Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) can now clear anti-personnel mines and obstacles remotely from a distance, thanks to a cutting-edge new module.
The capability boost is enabled by H-POMBS (Heavy Portable Obstacle Minefield Breaching System), a line-charge device originally designed as a backpack-portable tool for troops.
The system fires a rocket that lays a line of explosives across a minefield, taking over the dangerous tasks once done by human breaching teams.
Once detonated, it blasts a narrow, continuous corridor through mines, improvised traps, and other explosive hazards, allowing troops to advance safely.
From Backpack to UGV
When fitted in the UGV, each H-POMBS charge can clear a lane about 54 meters (177 feet) long and roughly 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) wide.
The module carries two charges, giving operators a pair of breaching shots per deployment.
Using the UGV’s control interface, operators can adjust pitch and roll to ensure the line charge lands accurately across the minefield.
Each charge takes roughly five minutes to prepare, allowing for faster obstacle reduction during time-sensitive operations.
The module is armored to withstand small-arms fire, though its effectiveness can vary depending on mine type, terrain, and soil composition.
Safer Lane Creation
The system is designed to establish secure lanes through minefields and barriers while keeping troops out of harm’s way.
Using THeMIS as the launch platform, it can move to the edge of a suspected minefield, deploy the H-POMBS line charge, and trigger detonation from a safer distance.
Unveiled at Enforce Tac 2026, the upgrade underscores the growing demand among NATO and partner militaries for unmanned combat capabilities that can operate in contested environments.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the THeMIS is developed by KNDS.
