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Last month, Estonian robotics company Milrem Robotics successfully secured nearly €50M in funding from the European Defence Fund to lead the development of advanced uncrewed ground systems.
The funding follows their successful completion of the groundbreaking iMUGS (Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) project in 2023. The new initiative, dubbed iMUGS2, will focus on creating next-generation multipurpose autonomous ground systems designed to enhance military operations across Europe.
“Winning this EDF call is a crucial step in ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of developing advanced unmanned technologies,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics. “Our consortium unites top-tier expertise from across the EU, and we are prepared to deliver a capability that enhances our armed forces’ operational effectiveness and safety.”
The project comes at a critical time, as such vehicles have proven to be game-changing technologies in modern military operations, notably in Ukraine. Several systems from consortium members are currently deployed there, providing valuable real-world data and experience.
The new systems are being designed to work seamlessly alongside human soldiers and crewed vehicles, with the goal of reducing casualties, lowering collateral damage, and reducing the mental burden on military personnel.
All of this is no small leap, and requires extensive cross-European cooperation. Under Milrem’s leadership, the iMUGS2 consortium has grown to include 29 partners from 15 European Union member states and associated countries. This includes major corporations, medium-sized businesses, small enterprises, and research organizations.
Estonia, meanwhile, is doubling down to produce more innovation companies that can lead such initiatives. The country has opened a €100M Defence Fund, as well as committed to spending at least 5 per cent of its GDP on defence as of next year, with a heavy focus on novel solutions. There’s a new specialised industrial park in the making, and local defence startups are already tripling their valuation, drawing world-class investors.
