United to win: EU sends MV-10 demining system to Ukraine
Photo: State Special Transport Service
Ukraine's State Special Transport Service has received the DOK-ING MV-10 demining system.
The equipment was handed over by the High Representative of the EU, Josep Borrell, Rubryka reports, citing the European External Action Service.
What's the problem?
Due to Russia's full-fledged invasion and active combat operations, Ukraine is contaminated with explosive devices. Some analysts call the war-battered country the most mine-contaminated in the world.
In September, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that around 174,000 square kilometers of land in Ukraine remains potentially mined. He stressed that this huge area could take decades to clear. However, Ukraine's goal is to accomplish this within the coming years.
Currently, Ukraine has 3,500 deminers working, but this number is insufficient for clearing the areas contaminated with explosive devices.
Ukraine has an acute shortage of specialized equipment for clearing land from explosives, largely mines buried deep under thick layers of soil.
What's the solution?
The European Union has handed over the DOK-ING MV-10 demining system to Ukraine's State Special Transport Service.
Photo: State Special Transport Service
The system was transferred during the visit of the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, to Ukraine.
"While fighting off the aggressor, Ukraine is already rebuilding at the same time. Its mine action operators are taking on the extremely dangerous but essential task of clearing liberated land from the deadly mines Russian aggressors left behind. We are honored to make the work of Ukrainian de-miners safer and more efficient with this European equipment. Together, we can help save lives and contribute to a better future for Ukraine," said Borrell.
How does it work?
The MV-10 demining system neutralizes anti-personnel and anti-tank mines and other unexploded ordnance and is particularly suitable for clearing large areas.
"From basic equipment for demining teams to pyrotechnic vehicles and robotic demining systems," said the State Special Transport Service.
Photo: State Special Transport Service
The military within the transport department has already given it a name and called it "Hope."
The robotic demining system is equipped with a dual-working mechanism. The manufacturer states that the DOK-ING MV-10 is the most powerful system in the world in its category.
Thanks to remote control, it is particularly safe to operate. It can clear up to 4,000 square meters per hour, including on steep slopes.
At the front of the complex is a chain instrument that detonates anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. The complex also has a cultivator that performs secondary processing and maintains a constant tillage depth.
Photo: State Special Transport Service
Additional equipment such as roller, blade, and collection blocks can also be used. The MV-10 is operated by a single operator. The maximum depth of soil clearance is 60 cm.
EU support in demining also includes a special training course for Ukrainian operators who will work with the MV-10 system.
Major General Bohdan Bondar, Head of the State Special Transport Service Administration, thanked the EU for the assistance, noting that the provided equipment will improve the capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces and allow deminers to clear liberated territories faster and safer.
"The Russian aggression has left many explosive objects in Ukraine, the clearance of which will take decades. Technological solutions will accelerate this work," he said.
This system is the latest supply within the EU's €25 million support package for humanitarian demining in Ukraine, announced at the EU-Ukraine Summit in February 2023.
The package is intended to meet the urgent needs of Ukrainian state operators of mine action, from basic equipment for demining teams to pyrotechnic vehicles and robotic demining systems.
In related news, the Engineering and Sapper Battalion of the Support Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will begin clearing liberated Ukrainian territories using the GCS-200 mechanized demining machines.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is negotiating with Croatian DOK-ING and Slovak Way Industries to localize the production of mechanized demining machines in Ukraine.
The manufacturer of the soil preparation machines for demining has already received a conformity certificate to establish its production and its use for demining territories.
Robotic systems of Western models for demining will be produced in Ukraine.
