Estonian Combat Robots in Ukraine Enhanced with Starlink Connectivity

 

Estonian-made THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in Ukraine are now equipped with Starlink satellite connectivity, allowing for remote operation from thousands of kilometers away. This development was announced by Milrem Robotics, the manufacturer of these vehicles, which is based in Estonia and owned by a United Arab Emirates company.

A specially equipped THeMIS vehicle will be showcased at the upcoming Eurosatory 2024 trade show, according to the company’s statement. The THeMIS variant designed for cargo transportation will utilize Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. To date, Milrem has supplied more than a dozen THeMIS vehicles to Ukrainian forces.

For the integration of this new feature, Milrem collaborated with Dutch data link firm AEC Skyline. The company emphasized that with satellite connectivity, the THeMIS robotic vehicle can efficiently transmit data, receive commands, and relay critical information in real-time, regardless of its battlefield location.

Starlink's ground terminals, essential for using the satellite system, were first shipped to Kyiv shortly after Russia's invasion in February 2022. By June 2023, there were tens of thousands of these terminals in Ukraine, including 500 provided by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Starlink satellites operate in low-Earth orbit, less than 600 kilometers (370 miles) above Earth, which enhances the performance of the system.

Recently, Russian Telegram channels posted images purportedly showing a damaged, captured THeMIS combat robot. Milrem declined to comment on the images but acknowledged awareness of the situation.

Russia Tests New Ground Robots and Drones to Overcome 'Dragon's Teeth' Obstacles

 Russia's High-Precision Complexes holding has introduced the Depesha and Buggy, versatile robotic systems designed to eliminate enemy personnel, equipment, and fortifications known as “dragon’s teeth.” These innovations aim to facilitate the passage of armored vehicles, according to a recent press release by Rostec, the Russian state arms holding company.

The Depesha robot, built on a tracked platform, can carry up to 150 kg and is controlled via a joystick and FPV helmet. The Buggy, operating on a wheeled platform, handles up to 250 kg and is maneuvered using a joystick and tablet. Both robots are designed for rapid delivery of supplies, ammunition, and fuel to the frontline, evacuation of wounded soldiers, and terrain mining operations. Currently, these ground robots are undergoing rigorous testing, including trials in the Special Military Operations (SVO) zone, as reported by Rostec.

In addition to these ground robots, the Kalashnikov Concern has introduced advanced UAVs to the Russian Ministry of Defense, including the Karakurt and SKAT 350M drones, and the Kvazimachta lifting system. The Karakurt is a reconnaissance microcopter providing real-time aerial imaging, while the SKAT 350M conducts round-the-clock air reconnaissance in both optical and infrared ranges. The Kvazimachta system supports high-speed communication with ground data stations and can operate in radio silence mode for at least 24 hours.

These technological advancements align with Russia's broader strategy for the development of unmanned aviation, aiming for completion by 2030. This plan, initiated in June 2023, seeks to increase the demand for Russian unmanned aircraft systems. President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need to enhance drone capabilities during a Defense Ministry meeting in December.

Earlier reports revealed that Russia’s Ministry of Defense has trained 3,500 FPV drone operators, with plans to train an additional 1,700 operators for various other UAVs. Supported by over 800 educational institutions, more than 1,500 new training positions have been established to expand this initiative, underscoring Russia’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities through advanced drone and robotic technology.

U.S. Army Cancels MULE Unmanned Ground Vehicle

The U.S. Army has decided to cancel the Multi-Mission Unmanned Ground Vehicle, one of the few systems still remaining from the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program.
The 3.5-ton vehicle, which has been in development for years, is more commonly known by its FCS name, the Multi-Function Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle (MULE).

Although a July 29 Acquisition Decision Memorandum formalized the decision, the Army determined it no longer needed the vehicle during a 2011 unmanned ground vehicle portfolio review.
"The Warfighter's requirements in the area of dismounted Soldier equipment transport have shifted to a vehicle with an expanded air assault capability," a July 29 letter to Congress says.
The original FCS MULE program had three different vehicle variants: transport, countermine and the Armed Robotic Vehicle.
In January 2010, the Army canceled the transport and countermine variants but said work would continue on the Armed Robotic Vehicle-Assault Light, being developed by Lockheed Martin.
At the time, the company said the Armed Robotic Vehicle consumed the bulk of MULE funding. Lockheed Martin first won the contract to develop the MULE program in 2003.
Now, the Army has concluded, "the system's Counter-Improvised Explosive Device focus and weight limited the platform's mobility.
The Army's decision formally halts development of the Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) and Common Mobility Platform (CMP), the vehicle's two major components.
The Army said it conducted a comparative assessment of existing autonomous navigation system technologies and determined that "ANS development progress did not warrant continued investment," according to the congressional letter.
All work on the program must stop by Sept. 30.
The MULE was one of the few FCS programs still kicking.
Since April 2009, a series of decisions from former Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Army have led to the cancellation of the bulk of the program.
First, Gates made the most dramatic cut by canceling the manned ground vehicle portion of the program, which effectively brought an end to the FCS program as a whole.
However, several technologies were allowed to continue, including a handful of unmanned vehicles.
In January 2010, the Army canceled the Class IV UAV and the transport and countermine variants of the MULE. Later, it canceled the Non-Line of Sight Launch System.
Earlier this year, the Army canceled the Class I UAV and halted work on the unmanned ground sensors.
A recent internal Army study revealed exactly how much the Army has been spending on canceled programs over the past decade.
"The FCS termination casts an enormous shadow over any debate about challenges in the Army acquisition system," the report released in June said. But the Army's problems predate FCS.
Every year since 1996, before FCS was off and running, the Army spent more than $1 billion annually on programs that were ultimately canceled.
Since 2004, including FCS, the Army spent $3.3 billion to $3.8 billion on programs that were eventually canceled. This equates to 35 to 42 percent per year of Army Development Test and Evaluation funding being lost on canceled programs.