Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, presents a solution for an interoperable robotised approach to the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI)—demonstrating how unmanned and autonomous systems can enable a continuous, multi-layered defence architecture in the air and land domain along NATO’s eastern border. Particular emphasis is placed on Counter-UAS systems.
The concept demonstrates how existing and emerging robotic capabilities could be applied within the EFDI framework. Aligned with NATO’s focus on strengthening its eastern flank, it spans the border from Finland to Poland and introduces a dedicated Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) zone designed to detect, contain, and neutralise threats before they reach human forces.
Rather than relying on massed formations, the solution centres on the rapid activation of robotic forces. Unmanned systems will deploy from protected positions, establish defensive infrastructure, and prepare the battlespace in advance—reducing reliance on reserves while lowering cost and political burden for NATO nations.
“The reality from Ukraine is clear: mass and readiness still matter, but how you generate them must change,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Robotising the Eastern Flank allows NATO to create a persistent defensive layer where unmanned systems make first contact, absorb losses, and buy time for decision-making—without immediately putting soldiers at risk. To make that effective at scale, robotic systems must also be able to operate as integrated forces within wider military operations.”
The border zone is monitored through a combination of existing ISR assets, unmanned ground vehicles, and third-party aerial systems operating within a resilient communications architecture, delivering continuous situational awareness and immediate Counter-UAS response.
Within this operational concept, Milrem Robotics’ contribution combines robotic platforms with integrated command-and-control capabilities. Central to this approach is the ARCOS command and control system, which enables coordinated operation of Milrem Robotics’ unmanned systems and integrated payloads within broader battle management frameworks. The company’s unmanned systems include the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle for forward operations and the HAVOC Robotic Combat Vehicle for higher-intensity engagements.
In the event of escalation, adversary forces will encounter a robotic-first defensive layer, where unmanned systems deliver direct fire, counter-drone effects, and precision strike, supported by conventional long-range fires targeting formations in depth. Autonomous battle groups extend the defence and absorb high-risk engagements, enabling manned forces to mobilise with reduced exposure.
At its core, the approach is defined by three principles:
- Robots absorb losses, not human soldiers
- Deterrence requires credible robotic lethality
- Defence must be delivered at a lower cost and higher sustainability for NATO nations
Milrem Robotics will present elements of this vision and its enabling technologies at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.
