On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace and Estonian Milrem Robotics (since 2023, part of the Emirati EDGE Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and global marketing of Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs) and other ground robotic systems.
Photo: Milrem Robotics
As part of this strategic partnership, Milrem Robotics and Hanwha Aerospace will collaborate on the development of tracked Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs) to meet the operational requirements of the first customers. By combining their expertise, both companies aim to enhance the platform’s capabilities to effectively support mechanized units.
Additionally, Milrem Robotics and Hanwha Aerospace will jointly conduct global marketing campaigns to promote the RCV platform and other ground robotic solutions. Leveraging their networks and market expertise, both companies will work towards expanding the reach and adoption of their advanced robotic solutions in international markets.
“Our collaboration with Hanwha aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge robotic solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces, combining Milrem Robotics’ innovative technologies with Hanwha’s extensive experience in defence systems,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
“As Hanwha grows internationally, we seek to bring our technology, speed, and industrial strengths and partner with innovative companies to rapidly address emergent requirements. This collaboration on robotic and autonomous combat systems leverages the expertise and capabilities from Milrem and Hanwha Aerospace,” said Michael Coulter, President & CEO (nominee) of Hanwha Global Defense, overseeing international aerospace and defence businesses for Hanwha Aerospace and other affiliates. “Through this collaboration, we intend to bring new capability and capacity to address rapidly evolving combat environments.”
At this year’s International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), Milrem Robotics unveiled the Havoc RCV, a hybrid-powered wheeled Robotic Combat Vehicle, which has joined the Estonian company’s portfolio alongside its tracked platforms: the multi-purpose THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System) and the combat-oriented Type X RCV.
Hanwha Aerospace offers the Arion-SMET, a wheeled unmanned vehicle that underwent testing in the United States early last year—previously designated as the I-MPUGV (Intelligent, Multi-Purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle). The company has also showcased the UCV-L combat platform demonstrator in Poland, equipped with TAipers anti-tank guided missiles, as well as concept models featuring an autocannon or a high-energy laser weapon system at various defense exhibitions. Additionally, Hanwha Aerospace previously developed the USV 6×6 (Unmanned Surveillance Vehicle), a reconnaissance vehicle designed for the South Korean armed forces.
https://twitter.com/HanwhaEurope/status/1891803604517835083
https://twitter.com/MilremR/status/1892184598517313645