Robotized grenade launcher installed on drone-tank for distance of 3,600 feet firing capability (by Ukraine)
In a significant development for the future of military technology, the integration of the BURIA remote weapon station (RWS) with the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) has been successfully validated during live-fire trials in Ukraine. Conducted under operationally relevant conditions in August 2025, this combined system demonstrated its potential in providing effective remote fire support while keeping operators safely out of harm's way.
The BURIA, a 47-kilogram remote turret equipped with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, has been in service since January 2025 and is now in serial production. The integration enabled precise target engagement at ranges up to 1,100 meters, demonstrating excellent stability, target tracking, and performance.
The THeMIS, a tank-like drone and the most capable UGV currently operating in Ukraine, maintained stable performance and versatility handling this kinetic payload. Supporting multiple mission profiles such as fire support and logistics, the THeMIS proved to be a cost-effective, advanced multi-role defense platform designed for various operational tasks.
The collaboration between Estonian company Milrem Robotics and Ukrainian defense technology company Frontline resulted in this integration, combining European engineering with Ukrainian innovation. Further live-fire tests are planned to evaluate performance across varied battlefield scenarios and inform ongoing upgrades.
The BURIA grenade launcher RWS, now integrated with the THeMIS, can strike targets at up to 3,609 feet. This integration marks a significant step forward in the development of unmanned combat support capabilities, reinforcing the tactical value of robotic systems by enhancing operator safety and battlefield effectiveness.
The system is actively integrated into combat support units through a first-in-class training program designed specifically for frontline deployment. The data collected during these trials will help inform future system upgrades and potential deployment strategies. The BURIА-THeMIS integration has been verified as reliable and accurate.
This collaboration between Milrem Robotics and Frontline is a vivid example of Ukrainian innovation combined with European engineering, marking a significant advance in unmanned combat support capabilities. Further live-fire testing and tactical validation will continue in the coming weeks to assess performance across a range of battlefield scenarios.
- The integration of the innovative BURIA remote weapon station (RWS) with the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) signifies a substantial advancement in robotic systems, as it can now engage targets at up to 3,609 feet, bolstering operator safety and battlefield effectiveness.
- The collaboration between Milrem Robotics and Frontline epitomizes the fusion of Ukrainian innovation with European engineering, particularly in the field of technology, notably in the development of unmanned combat support capabilities, with further live-fire testing and tactical validation proceeding in the coming weeks.
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