Expanding clearance capacity in Ukraine requires more than equipment delivery. Effective use depends on trained operators who can deploy, maintain and integrate mechanical systems safely into national mine action operations.

In March 2025, the first group of operators from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) completed a comprehensive training programme and are now qualified to operate GCS remotecontrolled mechanical demining systems with integrated specialist drone technology.

Training linked to national clearance capability

The training was delivered in the Kirovohrad region and forms part of a broader humanitarian support package funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), announced at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Lausanne in 2024.

Beyond operator training, the Swiss-supported package includes:

• three mechanical mine clearance systems,

• transport vehicles to ensure rapid deployment to priority locations,

• service and maintenance support for three years, and

• a structured reporting framework to support oversight and accountability.

This combination ensures that mechanical clearance capability can be deployed where needed and sustained over time.

From training to deployment

Graduates of the programme are now transitioning directly into operational roles, supporting clearance of landmines and other explosive remnants of war in contaminated areas. At the same time, a second group of trainees is already midway through training, allowing capacity to scale progressively.

The training programme emphasised safe operation, system handling, coordination with survey and clearance workflows, and basic maintenance, ensuring that systems can be integrated into SESU's existing operational structure.

Building sustainable national capacity

The programme reflects GCS's approach to capability transfer in humanitarian mine action: combining equipment, training, sustainment and reporting rather than treating these elements separately.

By supporting SESU operators through structured training and long-term service arrangements, the initiative strengthens Ukraine's national ability to manage explosive contamination responsibly and independently over time.

The accompanying imagery documents the training activities carried out by SESU personnel as they prepare to deploy mechanical clearance systems in support of ongoing recovery efforts.

Photo and video credits: State Emergency Service of Ukraine