Milrem Robotics, a global leader in robotic and autonomous systems, has partnered with Ukrainian defence technology company Frontline to deliver a groundbreaking step forward in unmanned warfare. Together, the two companies have successfully integrated the BURIA remote weapon station (RWS), armed with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, onto the battle-proven THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).
The achievement was recently validated during live-fire trials in Ukraine, where the system was tested under conditions designed to replicate the challenges of real-world combat. According to both companies, the integration proved highly successful, with the hybrid platform engaging targets at distances of up to 1,100 meters with impressive accuracy. Just as importantly, the operators were able to carry out the mission safely from a protected distance, demonstrating the technology’s ability to minimize risk to human soldiers on the battlefield.
A Leap Forward in Robotic Warfare
For Milrem Robotics, the integration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of its THeMIS platform. Widely regarded as one of the most versatile unmanned ground systems in service today, the THeMIS has already proven itself capable of supporting logistics, surveillance, and firepower missions in conflict zones. By incorporating Frontline’s BURIA RWS, Milrem has expanded the vehicle’s role further, demonstrating that UGVs can deliver heavy fire support with precision.
Paul Clayton, Director of Industrial Partnerships at Milrem Robotics, highlighted the significance of the successful trials:
“This demonstration verifies the reliability and accuracy of the BURIA–THeMIS system. It shows how robotic platforms are not only enhancing tactical effectiveness but also protecting operators by keeping them out of harm’s way. This is a prime example of how technology is reshaping the modern battlefield.”
The live-fire exercise also underlined the stability and control of the THeMIS Combat variant, which maintained steady positioning and precise tracking throughout the trial. Such performance is crucial for remote systems that must be able to deliver accurate and repeatable firepower under combat pressure.
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Ukrainian Innovation Meets European Engineering
While Milrem Robotics brings decades of expertise in autonomous platforms, the collaboration with Frontline adds a distinctly Ukrainian perspective to the system’s development. Frontline’s BURIA RWS has been designed with the ongoing conflict in mind, making it both battle-ready and highly adaptable to the needs of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Yevhen Tretiak, CEO of Frontline, described the partnership as a model for how international cooperation can accelerate technological innovation:
“This integration is a vivid example of Ukrainian innovation blending with European engineering. At Frontline, we believe the future of warfare belongs to robotic systems. By deploying drones and unmanned ground vehicles for offensive and defensive roles, we can ensure that soldiers remain out of harm’s way. Together with Milrem, we’re fast-tracking this vision to the frontlines.”
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Ongoing Development and Deployment
The companies are not stopping here. Further live-fire tests and tactical evaluations are scheduled in the coming weeks, with the aim of fine-tuning the system across a range of battlefield scenarios. The results will inform not only future system upgrades but also potential deployment strategies for Ukrainian and allied forces.
The THeMIS UGV already holds a notable place in Ukraine’s defence efforts. It was the first unmanned ground vehicle of its class to be fielded by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their war with Russia, and it continues to be recognized as one of the most capable UGVs operating on today’s battlefields.
Meanwhile, the BURIA RWS has quickly advanced from concept to reality. Introduced into service in January 2025, the system has already entered serial production and is being integrated into combat support units through a dedicated training program designed specifically for frontline operations. This ensures that Ukrainian forces can rapidly adopt the system and deploy it where it is needed most.
Shaping the Future of Modern Combat
The collaboration between Milrem Robotics and Frontline represents more than just the merging of two technologies — it illustrates a broader shift in the nature of modern combat. As militaries worldwide grapple with increasingly complex and high-risk operational environments, robotic systems like the THeMIS–BURIA combination offer safer, smarter, and more effective solutions.
By reducing the exposure of soldiers to direct combat, while simultaneously delivering accurate and powerful fire support, such systems could redefine how ground forces operate in contested environments. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine provides both the proving ground and the urgency for such innovations, accelerating the adoption of robotic systems in ways that may shape military doctrines for years to come.
As development and testing continue, the THeMIS–BURIA integration stands as a powerful example of how cross-border collaboration and technological innovation can converge to deliver real-world impact on the battlefield.
