The Łukasiewicz – PIAP Institute is one of the key partners in the European consortium implementing the iMUGS2 project, which aims to deliver a new generation of interoperable unmanned ground systems. Selected by the European Commission for funding under the European Defence Fund (EDF), the project brings together 29 partners from 15 EU Member States.
iMUGS2 builds on the results of the initial iMUGS project and focuses
on strengthening European capabilities in robotics, autonomy, and advanced systems integration. Its objective is to develop a scalable, cyber-secure
and interoperable system-of-systems architecture encompassing both unmanned and manned platforms. The project contributes directly to enhancing European technological sovereignty in AI-enabled autonomous functions, communications, command and control (C2), as well as multi-domain integration.
Strategic importance for European defence
iMUGS2 is of strategic relevance for Europe’s security. It addresses the growing needs of EU Member States for modern, resilient and collaborative unmanned systems. In the context of dynamic geopolitical developments and increasing pressure on defence capabilities, the project supports the development
of common European standards for unmanned ground systems — improving interoperability among armed forces, enabling more effective cooperation
in international missions, and accelerating the deployment of next-generation technologies on the battlefield.
Through iMUGS2, Europe strengthens its position in the area of autonomous defence systems, developing technologies that may form the backbone of future integrated unmanned formations.
“Cooperating with partners across Europe is instrumental for Łukasiewicz – PIAP in developing our technologies and competences. Projects such as iMUGS2 enable us to pool experience, establish common standards and deliver solutions that significantly enhance the security and innovation of European defence systems,”
— Dr. habil. Eng. Piotr Szynkarczyk, Director of Łukasiewicz – PIAP
The iMUGS2 project also aligns with the strategic priorities of the entire Łukasiewicz Research Network, particularly within the domain of “Defence
and Security”.
“Our new strategy focuses resources on key areas where we hold strong specialisation. Cooperation between Network institutes and industry — especially within defence projects — is fundamental for building technological
sovereignty and ensuring real implementation of innovation,”
— Dr. Hubert Cichocki, President of the Łukasiewicz Research Network
Key contribution of Łukasiewicz – PIAP
Within the iMUGS2 project, the Łukasiewicz – PIAP Institute is responsible
for several critical tasks enabling operational interoperability and capability development of unmanned systems:
1. Integration of the autonomous PIAP HUNTeR platform into
the European system-of-systems
The Institute provides its combat-capable mobile robot PIAP HUNTeR, which will be integrated as a fully-fledged component of the iMUGS2 architecture. This will support practical testing and refinement of common operational standards within a multinational robotic ecosystem. The platform will serve as a reference implementation of European interoperability requirements in both autonomous missions and infantry-support scenarios.
2. Integration of PIAP HUNTeR with a weapons module and the autonomy system developed under iMUGS2
Łukasiewicz – PIAP leads the integration of sensors, control systems, mission-planning functions and autonomous algorithms, linking the HUNTeR platform with weapon-system modules and autonomy solutions developed across the consortium. This work is critical for demonstrating cooperation between unmanned platforms in operational and multi-domain environments.
3. Ensuring modularity, interoperability and compliance with EU
and NATO standards
The Institute contributes to designing the iMUGS2 architecture in line with European and NATO interoperability requirements. A key focus is ensuring compliance with the emerging NATO STANAG 4817, which defines cooperation and tasking of unmanned ground and aerial systems in multi-domain operations. These efforts are essential for ensuring modularity, technical openness and future integration of European armed forces’ manned and unmanned assets.
Project scope and development path
iMUGS2 includes parallel conceptual, operational and technological activities — from system-architecture design, through development of autonomous and communication functions, to integration and preparation of technology demonstrators. The project also addresses electronic resilience, communication security and lifecycle-management efficiency.
Project value
With a total budget of approx. EUR 55 million — nearly EUR 50 million provided through the EDF — iMUGS2 focuses on three strategic areas:
– development and demonstration of unmanned ground systems supporting infantry operations,
– development of operational concepts for unmanned ground and aerial systems to enhance the effectiveness of infantry battalions and multi-domain cooperation,
– creation of open system architectures and lifecycle-management frameworks ensuring interoperability with current and future platforms.
The iMUGS2 consortium
The consortium comprises 29 partners representing the defence industry, SMEs and research organisations. This diversity of expertise enables a comprehensive approach to developing European robotic and autonomous military capabilities.
Members of the consortium: AVL List, Bittium Wireless, Bureau Veritas, Czech Technical University in Prague, Cybernetica, Delft Dynamics, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, Elettronica, Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, FN Herstal, GMV, Huta Stalowa Wola, Insta Advance, Integrated Systems Development, John Cockerill Defense, Kepla, KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, Łukasiewicz – PIAP, Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Nortal (Talgen Cybersecurity), Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Svensk Konstruktionstjänst, and TNO.
Information contained here reflects only the author’s view and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained here.