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Europe's largest unmanned ground systems development programme was launched in Brussels under Estonia's leadership

Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI)

25.11.2025
News

The major European Defence Fund (EDF - European Defence Fund) project iMUGS2, an integrated unmanned ground systems programme, was officially launched in Brussels. The aim of iMUGS2 (Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground Systems) is to strengthen Europe's autonomy and robotics capabilities by creating a secure and interoperable architecture for both unmanned and manned ground platforms.

According to Kuno Peek, Head of EU Defence Projects at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), the project supports Europe's technological independence in key defence domains - from AI-based autonomy to system integration, as well as communication, command and control solutions.

Estonia has a central role in the project: the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) coordinates the interests of the participating Member States, while the consortium coordinator is the Estonian company Milrem Robotics. Other Estonian companies involved as project partners include Cybernetica and Talgen Cybersecurity (Nortal).

Raul Rikk, Director of Capability Development at Milrem Robotics, emphasised that iMUGS2 moves Europe a major step forward towards interoperable and scalable robotic forces - such as a future European unmanned battalion. According to him, the project fosters innovation and international cooperation and lays the groundwork for AI-based autonomous systems to operate seamlessly together on the battlefield.

The strong position of Estonian companies in European defence innovation is also reflected in the EDF calls for proposals. Through the 2024 work programme, 62 projects are being funded, with Estonian companies participating in 15 consortia.

"Applications for the 2025 work programme also show the high level of activity in Estonia's defence industry - our companies are involved in 49 international consortia, the results of which will be announced in the spring of 2026," said Peek.

The iMUGS2 consortium brings together Europe's leading defence, research and technology organisations, with a total volume of approximately €55 million, of which €50 million is covered by European Commission funding. Estonia's contribution is €461,000, making it the third-largest national contributor.