United to win: Ukrainian factories supply key parts for Croatian DOK-ING demining machines
The company "A3tech-Ukraine" from Ukraine produces the complete working unit for manufacturing machines in Croatia.
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine reports this.
"The Ukrainian company A3tech-Ukraine manufactures the working body for the demining machines of the Croatian company DOK-ING. Thanks to this, the machines' localization level has reached over 10%.
And most importantly, repairs of such equipment after explosions in the fields now take much less time," the report says.
As stated by Deputy Minister of Economy Ihor Bezkaravainy, the company successfully trialed the first domestically produced demining machine in Ukraine during spring, and by the end of the year, it had already established self-sufficient production of the operational unit.
MV-4 demining vehicle assembled in Ukraine. April, 2024. Photo: Anna Hvozdiar
"The most seriously damaged light demining machine MV-4 was repaired in 12 days."
He noted that this is many times faster than waiting for specialists and components from Croatia.
Marat Mints, Director of A3tech-Ukraine, reported that local production has significantly reduced costs.
The working shaft hammer, specifically, is half the price of its Croatian equivalent, and each machine requires approximately 50 of them. As a result, the State Emergency Service saved 30% on spare parts, resulting in a 5 million hryvnia reduction in expenses for the state budget.
MV-4 demining vehicle assembled in Ukraine. April, 2024. Photo: Anna Hvozdiar
Thus, in 2024, the company has already:
- assembled eight heavy MV-10 demining machines,
- repaired 10 machines after explosions and technical malfunctions.
More than 50 DOK-ING machines are operated in Ukraine in total; the State Emergency Service received the largest batch of 20 MV-10 machines this fall.
In the fall, the company opened its representative office in Ukraine to speed up the demining process by exchanging experience and technologies.
DOK-ING MV-4 mechanized demining complex in Ukraine. April 2023. Photo: State Emergency Service
For reference:
The DOK-ING MV-4 is a highly advanced robotic system used for demining. Its sturdy hull and structures are designed to withstand the detonation of mines and ammunition. Equipped with replaceable tools, the MV–4 can complete various tasks to prepare for a given area. With its ability to clear a 170cm wide strip of land from explosive devices, it is commonly used for mechanical soil preparation and demining operations, as well as inspecting and cleaning areas and searching for buried objects.
Such machines are already used to deminate territories in Ukraine.
In September 2024, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced another package of military assistance to Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv on September 11. Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, following a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, announced that the Croatian demining company DOK-ING had opened a representative office in Ukraine.
"Also today, the Croatian demining company DOK-ING opened its representative office in Ukraine. This will help speed up the demining process through the exchange of experience and technologies," Shmyhal noted.
