Estonia's Milrem Robotics and Chugach Explore U.S. Production of Military Robots

Estonian defense technology company Milrem Robotics and U.S.-based Chugach Alaska Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore manufacturing, integrating and supporting unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in the United States.

The agreement was signed on October 12 during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., and announced by Milrem Robotics on October 14.

Under the proposed partnership, Chugach could become Milrem Robotics' preferred U.S. industrial partner for production, assembly, integration, maintenance and lifecycle support of its robotic systems.

The cooperation would target potential requirements from the U.S. Department of Defense, other federal agencies and commercial customers operating dual-use technologies.

U.S. Production and International Sales

Milrem Robotics intends to establish a U.S.-based industrial capability that could also support exports to allied and partner countries through the American Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

"Our objective is not simply to sell systems into the United States, but to establish the capability to produce, integrate and sustain them there," said Stefan Behre, Chief Sales Officer at Milrem Robotics.

Chugach CEO Jonathan Dalrymple said Milrem's robotic systems are already operational or included in robotics programs across 21 countries. He highlighted the potential advantages of supporting American and allied customers through domestic production and maintenance capabilities.

The proposed cooperation would also include adapting robotic platforms to U.S. requirements, integrating additional equipment, training operators and maintenance personnel, and providing long-term technical support.

Milrem's THeMIS and HAVOC Platforms

Milrem Robotics develops several military robotic systems, including the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle and the HAVOC robotic combat vehicle.

The company's portfolio also includes ARCOS, a command-and-control platform for coordinating robotic systems, and technologies designed to introduce autonomous capabilities into existing military vehicles.

Milrem is currently leading the €55 million European iMUGS2 program, which focuses on the development and integration of unmanned ground systems.

Chugach Alaska Corporation provides industrial and technical services to U.S. government customers, including defense-related operations.

The companies have not disclosed the location of a potential U.S. production facility, planned investment, manufacturing volumes or an implementation timetable.

The agreement remains exploratory and does not constitute a confirmed production contract or U.S. military equipment order.