Termites vary in form and function, from heavy-duty mining units and exploration crafts to military siege breakers. Most are used by the [[Mechanicus]] and their servants due to the techno-arcana required for construction.{{Fn|7}} Launched from a mobile surface transporter,{{Fn|3a}} the Termite is used to transport troops through the earth, safely hidden from incoming enemy fire. In addition to providing greater protection for its passengers, the Termite's tunneling ability, which operates via an array of [[Melta]] cutters and phase-shield generators,{{Fn|4}} means they are often used for launching surprise attacks, appearing behind enemy lines and causing chaos amongst their unsuspecting foes.{{Fn|3b}} The entire [[1st Company (Imperial Fists)|First Company]] of the [[Imperial Fists]] were deployed in this fashion on [[Abfall B]]by fifty Termites, assaulting the traitors' stronghold directly and playing a decisive part in bringing the planet under Imperial control.{{Fn|3b}}

The Termite has a transport capacity of around ten individuals and is often armed with heavy weapons such as [[Lascannon]]s, [[Heavy Flamer]]s, [[Volkite Charger]]s,{{Fn|4}} and [[Heavy Bolter]]s which it can fire as it breaches the surface.{{Fn|3b}} Once a Termite has surfaced and dispatched its payload it is essentially immobilized.{{Fn|3b}} Termites are equipped with a full live support system, giving them considerable operational range.{{Fn|7}} The Termite's surface transport vehicle is unarmed.{{Fn|3a}}