South Korean defence prime Hanwha Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Estonian uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) specialist Milrem Robotics to collaborate on the development and global marketing of Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCV) and other ground robotic systems.
Hanwha Aerospace noted in an 18 February statement that the partnership, which was formalised on the sidelines of the IDEX 2025 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, will initially focus on tracked RCV development.
Hanwha Aerospace and Milrem Robotics will also jointly execute global marketing campaigns to promote the RCV and other ground robotics solutions. Both companies will leverage on their respective networks and market knowledge to expand the reach and adoption of their advanced robotic solutions across international markets.
“As Hanwha grows internationally, we seek to bring our technology, speed, and industrial strengths and partner with innovative companies to rapidly address emergent requirements. This collaboration on robotic and autonomous combat systems leverages the expertise and capabilities from Milrem and Hanwha Aerospace,” said Michael Coulter, President and designated CEO of Hanwha Global Defense.
Hanwha Aerospace has in recent years showcased its expertise in wheeled UGV development with the RCV-Large family of autonomous combat vehicles and ARION-SMET (Autonomous and Robotic systems for Intelligence Off-road Navigation-Small Multi-purpose Equipment Transport).
“Our collaboration with Hanwha aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge robotic solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces, combining Milrem Robotics’ innovative technologies with Hanwha’s extensive experience in defence systems,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
The company is developing the Type-X RCV, a tracked platform designed to complement and support mechanised forces with weapon systems including medium to large-calibre weapons and anti-tank guided missiles, providing heavy firepower as an individual unit or serving as a force multiplier by closely supporting crewed combat vehicles as robotic ‘wingmen’.
by Jr Ng
