The War In Ukraine Continues Accelerating The Use Of Innovative Military Technologies. In A New Advance, An Unmanned Ground Vehicle Has Received A Weapon System Capable Of Firing Grenades More Than A Kilometer Away, Combining European Engineering And Ukrainian Innovation.
A defense equipment manufacturer has presented an advance in the use of robotic platforms. The remote weapon system BURIA was installed on the Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS), an unmanned ground vehicle with tank-like appearance and functions.
The system includes a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, capable of hitting targets up to 1,100 meters away, equivalent to 3,609 feet.
The THeMIS is a versatile and low-cost platform designed for different operational tasks. Its modular structure allows for quick customizations to meet specific needs on the battlefield.
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Live Fire Tests In Ukraine
The installation was carried out by the Estonian company Milrem Robotics, in partnership with the Ukrainian company Frontline. The companies confirmed that the integration was validated during live fire tests in Ukraine, under real operational conditions.
According to the developers, the combination of the BURIA RWS with the THeMIS allowed for precision targeting at maximum range, keeping operators safe.
The Director of Industrial Partnerships at Milrem Robotics, Paul Clayton, stated that the result proves the reliability and accuracy of the integration. For him, robots have an increasing role in improving tactical effectiveness and troop safety.
Combat Performance
During testing, the THeMIS Combat demonstrated high stability and precise target tracking. This reinforces the platform’s ability to operate with different combat payloads.
The performance achieved also indicates that the vehicle can maintain effectiveness even in adverse conditions, which is considered essential in the current war scenario.
Additionally, the system showed agility in transitioning between different objectives, which expands its applications on the field.
Union Of European Engineering And Ukrainian Innovation
The CEO of Frontline, Yevhen Tretiak, highlighted that the project is a clear example of the union between Ukrainian innovation and European engineering. For him, the future of modern warfare lies in robotic operations, where drones perform offensive and defensive missions while soldiers remain out of harm’s way.
Tretiak explained that the BURIA is part of a vision for a robotic battlefield. This approach envisions the intensive use of autonomous systems to reduce human casualties and increase responsiveness.
Production And Training
The companies reported that the BURIA grenade launcher has been in use by military units since January 2025. The system is in mass production and being integrated into combat support units.
A specialized training program has been developed to prepare operators for the use of the technology on the front lines.
Milrem Robotics added that new firing tests and tactical validations are scheduled for the coming weeks. These trials are expected to assess the performance of the system in different combat scenarios.
Next Steps And History
The data obtained from the tests will guide future updates and deployment strategies. The company also recalled that the THeMIS was the first unmanned ground vehicle of its kind to be used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the war against Russia.
Currently, the THeMIS is considered the most capable UGV in operation in the country, according to Milrem Robotics. This recognition is due to the combination of mobility, flexibility, and efficiency in supporting troops.
With the continuation of tests and adjustments, expectations are that the system will gain even more prominence on the battlefield, solidifying the use of armed robots as an essential part of the Ukrainian military strategy.

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