High-tech consortium secures funding for multipurpose unmanned ground systems development

This initiative builds upon the groundwork laid by the iMUGS (Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) project completed in 2023 and aims to develop next-generation Multipurpose Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS). 

The consortium's proposal, totaling €55 million, was submitted under the EDF's 2024 call for collaborative defence research and development and was officially approved for nearly €50 million in funding in late April. The project reinforces Europe's dedication to strengthening its defense capabilities and technological independence through cooperative industrial innovation and development. 

"Nortal is proud to be a part of this crucial initiative alongside Milrem Robotics and all other consortium members," says Aron Haljaste, VP Defence Research and Development, at Nortal. "The iMUGS2 project aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance European defense capabilities and ensure the safety and effectiveness of our armed forces. We believe that our expertise in digital transformation, cyber resilience, advanced threat detection and response, and the integration of complex systems will be instrumental to the success of this project." 

Unmanned vehicles (UxVs) have proven to be a significant innovation in modern military operations. Effective cooperation among UxVs, manned vehicles, operators, and soldiers is crucial for enhancing combat effectiveness, reducing casualties, minimising collateral damage, and lessening the cognitive burden on warfighters.

iMUGS2 will leverage outputs from iMUGS and other European-funded initiatives to accelerate research and rapidly advance towards practical, deployable solutions. Military tactical units will conduct trials to demonstrate the enhancement of operational capabilities. The project will also focus on fostering interoperability among European nations and incorporating lessons learned from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where several Consortium member systems are deployed. 

iMUGS2 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. 

iMUGS2 has three primary objectives. 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. 

About the Consortium 

The iMUGS2 consortium has grown to include 29 partners from 15 European Union member states and associated nations, encompassing all initial project partners. The team consists of large corporations, mid-sized businesses, SMEs, and research organizations. Each partner contributes leading expertise in their respective fields, promoting a comprehensive vision throughout the project’s lifecycle. This diversity allows the consortium to tackle potential challenges and deliver strategic and effective solutions. 

The iMUGS2 Consortium consists of the following entities: AVL List, Bittium Wireless, Czech Technical University in Prague, Cybernetica, Delft Dynamics, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, Elettronica, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, FN Herstal, GMV Aerospace and Defence, Huta Stalowa Wola, Insta Advance, Integrated Systems Development, John Cockerill Defense, KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, Łukasiewicz – PIAP, Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Nortal (Talgen Cybersecurity), Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Secura, Svensk Konstruktionstjänst, Systecon Konsult. 

For more information, please visit https://imugs.eu.