European Consortium Secures EDF Funding to Develop Multipurpose Unmanned Ground Systems

The European consortium behind the 2023 iMUGS (Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) project has secured fresh funding from the European Defence Fund (EDF) for its follow-up effort, iMUGS2, aimed at developing the next generation of multipurpose unmanned ground systems (UGS).

Under the EDF’s 2024 call for collaborative defence research and development, the consortium’s €55 million proposal was approved for nearly €50 million in late April, marking a major step for Europe’s defence innovation sector. The iMUGS2 project is designed to enhance Europe’s defence capabilities, strengthen technological independence, and accelerate the deployment of advanced unmanned technologies.

Unmanned vehicles (UxVs) have become key tools in modern military operations, with their impact clearly visible in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Effective coordination among unmanned vehicles, manned systems, and troops is seen as essential for improving battlefield performance, reducing casualties, minimising collateral damage, and lowering the cognitive workload on soldiers.

Building on lessons from iMUGS and other European projects, iMUGS2 will fast-track research and deliver practical, deployable solutions. The new systems will undergo demonstrations with military tactical units to validate their operational capabilities. The project will also focus on improving interoperability across European forces, reflecting insights gained from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where several consortium-member technologies have been used.

“Our project 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,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics, the consortium lead.

The iMUGS2 project sets out three main goals. First, it will develop, validate, and demonstrate combat-ready UGSs that deliver practical value across various military operations. Second, it will establish operational concepts showing how UGS and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can work together to strengthen infantry battalion and cross-domain capabilities. Third, it will enhance the modular open architecture and Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) framework, allowing the smooth integration of autonomous features with both legacy and new ground systems, including converting manned vehicles into unmanned or optionally manned platforms.

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 organisations.

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.