Switzerland allocates $1,3 bln in demining assistance package to Ukraine

Switzerland has provided Ukraine with an assistance package for demining.

The country will provide a special remote-controlled vehicle and training for specialists, officials say.

What is the problem?

The number of areas in Ukraine contaminated with mines, cluster munitions, and explosive hazards has increased significantly since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war in February 2022.

All of these contaminated areas pose a direct threat to civilians, making humanitarian demining efforts essential.

What is the solution?

To clean them safely and efficiently, Ukraine urgently needs specialized equipment. This includes, in particular, mechanical cleaning equipment.

How does it work?

To do this, the country will provide a special remote-controlled vehicle and conduct training for specialists.

The Swiss manufacturer Global Сlearance Solutions will supply 20 demining machines to Ukraine in 2023.

The relevant memorandum of cooperation was signed between Ukraine's side and the manufacturer.

The parties agreed to cooperate in the field of technical and non-technical inspection of areas likely to be contaminated by explosive hazards. They also agreed to educate the population of the liberated territories about the risks of mines and unexploded ordnance.

The GCS-200 is a unique unmanned demining platform that can be remotely controlled by a single operator. It combines the proven reliability of previous versions of the unit with attachments that meet the diverse requirements of the military.

This system consists of a tractor and attachments. The standardized mounting interface allows for easy connection and disconnection of work tools in just a few minutes.

The GCS-200 can be easily transported as the entire system is contained in a 20-foot ISO container. In addition, it takes only 10 minutes for the operator to switch between configurations.

During demining, the mines are detonated or destroyed by the front tool and deflect the explosion away from vulnerable parts of the system.

The Swiss Senate approved an amendment to the law on military resources that will unblock the re-export of weapons to third countries, including Ukraine.

The Council of Cantons wants to allow other countries to transfer military equipment purchased in Switzerland under certain conditions. The Council approved the relevant parliamentary initiative from the Security Policy Commission, the statement said.

22 deputies supported the document. The amendment also states that Swiss-made weapons cannot be transferred to a country that is a party to the conflict.

As a reminder, the Swedish Emergency Management Agency (MSB) will send 250 mine detectors to Ukraine to help secure areas affected by flooding after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.