflected on the lack of lethality and capability in the British armed forces at present. The Army in particular has lost a lot of its strength and armed UGVs could provide a route to enhance the lethality and flexibility of the country’s infantry formations. 

In an infantry support role, systems like THeMIS can be used for simple things like carrying their equipment, moving logistics to-and-from the frontline, and recovering casualties. The utility increases significantly if it is able to operate autonomously off-road. However, they can also be armed, which would allow soldiers to push the UGVs ahead of their position to conduct reconnaissance. Alternatively, they can work the UGV into their fire teams to engage targets during a contact. An RWS fitted to a UGV will have advanced optics and – typically – a stabilised weapon that is accurate over range. This can offer a good increase of firepower to a light infantry formation. However, it does add to the force’s logistics burden in terms of maintaining and supporting the platform.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 12, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Pearson Engineering. From left to right: Ian Bell, Group CEO at Pearson Engineering, Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, John Meldrum, CEO of MSI-Defence Systems and Drew Michael, CEO of Overwatch Aerospace Ltd.