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Switzerland strengthens Ukraine’s demining efforts with GCS-200 vehicles

20/10/2024

1 minute read

Despite mines, explosives and remnants of destroyed vehicles, the field was sown

The farmer goes on his field in June which was the place of heavy battle in March. Despite mines, explosives and remnants of destroyed vehicles, the field was sown. 1 June 2022. Photo by Euromaidan Press.

Switzerland strengthens Ukraine’s demining efforts with GCS-200 vehicles

Ukraine has received heavy GCS-200 mine-clearing vehicles from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, according to the Economy Ministry.

Switzerland is one of the leading countries that provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

The country has supplied Kyiv with $134 million in aid to fund demining projects and sent technical support for mine and other explosive devices clearance. It also supports safety programs for Ukrainian civilians.

Ukraine received the equipment during the Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Lausanne on 17-18 October.

Switzerland will deliver three demining vehicles for the State Emergency Service pyrotechnic units throughout the year.

“Each machine provided by our partners increases our humanitarian demining capacity and enhances the safety of sappers working in the fields.

I am thankful to Switzerland for their contribution to humanitarian demining, not only through equipment but also by sharing expertise and supporting the implementation of our joint projects,” said Deputy Minister of Economy Ihor Bezkorovayny.

The program provides three demining systems, a comprehensive training package, instructions, and logistical support.

The GCS-200 is a heavy, remotely operated vehicle designed to clear areas of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. It can neutralize explosive devices at depths of up to 30 centimeters.

One of its key advantages is its interchangeable modules, which allow the safe removal of unexploded ordnance. Currently, Emergency Service pyrotechnic units have 12 GCS-200 heavy demining machines.

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