The ground mobility sector is experiencing a significant shift towards advanced robotic and autonomous systems, with companies like Milrem Robotics, Soucy Defence, Textron Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, Texelis, and many others playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of military vehicles.

The strategic partnership between Milrem Robotics and Texelis highlights the growing importance of electrified drivetrains and modular platforms in the development of next-generation robotic combat vehicles (RCVs).

Milrem Robotics has been making significant contributions to the electrification of the defence sector through its innovative unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and robotic combat vehicles (RCVs). Milrem's THeMIS UGV exemplifies the company's commitment to electrification in defence. This versatile platform features a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain, offering several advantages. The hybrid system provides a significant operational range, allowing for prolonged missions without the need for frequent refuelling. Additionally, the electric mode enables stealthy movement, which is crucial for covert operations. The THeMIS UGV can accommodate various payloads, including electric-powered systems for different mission requirements. These electrified platforms allow for efficient power distribution to support advanced sensors, communication systems, and weapon stations.

Milrem is advancing the development of next-generation RCVs with a focus on electrification. The partnership with Texelis to develop advanced mobility subsystems includes an electrified powertrain for armoured vehicles weighing over 12 tons, thus optimised for the TYPE-X RCV. This collaboration will result in a state-of-the-art Tank Electrified Drivetrain, enabling the development of highly mobile and durable robotic platforms. A Texelis spokesperson explained to FW MAG that "the electric transmission is a significant advancement. Electric solutions are far more efficient than conventional ones, and promise unprecedented performance in terms of energy at the wheel/track, thus expanding the vehicle's capability's of crossing obstacles".

Milrem's approach to electrification is characterized by modularity and adaptability. Milrem's focus on electrification goes hand-in-hand with advancing autonomous capabilities. The company's vehicles incorporate artificial intelligence systems for target acquisition and drone swarm coordination, leveraging electric power for advanced computing capabilities.

The TYPE-X represents Milrem Robotics' cutting-edge offering in the field of robotic combat vehicles. It combines advanced autonomous capabilities, modular design, and significant firepower. Through ongoing development and strategic partnerships, the TYPE-X continues to evolve, positioning itself as a potentially transformative platform for future military operations. 

Recent developments have further enhanced the TYPE-X's capabilities, including the integration of a mixed reality situational awareness system (MRSAS) called Vegvisir Remote, providing operators with a 360-degree virtual dome for enhanced decision-making, Kongsberg's latest PROTECTOR Medium Calibre Turret (which has passed several live firing tests) and the integration of the QUADBOX by Elistair, a tactical tethered UAS for improved ISR capabilities.

Milrem's UGVs offer various levels of control, from teleoperation to fully autonomous modes, all supported by electric and hybrid-electric systems. Milrem's efforts in electrification extend to fostering European industrial cooperation.

By partnering with companies like Texelis, Milrem is contributing to the enhancement of Europe's technological autonomy in defence electrification. Their work is helping to shape the future of military operations, offering more sustainable, efficient, and capable platforms for modern armed forces. By focusing on hybrid and electric powertrains, modular designs, and advanced autonomous capabilities, the two companies are at the forefront of the electrification revolution in the defence sector.

As far as Texelis is concerned, its approach to ground mobility is comprehensive, encompassing the entire lifecycle of mobility systems. Their integrated production plant, R&D facility, and testing units enable them to develop, industrialize, produce, qualify, integrate, and support mobility systems. This end-to-end capability ensures that their solutions are not only cutting-edge but also reliable and sustainable in the long term.

Texelis has entered into a strategic partnership with QinetiQ to jointly develop and deliver in-wheel Electric Hub Drive technology for military armoured vehicles. This innovative technology enables enhanced power and system efficiency, along with the ability to operate silently using battery power. It allows for a complete rethinking of vehicle power architecture, discarding conventional axle and driveshaft design constraints.

The Electric Hub Drive technology offers vehicle OEMs greater freedom to design more flexible vehicles for future battlefields. Texelis is actively working on the hybridization of mobility for military vehicles. They are developing a hybrid powerpack for the SERVAL troop carrier, which is currently powered by a conventional diesel engine.

The company is leveraging advancements in hybrid propulsion technologies to integrate them into military vehicles. Additionally, Texelis is preparing to offer hybrid propulsion options for their CELERIS 4x4 and 6X6 full military mobility solution.

Furthermore, Texelis is developing an electric motorized wheel as an alternative to conventional drivelines. This technology could potentially deliver 20 to 30 times greater power and boost autonomy by 30 percent on a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It has the potential to change the architecture of vehicles, allowing for a smaller diesel engine. The company expects to deliver a technology demonstrator for this concept in 2027-2028.

Texelis is actively pursuing several innovative technologies that could contribute to further electrification in the defense sector. These include torque vectoring for active trajectory control, robotization for teleoperated vehicles capable of operating with or without a driver, and ride height management for quick adaptation to various situations. By focusing on these electrification and hybrid technologies, Texelis is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of defence vehicle mobility.

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