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International robotic vehicle manufacturer Milrem Robotics has announced a fivefold expansion of their production capability in Estonia.
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The robotics and autonomous systems developer, which is engaged in the pursuit of armed unmanned ground vehicles for defence purposes, opened a new facility next to Milrem Robotics’ headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia.
The new production capability reportedly allows the company to manufacture more than 500 units of its operationally proven, multi-mission THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) annually.
The THeMIS is already part of robotics programs in 18 different countries, eight of which are members of NATO, including Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US. THeMIS UGVs are also assisting Ukrainian soldiers in the war with Russia.
“Many end users, satisfied with the results of testing the robotic vehicles, are preparing to launch high-quantity procurements. With the opening of our new facility, we are better prepared to answer these calls,” said Kuldar Väärsi, chief executive officer of Milrem Robotics.
“Also, the growing use of UGVs in Ukraine shows a clear focus and importance of unmanned ground systems.”
In addition to production, Milrem Robotics will also expand its prototyping facilities to speed up the development of new products in the company’s growing portfolio. An extra 1,000 square metres of office space has also been added.
“Unlike other technology companies who announced lay-offs during 2023, Milrem Robotics is continuing to grow this year and hiring 100 new employees, mostly in Europe,” Väärsi said.
The expansion is estimated to indirectly generate further positions with high-technology partners and suppliers, contributing to developing the local talent pool and economy, according to Väärsi.
“The expansion of the Estonian defence industry is beneficial from both a security and economic perspective,” said Kusti Salm, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Estonia.
“For many years, Estonia’s defence industry policy has aimed to develop a high-tech defence industry that can be competitive in export markets. Milrem Robotics is a good example of how a defence industry start-up has grown in 10 years into a large and innovative industrial company, in Estonian terms, with a wide international customer base that can include a wide range of Estonian subcontractors, engineers and specialists in its network.
“The creation of such companies – and others that have been established in recent years – is a sign of the maturity of the Estonian defence industry and the potential to contribute more to national defence and economic development,” Salm said.
