Dutch initiative sends 150 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine

Ukraine has long been a proponent of unmanned ground vehicles, having developed UGVs in response to Russia’s 2014 invasion. As Ukraine now makes extensive frontline use of  robots in all domains, the Netherlands has funded the delivery of 150 THeMIS UGVs. 

Milrem Robotics is set to deliver over 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Ukraine as part of a significant military aid donation. The project is being funded and coordinated by the Netherlands, with the new vehicles destined to boost Ukraine’s current operational fleet. 

The initial plan was announced last September, but the identity of the donating country remained confidential. This was formally lifted on 6 October, when the Dutch Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, joined Milrem Robotics and VDL representatives for a signing ceremony at VDL’s facility in Born. 

The deliveries will be executed through Milrem Robotics Netherlands in tight co-operation with VDL Defentec. VDL is establishing a dedicated final assembly line at its Born facility, which has been designed with scalability in mind. VDL will handle the assembly of a large portion of the UGVs. This strategic move not only supports the current donation but also lays the foundation for future production and innovation between Milrem Robotics and VDL within the Netherlands, Milrem states in its press release.

Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, said: “We are honoured to lead this project in partnership with the Netherlands and VDL. The THeMIS platform has already demonstrated its value under combat conditions, and we believe this contribution will materially strengthen Ukraine’s defence capability.”

Milrem Robotics will also provide comprehensive training for Ukrainian operators and support staff. This is essential to ensure the efficient deployment and maintenance of the advanced equipment once it reaches the frontline. The THeMIS platform is already a known quantity in the conflict, and the new units will significantly increase the existing fleet of 15 THeMIS vehicles that have been operating in Ukraine since 2022. 

They operate alongside a range of domestically developed platforms like the TErMIT UGV from Tencore, which is expected to produce 2,000 UGVs following a July investment from MITS Capital. Ukrainian company Frontline has also worked to integrate its BURIA remote weapon station onto a THeMIS, which reflects the push towards armed UGVs. 

Russia has already deployed Courier UGVs armed with heavy machine guns in Ukraine, primarily acting as reconnaissance platforms. Outside of this, most UGVs in Ukraine are used for logistics and casualty evacuation, navigating the incredibly dangerous roads between frontline positions and the rear echelons.  

Calibre comment: Traditional reconnaissance can be irresponsible

Traditional approaches to reconnaissance require small teams of infantry or vehicles that push well ahead of their main force to observe or make contact with an adversary. Widespread observation using drones and long-range strike assets can make these actions irresponsible, almost unethical in some cases. Lives may be lost for very little gain. But this is one area where UGVs could have great potential, providing a forward reconnaissance screen that can perform the same role without risking any lives. If that is seen as a valid use case, then arming them and increasing the level of autonomy will be essential. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on October 7, 2025. The lead image shows THeMIS on display at the Milrem Robotics stand at DSEI 2025. The platform could be seen in several locations around the exhibition, fitted with different weapon stations and mission systems. Credit: Calibre Defence.