Mine detection dogs: key asset in humanitarian demining operations
September 11, 2024
The Ukrainian demining machine "Zmii" ("Serpent") by the company Rover Tech has successfully passed testing at the testing ground and received a certificate of conformity. It can operate in low and medium vegetation conditions and is capable of destroying anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, as well as removing tripwires.
"Today we received not just another 100% Ukrainian demining machine. The Rover Tech team managed to create a light, fast machine that can withstand anti-tank mine detonations. Such innovations are Ukraine's answer to the challenge before us: to return 80% of potentially contaminated lands to productive use within 10 years. It is especially important that the machine is made in Ukraine, as it means new jobs, tax revenues, and support for the economy," said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine — Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
The cost of the "Zmii" is several times lower than foreign analogues — from 14,500 to nearly 20,000 dollars depending on the configuration. And after the start of serial production, the price could be even lower.
"The 'Zmii' is a unique solution in Ukrainian conditions. Essentially, we have received a new subclass of demining machine that can clear fields of fragmentation and high-explosive munitions, which pose the greatest danger to sappers. And the ability to quickly replace components that may be damaged by anti-tank mine detonations allows the machine to be quickly returned to the field," said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
The "Zmii" weighs over a tonne and has a working tool width of 1.35 metres. Thanks to its lightness, the machine can demine up to 2.5 hectares per day. The operator can remotely control the machine from a distance of up to 2.9 km. Deploying or folding the "Zmii" takes no more than 15 minutes, and the machine itself can be transported on a car trailer.
The certification of the machine was conducted by specialists of the State Research Institute for Testing and Certification of Weapons and Military Equipment.
For reference: Humanitarian demining issues are coordinated by First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine — Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko. The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine ensures the interaction of central executive authorities on mine action matters in the area of humanitarian demining.
