Post by Milrem Robotics

For our first #iMUGS2 feature interview, we sat down with our Systems Architect and Consortium Technical Lead, Petri Suurnäkki. Petri brings a unique combination of deep technical expertise and real-world military experience to the programme. As an active reservist in the Finnish Defence Forces and a systems architect at Milrem Robotics, he plays a central role in shaping the technical direction of iMUGS2. As Technical Lead, Petri is responsible for the overall architecture development of the programme, steering key technical decisions, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring readiness for demonstrations and trials. His work helps drive one of iMUGS2’s core ambitions, developing a joint European reference architecture for unmanned systems. Having also been part of the original iMUGS programme, Petri highlights how iMUGS2 builds on an existing foundation, allowing the consortium to focus on meaningful advancements rather than starting from scratch. With a larger and more unified consortium, collaboration across Europe has never been stronger. So why does iMUGS2 matter now? “Deterrence is not about looking for a fight. It is about making sure that the fight never begins.” At its core, iMUGS2 aims to strengthen European defence capabilities by advancing unmanned systems as a key component of modern military operations. The vision is clear, put unmanned systems at the front, conducting reconnaissance, logistics, and first contact, while keeping humans further from danger. The programme focuses on three key goals: • Strengthening European defence and deterrence • Creating a common reference architecture and procurement framework • Transitioning unmanned ground systems into deployable, real-world capabilities by 2030 Through demonstrations, trials, and close cooperation between industry and research organisations, iMUGS2 is working to ensure these systems are not just conceptual, but ready for real-world deployment. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/d4VPmqvb #EuropeanCommission #iMUGS2 Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Defence Fund. Neither the European Union nor the European Defence Fund can be held responsible for them.