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Six THeMIS-Based ROCUS Demining Robots Headed to Ukraine

by Roman Cheplyk
Thursday, May 22, 2025
2 MIN
Six THeMIS-Based ROCUS Demining Robots Headed to Ukraine

Estonian-French partnership delivers remote-controlled mine-clearance capability funded by Paris

Fast Facts

  • Quantity & Model: 6 ROCUS (Route Clearance Unmanned Systems) units

  • Platform: THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) from Milrem Robotics (Estonia)

  • Integrator: CNIM Systèmes Industriels (France) will add mine-clearance payloads

  • End User: State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES)

  • Funding Source: French government defense-aid package


What the ROCUS System Delivers

Capability Details
Remote Operation Keeps sappers outside blast radius while detecting and neutralising explosives
Modular Payload CNIM obstacle-removal suite + sensors, cameras, robotic arm
Multi-Terrain Mobility THeMIS tracked platform proven in frontline conditions since 2022
Interoperability NATO-standard control interface for seamless integration with allied equipment

Kuldar Väärsi, CEO, Milrem Robotics:
“Our partnership with CNIM shows the strength of European defence cooperation and our commitment to giving Ukraine critical capabilities.”


Strategic Significance

  1. Humanitarian Impact – Faster, safer clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance in liberated areas.

  2. European Defence Synergy – Estonian hardware + French integration funded by Paris exemplifies multi-nation support.

  3. Operational Track Record – Ukraine has already fielded 15 ROCUS units; the new batch boosts the fleet to 21.

  4. Industry Momentum – Milrem’s recent acquisition by UAE-based EDGE Group underscores growing global interest in the THeMIS platform.


Company Footprint

  • Milrem Robotics: HQ in Estonia; offices in Finland, Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, USA

  • CNIM Systèmes Industriels: French engineering firm specializing in defence and industrial systems

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