The consortium that successfully delivered the groundbreaking iMUGS (integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) project in 2023 has secured funding from the European Defence Fund (EDF) for the follow-up project, iMUGS2, which aims to develop next-generation Multipurpose Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS).
The consortium’s €55 million proposal, submitted under the EDF’s 2024 call for collaborative defence research and development, was officially approved for funding of nearly €50 million in late April. This strategic victory highlights Europe’s commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities and technological independence through innovative and cooperative industrial development.
“Winning this EDF call is a crucial step in ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of developing advanced unmanned technologies. 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,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics, the consortium lead.
Unmanned vehicles (UxVs) have emerged as one of the most significant innovations in modern military operations, as evidenced by their deployment during the war in Ukraine. Effective cooperation among UxVs, manned vehicles, operators, and soldiers is crucial for enhancing combat effectiveness. This collaboration aims to reduce casualties, minimise collateral damage, and lessen the cognitive burden on warfighters.
Using outputs from iMUGS and other European-funded initiatives, iMUGS2 aims to expedite research and move rapidly towards practical, deployable solutions. The enhancement of operational capabilities will be demonstrated through trials with military tactical units. The project will also focus on developing interoperability among European nations and incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where several Consortium member systems are deployed.
“Our project aims to develop and deploy cost-effective, modular unmanned systems capable of supporting dismounted, mechanised, and motorised infantry in all European environments, including GNSS-denied areas and adverse climatic conditions,” Rikk added.
iMUGS2 has three primary outcomes. Firstly, it aims to develop, validate, and demonstrate cost-effective, combat-ready UGSs that support dismounted troops at various operational levels and provide practical value in different operations. Secondly, the project will establish operational concepts demonstrating how UGS and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can enhance the capabilities of infantry battalions and cross-domain operations. Thirdly, the project will improve the modular and open architecture and Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) framework, which enables the efficient integration of autonomous functionalities with both legacy and new systems across unmanned and optionally manned ground platforms, including the conversion of manned vehicles.
