The Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition, held in London from September 9–12, has once again proven to be a pivotal stage for showcasing the future of military technology. Among the standout innovations unveiled at this year’s event is a groundbreaking collaboration between Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading developer of robotic and autonomous systems, and Moog, a renowned manufacturer of precision defense solutions. Their joint effort has produced a cutting-edge autonomous air defense system that integrates Milrem’s THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with Moog’s advanced missile launcher, marking a significant leap forward in modern warfare. This revolutionary system promises to transform how militaries counter aerial threats, combining the agility of unmanned platforms with the precision of next-generation missile technology.
The Evolution of Unmanned Ground Vehicles in Modern Warfare
Unmanned ground vehicles have become a cornerstone of 21st-century military operations, driven by the need to reduce human risk, enhance operational efficiency, and adapt to increasingly complex battlefields. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, for instance, has underscored the critical role of autonomous systems in sustaining operations under intense combat conditions. From logistics and reconnaissance to direct combat support, UGVs are reshaping military doctrine by offering scalable, versatile solutions that integrate seamlessly with manned units. Milrem Robotics has been at the forefront of this transformation, with its THeMIS platform already deployed in diverse environments, including Arctic and forested terrains, by multiple NATO members.
The THeMIS UGV, a modular and hybrid system, is designed to support dismounted troops and mechanized units with a payload capacity of up to 1,200 kg. Its intelligent functions, such as waypoint navigation, follow-me capabilities, and obstacle avoidance, make it a highly adaptable platform for a variety of missions, from logistics and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) to armed support. At DSEI 2025, Milrem Robotics elevated the THeMIS platform’s capabilities by integrating it with Moog’s state-of-the-art missile launcher, creating a system tailored specifically for autonomous air defense.
Moog’s Missile Launcher: Precision Meets Autonomy
Moog, a global leader in precision motion control and defense systems, brings its expertise in missile launchers to this partnership. Known for its work on advanced weapon systems, Moog has developed a launcher that complements the THeMIS UGV’s mobility and autonomy. This launcher is engineered to engage aerial threats, including drones and low-flying aircraft, with pinpoint accuracy. Its modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration to accommodate various missile types, ensuring flexibility across different operational scenarios. The integration of Moog’s launcher with the THeMIS platform creates a synergy that combines mobility, autonomy, and firepower into a single, cohesive system.
The launcher’s advanced targeting systems leverage cutting-edge sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats in real time. This capability is particularly critical in today’s battlefield, where unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munitions have become ubiquitous. By pairing Moog’s precision technology with Milrem’s robust UGV platform, the system offers militaries a scalable solution that can operate in contested environments, including those with heavy electronic warfare or GPS-denied conditions.
A Game-Changer for Air Defense
The Milrem-Moog collaboration addresses a pressing need in modern warfare: the ability to counter the growing threat of drones and other aerial systems. The proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has transformed the battlefield, with adversaries increasingly relying on drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and direct strikes. Traditional air defense systems, often stationary or reliant on human operators, struggle to keep pace with the speed and unpredictability of these threats. The THeMIS UGV, equipped with Moog’s launcher, offers a mobile, autonomous alternative that can be deployed rapidly to protect ground forces, critical infrastructure, and forward operating bases.
What sets this system apart is its ability to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, reducing the cognitive and physical burden on soldiers. The THeMIS platform’s integration with the Robotic Operating System (ROS) enables advanced features such as waypoint navigation and obstacle avoidance, allowing the UGV to position itself optimally for air defense tasks. Meanwhile, Moog’s launcher provides the firepower needed to engage targets with precision, even in dynamic and high-threat environments. This combination of mobility, autonomy, and lethality makes the system a force multiplier for modern militaries.
Strategic Implications and Global Impact
The unveiling of this autonomous air defense system at DSEI 2025 comes at a time when NATO and its allies are prioritizing multi-domain operations and the integration of unmanned systems into their force structures. The system’s modularity and adaptability make it an ideal candidate for coalition operations, where interoperability and scalability are paramount. By combining Milrem’s THeMIS UGV, already in use by several NATO members, with Moog’s launcher, the system aligns with the alliance’s focus on enhancing mobility, reducing risks to personnel, and extending operational endurance.
The timing of this unveiling is also significant. As global defense budgets increase in response to heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in Europe following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there is a growing demand for innovative solutions that deliver both strategic and tactical advantages. The Milrem-Moog system addresses this demand by offering a cost-effective, attritable platform that can be deployed in high-risk scenarios without endangering human lives. Its ability to operate in electronically contested environments further enhances its appeal, as militaries seek systems that can function reliably under electronic warfare conditions.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The THeMIS UGV, at the heart of this system, is a 6×6 hybrid platform capable of operating silently on battery power for up to 12 km or over 300 km on fuel, with a payload capacity of 1,200 kg. Its modular design supports a wide range of mission kits, from logistics and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) to armed configurations. The integration of Moog’s missile launcher adds a new dimension to its capabilities, enabling it to engage aerial targets with precision-guided munitions. The launcher’s sensors provide 360-degree coverage, while its AI-driven targeting system ensures rapid response times and high accuracy.
The system’s autonomy is further enhanced by Milrem’s use of open-source software, which allows for seamless integration with existing command-and-control (C2) systems. This interoperability is critical for joint operations, where multiple platforms must work together to achieve mission objectives. Additionally, the THeMIS platform’s rugged design ensures it can operate in diverse terrains, from urban environments to dense forests and arctic conditions, making it a versatile asset for global deployments.
The Future of Autonomous Warfare
The Milrem-Moog partnership represents a broader trend in the defense industry toward the integration of autonomous systems into core military capabilities. As robotic combat vehicles (RCVs) and UGVs become more prevalent, they are reshaping military doctrine by enabling new concepts of operation. The ability to deploy autonomous air defense systems, such as the THeMIS with Moog’s launcher, allows militaries to maintain a strategic edge in contested environments, where speed, precision, and adaptability are critical.
Looking ahead, the system’s modularity and open architecture suggest significant potential for future upgrades. As AI and sensor technologies continue to evolve, the THeMIS platform could be adapted to incorporate new payloads, such as counter-UAS systems or electronic warfare modules, further expanding its utility. The collaboration between Milrem and Moog also sets a precedent for international partnerships in the development of autonomous systems, fostering innovation and interoperability across the global defense industry.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Autonomous Air Defense
The unveiling of Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV integrated with Moog’s missile launcher at DSEI 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of autonomous warfare. By combining the mobility and versatility of the THeMIS platform with the precision and firepower of Moog’s launcher, this system offers a transformative solution for countering aerial threats. Its autonomy, modularity, and adaptability make it a game-changer for modern militaries, aligning with the strategic priorities of NATO and its allies. As the defense industry continues to embrace robotics and AI, the Milrem-Moog collaboration sets a new benchmark for what autonomous systems can achieve on the battlefield.
