Estonia’s Milrem Robotics has integrated a Starlink satellite communications system into its popular THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle, enabling remote control from thousands of kilometers away.

The 3,500-pound tracked vehicle, used by 17 militaries, including Ukraine, for logistics and casualty evacuations, now benefits from enhanced control beyond line of sight, thanks to the satellite link.

This integration also reduces the vehicle’s radio frequency signature, making it harder to detect.

Feedback from Ukraine, where 13 of the original 15 THeMIS robots are still in operation, is helping refine the design, National Defense Magazine has reported.

Milrem is expanding its production capacity to manufacture 500 units annually.

Written by B.C. Begley