Krauss-Maffei Wegmann has acquired a minority stake in Estonia's Milrem Robotics. Both companies announced they will work closely to develop a European Centre of Excellence for Military Robotics in Estonia.

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) acquired a 24.9% stake in Milrem Robotics, which will remain as an independent company. Both companies will combine their know-how and expertise to develop innovative solutions to meet the requirements of future military missions involving the interaction of manned and unmanned systems.

The partnership will see KMW integrate modern robotics systems into its technology systems for armoured vehicles.

"We intend to become the European centre of excellence for unmanned technology and robotics innovations,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “The partnership with KMW facilitates further innovations for future products and services, especially in the teaming of manned and unmanned systems and sensor-to-shooter solutions."

Horst Rieder, CFO of KMW said  further synergies are also expected in the context of KMW+Nexter Defense Systems  (KNDS) a European defence industry holding company. KNDS is working on upgrading the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the new European main battle tank, which is seen as a precursor to the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme.

The European main battle tank will replace Germany's Leopard 2 and France's Leclerc tanks.