ABOUT imugs
The Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) and its follow-up, iMUGS2, form one of the EU’s most ambitious defence initiatives, combining cutting-edge technology and pan-European collaboration.
Together, the projects aim to develop next-generation Multipurpose Unmanned Ground Systems to meet diverse mission needs and enable easy upgrades of aerial and ground platforms, C3 systems, sensors, payloads, and AI-driven functionalities.
While iMUGS laid the groundwork with a €32.6M effort launched in 2020, the €55M iMUGS2 builds on that success to deliver interoperable, combat-ready UGVs with enhanced autonomy, ISTAR capabilities, and integration with infantry forces across European terrain.
Funded under the EU’s EDIDP and EDF programmes, iMUGS and iMUGS2 involve up to 29 partners from 15 Member States.
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.
iMUGS2 is officially funded by the European Defence Fund!
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.