ABOUT imugs

The integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System or iMUGS for short, is to date one of the European Union’s largest defence UGV development projects with a total cost of 32,6 million euros.

Launched in 2020 and successfully delivered at the beginning of 2023, the project developed a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems to address a large range of missions and to enable easy update or modification of assets and functionalities within the system: aerial and ground platforms, command, control and communication equipment, sensors, payloads, and algorithms.

Funded by the European Union’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) the project was performed by a consortium of 13 entities from 7 Member States: Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, France, Spain, Belgium.

iMUGS

The project, officially named EDIDP-MUGS-2019 Multipurpose architecture for unmanned ground systems and solutions for systems integration and manned-unmanned teaming, utilized an existing unmanned ground system—the THeMIS—developed by Milrem Robotics (the project’s coordinator) and a specific list of payloads.

The objectives of iMUGS were to:

  • develop a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems,
  • address a large range of non-lethal missions,
  • enable easy update or modification of legacy assets and functionalities for unmanned systems,
  • showcase progress in live demonstrations,
  • analyse ethical and legal aspects and the acceptability of unmanned systems in the general public and military personnel.

Following the success of iMUGS, the Consortium is proud to continue with the follow-up European Defence Fund (EDF) Call EDF-2024-DA-GROUND-UGS-STEP.

The iMUGS2 project aims to develop an unmanned ground system capable of manned-unmanned and unmanned-unmanned teaming with other robotic unmanned platforms and manned infantry vehicles to provide them full battlefield support.

The Consortium
Thanks to the success of iMUGS, the majority of participating companies chose to continue with iMUGS2. Over a dozen new companies have joined the consortium. Each is high-level in its respective fields of business. Together, they provide a good balance between innovators and experts. The iMUGS2 consortium is represented by companies from all 15 participating member states.

Building on the success of iMUGS, iMUGS2 will advance European security through robust industrial collaboration across the continent. The project will facilitate the development of a standardized open architecture, ensuring interoperability and seamless integration of defence solutions among member states. Leveraging cutting-edge European technology and expertise in combination with the utilization of other ongoing EU projects, iMUGS2 will strengthen the European defence industrial base, enhancing strategic autonomy and reducing dependency on non-European technologies.

The consortium, comprising leading companies from all participating member states, brings extensive experience meeting diverse military requirements. This pan-European collaboration will enhance the defence capabilities of individual member states and contribute to the collective security of the European Union.

Benefits of iMUGS2 for the European Union
iMUGS2 will focus on the practical implementation of mature, ready-to-deploy solutions that are easy to procure and tailored to each member state’s specific needs. This approach ensures rapid deployment and operational readiness, significantly contributing to Europe’s defence preparedness. Additionally, the project will drive innovation, create jobs, and foster new skills within the European defence industry, further cementing Europe’s position as a leader in global defence capabilities.