First NATO member: Netherlands deploys killer robots

The Hague - Killer robots make it possible: will war soon be fought by machines instead of people? The Netherlands recently became the first NATO member state to deploy armed UGVs ("Unmanned Ground Vehicles").

An unmanned ground vehicle of the THeMIS type.
An unmanned ground vehicle of the THeMIS type.  © Fotomontage: Screenshots/YouTube/Milrem Robotics

For years, there has been a heated debate in the western world about whether unmanned but armed ground vehicles or drones will ensure that wars cost fewer lives in future.

Or will they ultimately ensure that the last bit of humanity disappears from the battlefield and military conflicts escalate even faster?

As the news portal Janes has now reported, the Netherlands recently decided to take the step towards armed UGVs, at least on a trial basis. In mid-September, four armed THeMIS UGVs were deployed to Lithuania.

"We have deployed four armed [unmanned] machines in an operational experiment," confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Sjoerd Mevissen, commander of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) unit of the Royal Netherlands Army.

"As far as I know, we have never seen anything like this in the West."

Video shows the THeMIS UGVs

More than just a simple test?

"The machines were handed over for experimental use in a unit in a militarily relevant environment," said Mevissen. However, there can be no question of simple tests on a training ground.

"We are under the direct eyes and ears of the Russians and as such in a semi-operational environment," explained the Lieutenant Colonel.

In Germany, too, there has been a rethink regarding the use of armed, unmanned drones since the beginning of the war in Ukraineat the latest. After years of debate, the Bundestag cleared the way for an order of 140 Israeli Heron TP drones.