The European Defence Fund (EDF) has approved funding for the follow-up of the iMUGS (Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) project to develop next-generation multipurpose unmanned ground systems.
An amount of 50 million euros ($56 million) has been approved for the project, which will be developed by the Milrem Robotics-led consortium that delivered the initial system in 2023.
The consortium has grown to 29 partners from 15 EU member states and associated nations, encompassing all initial partners.
“Winning this EDF call is a crucial step in ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of developing advanced unmanned technologies,” capability development director at Milrem Robotics Raul Rikk said.
“Our consortium unites top-tier expertise from across the EU, and we are prepared to deliver a capability that enhances our armed forces’ operational effectiveness and safety.”
Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System 2
Leveraging inputs from the initial round and other European initiatives, the iMUGS 2 aims to speed up research and quickly move toward deployable solutions.
The project’s intended enhanced operational capabilities will be demonstrated through trials with military tactical units.
iMUGS 2 has three primary goals: first, it intends to develop cost-effective, combat-ready unmanned ground systems for dismounted soldiers at various operational levels, including in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)-denied environments.
Second, it will define the operational concepts of unmanned platform deployment to enhance the capabilities of infantry battalions and cross-domain operations.
Third, the project will improve the platform’s modular and open architecture to better integrate autonomous functionalities with “both legacy and new systems across unmanned and optionally manned ground platforms, including the conversion of manned vehicles.”
Additionally, it will focus on interoperability with European nations and incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including the Ukraine war.
