Milrem Robotics has increased its production capacity fivefold by opening a new facility in Tallinn, Estonia, capable of manufacturing over 500 units of its THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) annually. This expansion, adjacent to the company’s headquarters, addresses the rising demand for military robots.
The THeMIS UGV, already operational in 18 countries, including eight NATO members, plays a crucial role in various international robotics programs. Countries utilizing these systems include Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, THeMIS UGVs are aiding Ukrainian soldiers in their conflict with Russia.
Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, emphasized the company’s readiness to meet the increasing procurement needs of satisfied end-users following extensive testing of the robotic vehicles. Väärsi also highlighted the growing significance of unmanned ground systems, as evidenced by their deployment in Ukraine.
Alongside the expansion of production capabilities, Milrem Robotics is enhancing its prototyping facilities to accelerate the development of new products. The company has also added an additional 1000 square meters of office space. This growth contrasts with the trend of layoffs in the technology sector during 2023, as Milrem Robotics plans to hire 100 new employees, primarily in Europe.
The expansion is expected to indirectly create more positions with high-technology partners and suppliers, thereby fostering the local talent pool and economy. Kusti Salm, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Estonia, remarked on the dual benefits of the expansion for both security and economic development.
Salm noted that Estonia’s defence industry policy aims to build a competitive high-tech defence sector. He praised Milrem Robotics as an example of a successful defence industry start-up that has grown into a substantial industrial company with a broad international customer base and a network of local subcontractors, engineers, and specialists.
