ARX Robotics capitalizes on defense technology trends, securing €31M for military robots.

      German defense technology startup ARX Robotics has raised €31 million to increase the production of its autonomous battlefield robots, which resemble mini tanks without weapons.

      Backed by NATO's Innovation Fund, ARX will also utilize the new funds to enhance its operating system, Mithras OS. This software aims to upgrade current military vehicles with AI, sensor technologies, and autonomous driving features. The company believes it can retrofit 50,000 NATO vehicles with this technology.

      Marc Wietfeld, co-founder and CEO of ARX, who will present at the TNW Conference and the Assembly in June, aims for his company to become the leading player in this sector in Europe. "The demand for modular, software-driven defense systems is increasing quickly — and we are creating the company that will define this category in Europe," stated Wietfeld.

      Earlier this month, ARX revealed plans to invest £45 million in a new facility in the UK for manufacturing its autonomous ground vehicles. The company projects that the plant will produce 1,800 war robots annually once operational.

      ARX’s robots operate on treads and can be equipped with tools like radar, mine-clearing devices, or medical stretchers. The largest models can transport military payloads weighing up to 500 kg, including injured personnel, across battlefields.

      These robots are modular, constructed from readily available components sourced from Europe, and are designed for soldiers to repair on the field quickly and without tools. The vehicles operate autonomously, but military personnel can also manage them remotely via a tablet.

      The Rise of Defense Tech

      The armed forces of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and the UK have already tested ARX's technology in the field. In February, the company supplied 30 of its war bots to units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaged in active combat. The European Defence Agency (EDA) has also recently contracted ARX to take part in the first EU-wide defense innovation initiative.

      "ARX Robotics has provided the largest Western UGV fleet to Ukraine, and we are eager to continue supporting the company as it expands its presence in NATO countries," remarked Chris O'Connor, a partner at NATO Innovation Fund.

      HV Capital was the primary investor in the company’s recent Series A funding round, with contributions from Omnes Capital and existing investors such as NATO Innovation Fund and Project A.

      ARX's funding comes amid significant increases in European defense spending in recent months.

      In March 2025, EU leaders approved the "ReArm Europe" initiative, which aims to mobilize up to £683 billion (€800 billion) over four years to strengthen military capabilities. Meanwhile, the UK government has pledged to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP and to allocate at least 10% of its defense budget to “innovative technologies.”

      For those interested in watching Marc Wietfeld’s presentation or any other topics on the busy agenda for the TNW Conference, a special offer is available. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at checkout for a 30% discount on your ticket.