MILREM ROBOTICS makes robot combat vehicles

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The Estonian company Milrem Robotics is attempting to revolutionize the global defense industry by developing a new type of unmanned, tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) for mechanized units, a Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) named Type-X. Although not a tank, the Type-X moves on tracks and has a turret.

Milrem Robotics is primarily known for its THeMIS UGV, operated by several countries, including the French forces in Mali. Kuldar Väärsi, founder and CEO of Milrem Robotics, stated that a new long-term goal is to replace all old-style infantry fighting vehicles with new systems. He believes that the defense industry, like many other areas of life, will become increasingly dependent on robots in the future, with fewer and fewer people directly involved in combat operations.

What makes the Type-X unique, he said, is the combination of three elements: a hybrid drive (electric and diesel), the ability to operate in a fully autonomous mode, and the absence of a crew. While some existing infantry fighting vehicles have been modified to be remotely controlled, and there are also optional manned vehicles being created, Väärsi stated, „I think these solutions are similar to townhouses, which have either disadvantages of apartments and houses at the same time, with almost no benefits.“

The company believes that the Type-X has several advantages over the current type of infantry fighting vehicles. Firstly, it is half the cost. Additionally, at 12 tons, it is almost two-thirds lighter than an infantry fighting vehicle, which means the Type-X has improved mobility and is easier to transport by aircraft such as the C-130. With a height of only 2.20m, width of 2.90m, and length of 6m, the Type-X also has a lower profile and smaller volume than most IFVs, making it harder to detect in the field. This advantage is further enhanced by its low heat signature. Equipped with a 2-ton turret armed with a 30mm automatic cannon, optional with a 50mm cannon, the Type-X is on par with other IFVs in terms of firepower.

The Type-X is easily upgradable, as it is built on a fully modular approach (sensors and other components can be upgraded) and benefits from low maintenance costs since it was designed maintenance-friendly according to the LRU principle. Multiple payloads can be used based on the same interface. Like the THeMIS, the Type-X is multifunctional, meaning its cannon can be replaced with an air defense system, mortar, or radar as needed. It can also be utilized as a transport platform for equipment and soldiers.

How the Type-X is utilized in combat largely depends on the structure of the armed forces, the terrain, and tactics. Autonomous systems like the Type-X will be used as a force multiplier at all levels from platoon to brigade combat teams. They will reduce response times and decrease the cognitive burden on the commander, enabling the entire unit to be led more effectively. Unmanned platforms can also support the MESH networking principle with automatic MESH planning and communication relays.

The OODA loop (Observation-Orient-Decide-Act) of the commander and the entire unit can be processed faster with the help of automatic and autonomous functions and AI. According to Väärsi, the main task of the new robot will be to support main battle tanks and mechanized units with a more advantageous range: 600 km with fully charged batteries and a full tank of JP8. The batteries are recharged while the diesel engine is running. Amphibious capability is being considered by Milrem for the future.

As of May 28, the Type-X exists in the chassis stage. Additional components for the prototype are ready but not yet delivered to Estonia. The company hopes to complete the prototype by the end of summer 2020. It will take another three years for the product to become a certified, market-ready product. Väärsi is not afraid of anything going wrong. Most of the work is done, all stages have passed software tests, and now it's just a matter of assembling a real machine. „Milrem had originally planned to unveil the Type-X model at the Eurosatory 2020 event“, said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem, to Army Recognition during a webinar organized on May 27, but this major defense exhibition scheduled for June has been canceled. „We plan to complete the prototype of the vehicle by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2020 and start mobility tests in October“.

Milrem Robotics online: milremrobotics.com