– Milrem Robotics, a leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and EOS Defence Systems, a global technology leader in remote weapon systems, have formalized a strategic agreement to jointly develop and market advanced unmanned ground systems (UGS) for military applications. The collaboration aims to integrate EOS’s weapon technologies with Milrem’s UGV platforms, addressing a growing need for adaptable and effective defense solutions, particularly in the face of evolving drone threats.
Expanding Capabilities in a Contested Environment
The agreement, initially established in at the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, establishes a framework for cooperation encompassing marketing, product development, and research and development. Both companies will leverage their respective expertise – Milrem in unmanned platforms and EOS in weapon systems and integrated defense – to deliver “scalable and mission-ready solutions for modern armed forces,” according to Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
Andreas Schwer, CEO of Electro Optic Systems (EOS), highlighted the increasing mobility and complexity of the drone threat, stating that “effective defence can no longer be confined to fixed sites or crewed platforms.” The partnership is designed to extend EOS’s counter-drone capabilities onto unmanned ground platforms, enabling more flexible and layered defense approaches.
Focus on Integration and New Markets
A key component of the collaboration centers on the integration of EOS’s R400 remote weapon system with Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle. This integration is already targeted for a program in the United Arab Emirates, with potential deployment also considered in Ukraine and among NATO countries. The companies will also explore opportunities for co-development of products and technologies aligned with their areas of expertise.
Beyond the initial integration, the agreement outlines plans for joint research and development, including the integration of advanced weapon systems, sensors, and effectors onto Milrem’s UGV platforms. Specific areas of focus include non-ITAR counter-UAS solutions, missile and grenade launcher integrations, large-calibre weapon systems for heavier UGVs, and the integration of laser-based capabilities on medium and large uncrewed platforms, potentially in collaboration with other international partners.
Strategic Market Focus and Intellectual Property Sharing
The initial geographic focus for the partnership will be the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and Europe. Target markets within these regions include the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Opportunities in the United States will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This targeted approach reflects a strategic assessment of where joint offerings can deliver a distinct competitive advantage.
The agreement also facilitates the sharing of intellectual property, technical know-how, and research outcomes, aiming to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of jointly developed or marketed solutions. This collaborative approach is intended to streamline innovation and reduce time-to-market for new technologies.
Implications for the Unmanned Systems Market
This partnership represents a significant development in the rapidly evolving unmanned ground systems market. The demand for UGS is being driven by several factors, including the increasing need for force protection, the desire to reduce risk to soldiers, and the growing sophistication of asymmetric threats. The integration of advanced weapon systems onto UGS platforms, as envisioned by Milrem and EOS, addresses a critical capability gap in many modern militaries.
The focus on counter-UAS capabilities is particularly noteworthy, given the proliferation of drones in both military and civilian applications. The ability to deploy effective counter-drone systems on mobile, unmanned platforms offers a significant advantage over traditional, fixed-site defenses.
Kuldar Väärsi emphasized that the cooperation highlights both companies’ commitment to advancing unmanned combat technologies and delivering superior solutions for global defense markets. Dr. Andreas Schwer echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership combines proven capabilities to provide a “powerful, field-ready solution” and strengthens support for key defense initiatives in the UAE and other strategic regions.
The collaboration between Milrem Robotics and EOS Defence Systems underscores a broader trend toward increased integration and specialization within the defense industry. By combining their respective strengths, the companies aim to deliver more comprehensive and effective solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces.
