Estonian defense firm Milrem Robotics has showcased its latest innovation at IDEX 2025: the HAVOC, a large 8×8 Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV).
The unveiling marks a step forward in autonomous military systems, leveraging hybrid-electric technology for improved operational efficiency.
The HAVOC is built around a hybrid-electric powertrain, a feature that enables silent operation over medium distances and prolonged silent watch capabilities—two attributes regarded as critical for modern battlefield engagements.
The vehicle builds upon Milrem Robotics’ prior developments, particularly the THeMIS and Tracked RCV (T-RCV) platforms, integrating common subsystems to reduce overall development costs and streamline maintenance logistics.
Milrem Robotics has positioned HAVOC as a next-generation autonomous combat vehicle, offering modularity and adaptability for various mission requirements. With a baseline payload capacity of 5 tons, the platform is designed to accommodate mission-specific payloads or weapon systems without sacrificing mobility or performance.
The vehicle’s hybrid-electric powertrain not only supports increased endurance but also enhances stealth capabilities, reducing acoustic and thermal signatures. This makes it particularly effective for reconnaissance, logistics support, and direct combat roles where low observability is an operational advantage.
The HAVOC UGV features an operational range of 600km and a maximum speed of 110 km/h, allowing it to cover vast distances quickly and efficiently in combat scenarios.
According to Milrem Robotics, HAVOC’s design emphasizes cost efficiency by sharing common subsystems with the company’s existing UGV platforms. This approach aims to significantly reduce procurement and maintenance expenses for potential defense customers while ensuring streamlined logistics.
