Recent reports and images circulating on Russian Telegram channels suggest that Russian forces have seized a THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), manufactured by Estonia-based Milrem Robotics, from the Ukrainian battlefield. This development follows a two-year-long Russian incentive program offering monetary rewards for capturing such technology.
The captured THeMIS, visibly damaged, was identified by experts due to its distinctive design and a printed Ukrainian flag on its upper right front corner. Federico Borsari, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, stated that the vehicle “very much resembles” the THeMIS model, adding, “There is also a visible part of the printed Ukrainian flag on the upper right front corner, confirming this was one of the systems provided to Kyiv.”
The Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) had originally offered one million rubles (approximately $11,000) to any military personnel capturing a THeMIS robot. In February, the reward was doubled to two million rubles, or nearly $22,000, as per the center’s director, Ruslan Pukhov.
While the technology embedded within the THeMIS is not considered highly sensitive, Borsari warns of potential risks. “Accessing Western technology can certainly be useful as it offers Russia alternative ideas or concepts on the engineering and design, and most importantly access to the type of sensors and communications-encryption technologies the system uses,” he said. The concern extends to the possibility of Russia developing tailored countermeasures or improving its own systems by dissecting the captured UGV.
Moreover, if the vehicle contained any encrypted data or stored information, there could be immediate threats to Ukrainian operators. Borsari elaborated, “A big, immediate risk could be Russia trying to exploit encryption info or other stored data, provided there is any, to breach Ukrainian secure communications or track Ukrainian operators and strike their location.”
Milrem Robotics has provided 15 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine as of February, primarily for demining and cargo transport missions. The company, which is expanding its production capacity to manufacture 500 units per year, has seen significant interest in the technology from various governments following successful testing results.
The heightened production capacity reflects the growing demand from governments previously purchasing small quantities for testing. “Many end-users, satisfied with the results of testing the robotic vehicles, are preparing to launch high-quantity procurements,” stated CEO Kuldar Väärsi.
Relevant articles:
– Russian forces may have seized first Estonian ground robot in Ukraine, Defense News, 05/23/2024
– ‘Kamikaze robots’ helping Ukraine in fight against Putin as country lowers conscription age, Yahoo News Australia, 05/23/2024
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