Elbit Systems Sweden Tactical High Mobility Shelter

History

The Elbit Systems Sweden Tactical High Mobility Shelter (THMS) is a Swedish mobile battlefield networking platform for tactical communications, sensors and mission systems. It is designed to provide rapidly deployable connectivity and sensing capabilities for dispersed land forces without depending on fixed communications infrastructure.

Elbit Systems Sweden developed and manufactures the THMS in Sweden using a European supply chain. The system acts as a forward communications and sensing node and supports both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight connectivity.

Elbit Systems Sweden publicly launched the Tactical High Mobility Shelter at DALO Industry Days 2026 at MCH Messecenter Herning in Denmark on 19–20 August 2026. Before the exhibition, the company had already demonstrated the system to European and NATO customers during a large-scale field demonstration of digitalized land-force networks.

Development

According to Elbit Systems Sweden, the project originated as a replacement for an existing Swedish military capability and expanded in scope during development with the Swedish Armed Forces. The system forms part of the Swedish military's broader transition from analog infrastructure toward digital and networked operations.

The THMS was developed around the requirement for communications and sensor nodes that can move with dispersed forces, establish connectivity quickly and relocate without relying on permanent command posts. Elbit Systems Sweden has described mobility, mast stability, payload capacity and compatibility with different host vehicles as central design considerations.

In an Elbit Systems article published on 20 August 2026, the company stated that the first THMS unit was scheduled for delivery to the Swedish Armed Forces during summer 2026, with additional contractual milestones expected the following year. The same account did not confirm that this delivery had already been completed.

Public launch

The THMS was presented internationally at DALO Industry Days 2026 as part of Elbit Systems Sweden's C4I portfolio. The company also described an ISTAR configuration fitted with a long-range camera to demonstrate how the platform could be adapted from a communications node to a surveillance role.

Elbit Systems Sweden described the THMS at launch as a mature, ready-to-deploy capability. Details of the system were published by the manufacturer, while a subsequent Elbit Systems article provided additional information about its development, configurations and intended Swedish use.

Design

The THMS is a mobile, modular shelter-based platform intended to carry communications equipment, sensors and other mission systems. It can be transported on tracked or wheeled host platforms and is designed to operate independently of the host vehicle after deployment.

Mast and deployment system

A telescopic mast forms a major part of the THMS architecture. The mast can extend to a height of up to 25 m and can carry payloads of up to 100 kg. Elevating antennas or sensors improves line-of-sight performance across terrain and allows the platform to serve as a forward communications or sensing node.

The mast uses automated deployment and an automatic guying-rope system. Elbit Systems Sweden states that the complete setup can be performed in less than five minutes, reducing the time that personnel are required to spend establishing the site.

Power and mobility

The THMS incorporates its own power generation and is designed to operate as a self-contained unit for up to 24 hours without drawing power from the host vehicle. Compatibility with both tracked and wheeled carriers allows the shelter to be moved with different types of land formations.

The system is designed for demanding climatic conditions, including Arctic environments. Elbit Systems Sweden states that equipment for the Scandinavian configuration is intended to remain functional at temperatures as low as −40 °C.

Mission systems

The modular architecture allows different payloads to be installed for different missions. Elbit Systems Sweden lists tactical communications, electronic warfare equipment, surveillance and observation systems, electro-optical and infrared sensors, satellite communications, tactical 5G equipment and high-power laser capabilities among the systems that can be integrated.

The company also describes C4I, ISTAR and counter-unmanned-aircraft missions as potential applications. The platform is intended to connect dispersed units with one another and with higher command while also allowing sensors or other mission equipment to be positioned closer to maneuvering forces.

Payload architecture

Elbit Systems Sweden describes a target capacity of more than four tonnes of mission equipment for the broader THMS platform. This figure refers to mission equipment carried by the platform and is distinct from the 100 kg payload limit stated for equipment mounted on the elevated telescopic mast.

Program status

As of August 2026, Elbit Systems Sweden described the THMS as mature and ready for deployment, while also continuing development of additional configurations and greater autonomy. The system had been demonstrated to European and NATO customers and was being presented internationally at DALO Industry Days.

The Swedish Armed Forces are identified by Elbit Systems Sweden as the customer around which the program developed. The manufacturer stated that a first unit was scheduled for delivery during summer 2026, but the available company material did not explicitly confirm completed delivery or operational service.

Elbit Systems Sweden plans to manufacture the THMS in Sweden. The company presents local European production and supply-chain security as part of the system's design and support approach.

Variants

• Crewed configuration: THMS configuration incorporating space for an operator within the vehicle-mounted system.
• Remotely operated configuration: A larger configuration designed to operate without personnel remaining inside the platform.
• ISTAR configuration: Demonstration configuration equipped with a long-range camera to illustrate use of the THMS as a surveillance and reconnaissance platform.
• Future autonomous configuration: Elbit Systems Sweden has identified deployment on fully autonomous platforms as a future development direction rather than a currently fielded configuration.

Specifications (Tactical High Mobility Shelter)

General characteristics

• Type: Mobile modular battlefield networking, communications and sensing platform
• Development and manufacture: Sweden
• Host platforms: Compatible with tracked and wheeled vehicles
• Configurations: Crewed and remotely operated
• Mission-equipment capacity: Target capacity of more than 4 tonnes
• Environmental design: Scandinavian and Arctic conditions, including temperatures as low as −40 °C

Mast and deployment

• Maximum mast height: 25 m
• Maximum mast payload: 100 kg
• Setup time: Less than five minutes
• Mast deployment: Automated
• Stabilization: Automatic guying-rope system

Power and communications

• Autonomous operation: Up to 24 hours
• Power: Integrated power generation independent of the host vehicle
• Connectivity: Line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications

Supported mission equipment

• Communications: Tactical communications, SATCOM and tactical 5G systems
• Sensors: Surveillance, observation, electro-optical and infrared systems
• Electronic warfare: Modular integration of electronic warfare equipment
• Other supported capabilities: Counter-UAS mission systems and high-power laser capabilities

Related equipment

The THMS is intended to operate within broader digital land-force networks and can be integrated with other Elbit Systems communications and C4I equipment. At DALO Industry Days 2026 it was presented alongside E-LynX tactical radios and other communications capabilities.