Lasers vs Mines: A New Technology in Action

The team of the only R&D hub in the field of humanitarian demining has conducted field tests of laser-based systems capable of remotely neutralizing explosive devices weighing up to 500 grams.

The testing was conducted at the Ukrainian Training and Testing Complex (UTTC) — a specialized facility for the development of advanced technologies in humanitarian demining, civil protection, and environmental safety. The complex was established on the initiative of the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.The laser-based system, developed by a team of engineers and researchers, demonstrated its effectiveness and can be used in difficult-to-access areas where physical contact with explosive ordnance is challenging — such as forests, swamps, and roadsides.

How It Works:
‍– Laser sensors scan reflected signals from a selected object, detecting anomalies typical of explosive ordnance (EO).
– The systems are mounted on unmanned ground platforms (UGVs), ensuring both mobility and uninterrupted power supply.
– Operating power of the systems: 350 W and 1.5 kW.
– Effective range: 10–30 meters for the low-power system, up to 1000 meters for the high-power system.
– Time to neutralize an explosive device: just 5–10 seconds.

Advantages:
‍– Contactless operation
— reduces risk to deminers
– Speed — significantly faster than traditional methods
– High precision and accessibility in hard-to-reach areas
– Compatible with GPS, AI, and 3D mapping systems


In Parallel, the R&D Team Is Working On:
– Upgrading the 350 W system line
– Developing a new 1–1.5 kW system with a range of up to 1000 meters
– Designing a promising 5 kW system line for deeper and faster clearance

Reducing risk for deminers and accelerating land clearance — all of this is becoming a reality today. And it’s saving lives.