Ukraine’s fleet of demining machines exceeds 300 units
Ukrainian mine action specialists currently have 316 units of mechanical demining equipment in their inventory. The fleet consists mainly of foreign-made systems, including GCS, DOK-ING, and Bozena, as well as Ukrainian-made GERMINA, GART 5100, Zmiy, and other specialized machines certified in Ukraine under national standards.
In addition, auxiliary robotic systems, advanced detection equipment, and metal detectors are employed to clear areas contaminated by explosive hazards.
Advantages of mechanized demining equipment
Key advantages include:
- reduced risks to human life;
- eased workloads for mine action personnel.
This was emphasized by Colonel Olha Drobot, Head of the Technology and Standards Development Division of the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety, during the “Safety Mechanism” roundtable.
Demining robots as integrated systems
A modern demining machine is essentially an integrated system that includes:
- carriers and platforms;
- automation components;
- remote-control components with extended operating range;
The system also incorporates sensor-based soil analysis systems, digital telemetry tools, and equipment for mechanical processing.
Controlling the depth of soil processing and the machine’s route is essential for successful land clearance and for ensuring the operator’s safety during subsequent operations.
The “Safety Mechanism” roundtable was held at the initiative of the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reported that the Demining Capability Coalition had secured an additional €2 million for Ukraine.