Indian Army Showcases THeMIS UGV's Life-Saving Potential in 'Swavlamban Shakti' Exercise

The Indian Army recently concluded its 'Swavlamban Shakti' exercise at the Babina Field Firing Ranges, showcasing a range of indigenous technologies and innovations aimed at shaping future combat strategies.

Among the highlights was the demonstration of the Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), procured from Estonia's Milrem Robotics in 2022. This versatile UGV proved its potential in a variety of combat scenarios, particularly in the evacuation of injured soldiers.

THeMIS is a multi-role UGV capable of performing tasks ranging from reconnaissance and surveillance to logistics and transportation. Its autonomous operation capability allows it to navigate diverse environments independently, while its modular design enables rapid configuration for different mission requirements.

This adaptability has been proven in international operations, including the Operation Barkhane mission in Mali, where THeMIS supported logistics, ordnance disposal, and intelligence operations.

During the 'Swavlamban Shakti' exercise, the Indian Army demonstrated THeMIS's ability to quickly and safely evacuate simulated casualties from the battlefield. This capability is crucial for minimizing risk to human life and ensuring timely medical support, which can significantly improve the survival rates of wounded personnel. By taking on the dangerous task of casualty evacuation, THeMIS allows medics to focus on providing critical care while reducing the number of soldiers needed on the frontline.

The Indian Army's adoption of THeMIS reflects a growing trend among nations seeking to integrate advanced unmanned systems into their military operations.

The UGV's open architecture allows for seamless integration of new technologies and systems, ensuring its continued relevance in the face of evolving battlefield challenges. Future developments may include integrating THeMIS with aerial drones for comprehensive battlefield coverage and developing specialized modules for enhanced medical support.

 

[The Presence]

Why is the soldier exposed on the top instead of being carried inside the middle basket?

 

[Raghu68]

Instead of buying these systems from Estonia, a lot could be learned from the Ulraine-Russia war, a real war, not a conceptualised scenario. The Russians have deployed UGV systems based on hard experience where the soldiers are covered before being transported by the UGV. From bitter experience they learned that hovering UAVs could detect and home in on injured soldiers and kill them while being transported

 

[T.S]

Estonian UGVs are in Ukraine and have been providing significant assistance. They are used for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), supply transportation (CARGO), and clearing mines and IEDs (ENGINEERING).

Transporting a wounded person with the THeMIS UGV is much quicker and safer.

The THeMIS UGV can carry two stretchers: one on each side and one on the middle platform, depending on necessity.

 

[Kira]

The older camo pattern really is obsolete.

 

[Sandeep]

Why is the soldier exposed on the top instead of being carried inside the middle basket?

Because the middle section has bars and metal walls on the side that prevent the soldier from being placed or fitting inside on a stretcher.

 

[Sandeep]

These vehicles might be good to transport supplies, weapons, food and ammunition but this leaves the soldier dangerously exposed and vulnerable.

It’s much better that we use the BMP2 ambulance variant which gives complete protection from bullets and small bombs and can carry more than 1 stretcher and they have medical supplies, drugs and machinery to treat the wounded.

 

[The Presence]

Because the middle section has bars and metal walls on the side that prevent the soldier from being placed or fitting inside on a stretcher.

Then we should design a UGV which *can* do it ourselves.

 

[Sandeep]

Then we should design a UGV which *can* do it ourselves.

It will take too long and cost too much because just getting it tested to military standards takes years. Also just using a BMP2 is much cheaper and easier as it is armed as well and can fire a large number of weapons.