Netherlands Donates Over 150 THeMIS Ground Robots to Ukraine
The Netherlands has announced it will donate more than 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Ukraine.
The donation was first revealed in September without disclosing the donor nation.
Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2025 and will be carried out by Milrem Robotics Netherlands, in close cooperation with Dutch defense manufacturer VDL Defentec.
To support the program, VDL Defentec is establishing a dedicated final assembly line at its Born facility, enabling expanded production and meeting future requirements.
Milrem Robotics will provide comprehensive training to Ukrainian operators and maintenance personnel to ensure effective field deployment and sustainment.
“This initiative highlights the strength of cooperation between partners in Europe’s defence industry and their ability to scale up and contribute directly to international security,” CEO of VDL Groep Willem van der Leegte said.
“Establishing the assembly line in Born supports this donation and creates a foundation for future production and innovation between Milrem Robotics and VDL in the Netherlands.”
THeMIS UGV
The new platforms will add to the 15 THeMIS units already in service with Ukraine since 2022. The upcoming delivery reportedly marks the largest-ever THeMIS contract and the second-largest UGV order globally in its class.
The THeMIS has a payload capacity of 600 to 1,000 kilograms (1,323 to 2,205 pounds), a top speed of 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour, and can operate for up to eight hours.
Featuring a modular design, the UGV can be configured for a range of missions such as to support dismounted forces, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat support missions.
THeMIS can also be armed with various weapons, such as machine guns and anti-tank missiles, enabling it to engage lightly armored vehicles.
In Ukraine, it has been primarily used for casualty evacuation and route clearance.
Currently in service with 19 countries, the THeMIS is the most widely deployed UGV in its category.
“We are honoured to lead this project in partnership with the Netherlands and VD,” Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Väärsi said.
“The THeMIS platform has already demonstrated its value under combat conditions, and we believe this contribution will materially strengthen Ukraine’s defence capability.”
