Milrem Robotics Partners with Frontline to Enhance THeMIS UGV with Burya Remote Weapon Station for Enhanced Combat Capabilities
Advancements in Unmanned Ground Vehicles: Milrem Robotics and Frontline’s Collaboration
In a significant stride towards enhancing modern military capabilities, Estonian specialist Milrem Robotics has teamed up with Ukrainian defense technology innovator Frontline to integrate the Burya remote weapon station (RWS) onto the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). Announced on August 12, 2025, this collaboration shines a light on the evolving landscape of unmanned combat support systems.
A Leap Forward in Combat Support
The integration of the Burya RWS, which boasts a powerful 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, has undergone rigorous testing. The validation was achieved during live-fire trials in Ukraine, conducted under operationally relevant conditions. Milrem Robotics has characterized this development as a “significant step forward” for unmanned combat support capabilities.
Operators can engage targets at impressive distances of up to 1,100 meters. Not only does this capability allow for precise targeting, but it also ensures the safety of operators by keeping them out of harm’s way during engagements. The live-fire trials showcased the excellent stability and impressive target tracking of the THeMIS/Burya combination, reinforcing the effectiveness of this remotely operated fire support system.
Ongoing Testing and Future Developments
Further live-fire testing is planned to assess the system’s performance across various battlefield scenarios. This ongoing validation effort is crucial for capturing data that can inform future upgrades and deployment strategies.
Paul Clayton, Milrem Robotics’ director of industrial partnerships, remarked, “This successful demonstration verifies the reliability and accuracy of the Burya-THeMIS integration.” His comment underscores the growing importance of robotic platforms in enhancing tactical effectiveness and ensuring operator safety in the modern battlefield.
A Vision for Robotic Warfare
Yevhen Tretiak, CEO of Frontline, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This is a vivid example of Ukrainian innovation combined with European engineering.” He shared a forward-looking vision: “The future of modern warfare belongs to robotic systems. Burya is part of our vision for a robotic front line, where drones perform defensive and offensive operations while soldiers remain out of harm’s way.”
This partnership aims to fast-track these advanced technologies to the front lines, demonstrating the potential for robotic systems to redefine frontline engagements.
The THeMIS UGV: A Proven Asset
The THeMIS was the first unmanned ground vehicle in its class to be deployed with the Ukrainian armed forces amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Milrem claims the THeMIS is recognized as the most capable UGV currently operating in Ukraine, further solidifying its reputation as a valuable asset in contemporary military operations.
Meanwhile, the Burya grenade launcher RWS has been in service since January 2025 and is now in serial production, reflecting its readiness for active deployment.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Milrem Robotics and Frontline marks a significant milestone in the realm of unmanned ground vehicles and military robotics. As the battlefield landscape evolves, the integration of innovative technologies like the Burya RWS onto platforms such as the THeMIS highlights the potential for increased operational efficiency and enhanced safety for military personnel.
As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how these developments shape the future of warfare and the role of robotic systems in safeguarding lives while ensuring effective military operations.