Mechanical demining can only deliver reliable results when systems are operated and maintained by welltrained personnel. In high-threat environments, operator discipline, technical understanding and adherence to procedures are essential to both safety and productivity.

In September 2024, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) conducted a bestpractice operator training programme at its service and maintenance facility near Kyiv, focused on strengthening the operational use of mechanical demining systems deployed in Ukraine.

Training grounded in field experience

The course centred on the GCS-200 remotecontrolled mechanical demining platform and its interchangeable attachments, with training delivered by GCS specialists drawing on extensive field experience. Sessions covered operational procedures, system handling, wearpart management and maintenance considerations that directly affect performance during sustained clearance operations.

The objective was to ensure that operators can deploy systems confidently, identify issues early and apply correct procedures in the field, reducing downtime and unnecessary risk.

Supporting large-scale clearance requirements

Ukraine faces one of the largest explosivecontamination challenges globally. Current estimates indicate that approximately 139,000 square kilometres, around a quarter of the country, may require survey for landmines and other explosive remnants of war.

With 54 GCS mechanical demining platforms currently deployed in Ukraine, operator training plays a central role in ensuring that clearance capacity can be applied effectively to confirm which areas can be declared safe for recovery, reconstruction and economic activity.

Training as part of lifecycle support

Operator training forms part of GCS's broader service and maintenance support model, which treats training, technical support and sustainment as integral to clearance capability rather than as standalone activities.

By reinforcing best practice at operator level, GCS supports safer operations, more consistent clearance output and longer system availability under demanding conditions.