First confirmed appearance of Slovakian Bozena 4 remote-controlled mine clearing vehicle in Ukraine

According to a video posted on Telegram on September 8, 2023, there are reports that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have deployed a remotely-controlled mine-clearing vehicle, possibly the Bozena-5, for demining operations in an unspecified area of Ukraine. Upon reviewing the footage, it appears that this could be the first instance of the Bozena 4 being seen in Ukraine.
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First confirmed appearance of the Slovakian Bozena 4 remote-controlled mine clearing vehicle in Ukraine (Picture source: Telegram)

The Bozena 4 is a remotely controlled demining system developed by Way Industry in Slovakia, designed for mine clearance and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) tasks. It has gained a solid reputation for its reliability and effectiveness in mine clearance operations, amassing over 15 years of service in the field.

In terms of its technical specifications, the Bozena 4 is 5,280 mm long, with a prime mover measuring 3,305 mm and a flail unit spanning 2,000 mm. It has a width of 1,985 mm with tracks and a 2,840 mm wide flail unit. The prime mover stands at a height of 2,270 mm. The system has a total weight of 6,983 kg, with the prime mover accounting for 5,576 kg and the flail unit weighing 1,407 kg. It is powered by a Deutz BF 6L914 turbocharged diesel engine, providing 110 kW (147 HP) of power at 2,500 RPM and 550 Nm of torque at 1,600 RPM. The fuel consumption ranges from 13.2 to 19.5 liters per hour.

One of its standout features is its blast resistance, with the ability to withstand anti-tank mines with a blast resistance rating of 9 kg TNT equivalent. This makes it suitable for operations in high-threat contamination zones.

The Bozena 4 is remotely controlled with a range of up to 5,000 meters, allowing operators to maintain a safe distance from hazardous areas. The system is designed to clear various types of mines, including anti-personnel (AP), anti-vehicle (AV) mines, as well as pressure and tripwire-fused mines.

Efficiency is a key factor, with the Bozena 4 capable of clearing up to 2,500 square meters per hour. This is facilitated by a flail unit that operates at rotating speeds ranging from 350 to 500 RPM. Precision in clearance is also a highlight, as the system can clear mines with a width of 2.2 meters and a depth of up to 250 mm. It can additionally remove tripwires and vegetation up to a height of about 4 meters.

Proven through rigorous testing in various locations, including Croatia, Ethiopia, Turkey, Kenya, and Sweden, the Bozena 4 has demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness in real-world demining challenges. Several countries, including Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka, have recognized its capabilities and have deployed the Bozena 4 for mine clearance operations. Its ability to operate in challenging environments, such as forests, mountains, plantations, and areas with obstacles, makes it a valuable asset for nations facing mine-related challenges.

Way Industry offers a range of variants in their demining systems, including Bozena 1, Bozena 2, Bozena 3, and Bozena 5, catering to specific operational needs. Moreover, the Bozena 4 can be equipped with various accessories and engineering tools to enhance its efficiency in field operations.