How Ukraine is changing the rules of war: Milrem Robotics ground robots on the front and unexpected innovations

What would happen if you gave a soldier not only a machine gun, but also a robot? The Ukrainian military answered this question not with theory, but with practice — and surprised even the developers. Estonian ground robots, created for evacuation, reconnaissance and logistics, in the hands of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have turned into multifunctional “iron companions” that fight, rescue, mine and even blow up enemy positions. This is not just a technological breakthrough — it is a new style of warfare, where creativity and adaptation are more important than instructions.

Milrem Robotics and THeMIS: how the cooperation began

Milrem Robotics is a leading European developer of autonomous ground platforms, founded in Tallinn in 2013. Their flagship is THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System) - a universal robotic cart capable of carrying up to 1200 kg of cargo, accelerating to 20 km/h, operating for 10+ hours without recharging, and being equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, mine-searching equipment or a medical module. Business Insider[1], Milrem robotics[13].

Ukraine received the first 15 THeMIS robots in 2022 for evacuation of the wounded, delivery of ammunition and demining United24 Media[15] Over time, the number of platforms has increased and their functions have expanded due to field experiments and feedback from the military.

Ukrainian Creativity: A “Lego Set” for War

“The Ukrainian military is extremely creative, they find simple ways to get the most out of the equipment by adding and adapting new modules,” admits Kuldar Vaarsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. Business Insider[1]. Robots have become a platform for:

• Installation of various types of weapons (machine guns, grenade launchers, ATGMs);
• Remote detonation of mines and laying of own minefields;
• Evacuation of the wounded under fire;
• Deliveries of ammunition and water to the front line;
• Reconnaissance and surveillance in dangerous areas;
• Collecting the bodies of the dead and even blowing up enemy positions in "suicide robot" mode.

“It’s like Lego: we have one platform and we choose what to install on it ourselves — it all depends on the task,” explains Oleksandr Yabchanka, head of robotic systems of the Da Vinci Wolves battalion. Business Insider[1].

From logistics to offensive: how robots are changing tactics

Traditionally, ground robots were used for reconnaissance, demining, or evacuation. Ukrainians were the first to actively use them for:

• Ammunition deliveries under fire;
• Use as mobile firing points (with remote control);
• Blowing up enemy positions by placing explosives on the platform;
• Carrying out "suicide" missions to destroy enemy equipment The Defense Post[3], Euromaidan Press[4].

This allows reducing personnel losses, increasing the mobility and effectiveness of units even in the most dangerous areas of the front.

Scaling: over 200 robots by the end of 2025

Milrem Robotics plans to transfer over 200 platforms to Ukraine by the end of 2025, including in various configurations: engineering, combat, medical, logistics United24 Media[15], Defense UA[16]. Production is partially localized in Ukraine, and the experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is integrated into new models Milrem robotics[13].

Ukrainian companies Roboneers, FRDM, as well as European ARX Robotics and Isolit-Bravo participate in the creation of joint platforms Business Insider[1].

Problems and challenges: not everything is perfect

Despite the breakthrough, most of the robots remain prototypes for now. Commanders note:

• Poor cross-country ability in swampy terrain;
• Vulnerability to electronic warfare and loss of communication;
• Limited autonomy and difficulty of repair under fire;
• High cost compared to FPV drones CLRCUT[5].

However, even with these shortcomings, robots have already saved hundreds of lives and become an integral part of Ukraine's "advanced techno-army."

Military industry and strategic partnership

In December 2023, Milrem Robotics and Ukroboronprom signed an agreement on the joint production of multi-domain robotic systems Euromaidan Press[4], The Defense Post[3]. Ukrainian engineers are gaining unique experience that is already influencing the European robotics market.

According to Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries, “Ukraine is becoming a testing ground for testing and improving the most advanced military technologies.” Milrem robotics[13].

Global trend: ground robots are the new standard of warfare

Western armies are studying Ukraine's experience, and Milrem Robotics is already implementing changes to its products based on Ukrainian cases Business Insider[11], VPK.name[14]. ARX Robotics has opened Europe's largest combat robot production plant, and Ukraine is already testing over 15 ground systems of various classes. CLRCUT[5].

Robots do not completely replace people, but they become the "first line" of attack and defense, reducing losses and increasing the efficiency of units. Newsky[7].

Ethical and strategic dimension

The use of robots raises new questions: who is responsible for the actions of an autonomous machine? How to avoid “friendly fire”? Will war become even more impersonal? At the same time, most experts agree: in the war for survival, the one who adapts technology faster and learns from their own mistakes gains the advantage Newsky[9].

Conclusion: the technological warfare that Ukraine is shaping

The experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with Milrem Robotics robots is not only a story of engineering creativity, but also of a new philosophy of war. Ukrainians have turned Western developments into universal tools that change the rules of the game on the battlefield. From now on, each new robot is not just a piece of iron, but the result of the joint evolution of the army, engineers, and front-line ingenuity.

Sources

Business Insider,
The Defense Post,
Euromaidan Press,
Milrem robotics,
United24 Media,
Defense UA,
CLRCUT,
VPK.name,
Newsky,
Newsky