Mine action: cooperation with UNMAS on capacity building

The second stage of sensor testing for humanitarian demining has concluded: teams detected the majority of mines. The testing was conducted at a specialised testing ground under the supervision of international experts.

"The results of the second stage of testing are impressive — teams demonstrated a high level of mine detection using innovative sensor technologies. This confirms that modern technologies can significantly improve the quality and speed of demining," said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

Teams from several countries participated in the testing with various types of sensors — from multispectral cameras to ground-penetrating radars and thermal imagers. Each technology was evaluated on its ability to detect different types of explosive ordnance in various conditions.

"The testing demonstrated that a combination of different sensor technologies provides the best results. No single technology is perfect on its own, but together they can detect the vast majority of explosive ordnance," noted the event organiser.

The results of the testing will be used to develop recommendations for the use of sensor technologies in humanitarian demining in Ukraine. The most promising technologies will be recommended for integration into the standard demining workflow.

"We are building an evidence base for the use of new technologies. Every test gives us data on what works and what doesn't, what is ready for field use and what needs further development. This systematic approach allows us to make informed decisions," emphasised the Deputy Minister.

The sensor testing programme is part of Ukraine's broader innovation strategy in mine action, which also includes the development of drones, artificial intelligence, and robotic platforms.