Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) were recently contracted to supply Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) with mechanical demining equipment that will be used to clear the Nagorno-Karabakh region from explosive threats. Signed in June 2022, the agreement includes four GCS-200s and related equipment. For the first time, GCS provides a capacity building and enhancement program focusing on training, support, and sustainability of Azerbaijan's MES mechanical explosive hazard (EH) clearance program. Shipment of the machines has already begun, departing in Stockach en route to Baku.
Following Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war that took place from September to November that year, the country now faces the complex task of having to clear Explosive Ordnance (EO) threats in liberated areas. A significant amount of Anti-Personnel (AP) and Anti-Tank (AT) mines make up the main threat, while Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) is also a widespread concern. Humanitarian demining activities are a precondition for reconstruction efforts, following widespread reports of injuries caused by contamination.
The Government of Azerbaijan has thus been implementing measures to demine polluted areas and allow the safe return of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) forced from their homes because of armed conflict. Specialists and mine disposal teams from the MES of Azerbaijan have been conducting demining operations in liberated territories using manual deminers and Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs), but given the scope of the affected regions, more needs to be done. The massive task ahead will require a significant increase in capacity and the introduction of new mechanical assets. GCS’ flagship platform has thus been procured to help increase the effectiveness and speed of much-needed mine disposal projects.
In 2021 GCS shipped its GCS-200 demining platform to Azerbaijan for extensive demonstrations and testing. The remote-controlled multi-purpose platform convincingly proved its ability to withstand and destroy large-scale explosive threats that significantly limit land use. With the help of the GCS-200, clearance work can now advance, and valuable space can be returned to local communities.
Besides the four GCS-200s, the contract includes working attachments such as a tiller and flail, spare and wear parts, storage facilities and mobile workshop solutions with corresponding tools. Furthermore, GCS will provide a capacity-building program focusing on training, support and sustainability programs for MES in Azerbaijan within the coming months.