D&S 2019: Thailand collaborates with EOS and Milrem on UGV project

Thailand’s Defence Technology Institute (DTI) has showcased at the Defense and Security (D&S) 2019 show in Bangkok a combat unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) it has jointly developed with Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and Estonian firm Milrem Robotics.

The so-called ‘D-Iron UGV’ is a DTI-funded integration of Milrem’s THeMIS UGV fitted with EOS’ R400S-Mk2 Direct Drive-Heavy Duty (D-HD) remote weapon station (RWS). DTI has to date built one prototype D-Iron platform, with trials of the platform scheduled to start with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) soon.

Thailand’s DTI has unveiled the ‘D-Iron’ UGV, which marries Milrem’s THeMIS UGV with a remote weapon station developed by EOS. (IHS Markit/Jon Grevatt)

The DTI said the modular platform can be adapted for a range of operations including reconnaissance and patrol, anti-tank, counter-improvised explosive device missions, communications relay, and logistics. It can also be fitted with multi-calibre weapons.

According to the DTI, the D-Iron has a tracked-base platform with a large central bay that can accommodate a wide range of payloads, with a stated capacity of up to 1,200 kg. It has a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The platform, without the R400S-Mk2 RWS fitted, weighs 1,630 kg. The R400S-Mk2 can mount a range of weapons up to and including the M230LF lightweight 30 mm autocannon and anti-tank guided missiles.

DTI officials said the intended user of the D-Iron is the RTA, which currently does not operate a similar capability to the platform. The DTI is positioning the D-Iron for a range of missions including border surveillance and counter-insurgency.