IDEX 2025: Pearson Engineering and Milrem Robotics sign UGV MoU

Pearson Engineering and Milrem Robotics have signed an memorandum of understanding (MoU) to combine their expertise in developing mission-specific uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) for the Middle East/North Africa region.

The MoU was signed at the IDEX 2025 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi on 17 February by Kuldar Väärsi, founder and CEO of Milrem Robotics, and Ian Bell, Group CEO of Pearson Engineering. The agreement formalises collaboration between both companies, which has previously seen earth-moving and improvised explosive device (IED)-defeat equipment from Pearson Engineering integrated with Milrem’s robotic combat vehicles (RCVs).

The MoU will also underpin further co-operation to offer new technologies to Middle Eastern end users. Key to the agreement will be exploring the integration of Pearson Engineering’s minefield breaching capability, specifically the RCV-Pioneer modular mission payload, with Milrem’s tracked RCVs.

Pearson Engineering and Milrem Robotics will also work together to improve operational effectiveness and explore scenarios that UGVs encounter in the hands of military personnel, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies offer a further operational and tactical advantage.

“Milrem Robotics is a valued partner of Pearson Engineering and our collaboration is bringing real advancements for our military end-users,” said Pearson’s Bell. “Where we can take our soldiers further from the threat and deliver smarter uncrewed vehicles, we will do so. Milrem Robotics has tremendous experience, with the support of their parent company, EDGE Group, and we look forward to contributing our collective knowledge to deliver new, effective expertise.”

Milrem’s Väärsi added, “Pearson Engineering is a renowned leader in combat engineering solutions whose systems are deployed with different global customers. Combining our robotic systems with Pearson Engineering’s solutions will provide more reliable, cost-efficient and safer ways in many combat scenarios, increasing combat efficiency and reducing the cost of operations – especially in the areas that pose an imminent danger to our warfighters, like combat engineering.”

The MoU signed at IDEX 2025 comes in the 25th year of Pearson Engineering’s services being provided to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces alongside local partners Bin Hilal Enterprises and BHE Land Systems.