The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has begun testing two European unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to evaluate their potential for diverse operational missions.
The trials feature the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP and Milrem THeMIS, reflecting Japan’s effort to advance unmanned systems amid regional technological competition, particularly from China.
Japan’s demographic challenges — notably a declining population and shrinking recruitment pool — are also driving interest in robotic platforms that can sustain operations while reducing risks to personnel.
In 2024, Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) stated the importance of “promoting automation, labor efficiency, and optimization through the use of unmanned assets, including UGVs.”
To support the program, Japan procured three units of each vehicle in 2024 for technical evaluation.
The electric-powered Mission Master SP features a low-profile, modular design, allowing rapid payload swaps for roles such as cargo transport, surveillance, and remote weapon operations. It is amphibious, capable of 6 km/h in water and up to 40 km/h on land when lightly loaded, with a 1,000 kg payload capacity.
The tracked Milrem THeMIS reaches speeds of 20 km/h and can operate for up to eight hours. Configurable with machine guns or anti-tank missiles, it supports high-payload and sustained missions, carrying 750 kg standard, expandable to 1,200 kg.
Together, the evaluations will inform Japan’s approach to integrating unmanned systems into future ground operations and logistics support.
