Bozena-5 demining system assembly begins for Ukraine after fundraising.

On July 4, 2023, according to a tweet published by Dárek pro Putina, Way Industries, a Slovak company, has begun assembling the Bozena-5 demining system for Ukraine as part of the "Darek pro Putina" crowdfunding campaign. This initiative has raised over 263,000 euros, accounting for more than 40% of the machine's total cost. The aim is to deliver the machine in the Kherson region of Ukraine by the end of the year, following the completion of production. The project is coordinated by the non-profit organization Team4Ukraine.
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The Bozena 5 Demining System is a remotely controlled light demining system (Picture source Way Industries)

The Bozena-5 demining system, based on tested technology used in UN missions, is expected to provide significant assistance in mine clearance operations. Slovak sappers who served in UN missions have praised its effectiveness in saving lives, particularly in minefields and built-up areas. According to official sources, an area the size of half of Germany is covered with mines. Some sources state that up to 300,000 km² of Ukrainian territory is mined. The situation with mines has been further worsened by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam.

The Bozena 5 Demining System is a remotely controlled light demining system developed for mine clearance and C-IED tasks assistance originating from the Czech Republic. It is equipped with a rotating flail-chain demining device. The system comprises a detachable working unit housing the rotating demining device (either a flail or a tiller) to adapt to different terrains and minefield conditions. The system also incorporates a prime mover for propulsion and mobility.

To ensure operator safety, the system incorporates several key measures, including remote control operation with a range of up to 5,000 meters. This feature keeps operators at a safe distance from potential dangers. Additionally, the system has a blast resistance of 9 kg TNT, further enhancing operator safety and enabling its usage in zones with high-threat contamination. The Bozena 5 system, suitable for efficiently clearing large mine-affected areas, can also be enhanced with various accessories and attachments for expanded capabilities in counter IED operations and field construction tasks.

In addition to demining, the machine can be used for clearance of bushes and low vegetation. With a change of the working device, it can also handle dangerous materials or function as a remote-control digging/leveling machine. Bozena's size and weight allow it to work efficiently in space-limited conditions such as forests, mountains, plantations, and areas with obstacles.

For over 15 years, Bozena systems have been successfully deployed worldwide (by example in Ukraine or Azerbaijan), gaining recognition and demonstrating effectiveness in real-world demining operations. 

The Bozena-5 mine clearing vehicle features a set of specifications that contribute to its effectiveness. In its working position, it has a maximum height of 2,225 mm and a width of 3,350 mm, with a length of 7,320 mm. The vehicle's total length remains the same when equipped with the flail and rear hinge. The Prime mover measures 5,020 mm in length, while the flail and tiller have lengths of 2,310 mm and 2,060 mm, respectively. With tracks, the Prime mover has a width of 2,400 mm, and the flail extends to 3,350 mm. The height of the Prime mover is 2,400 mm. In terms of weight, the Bozena-5 has a total weight of 12,340 kg, including the flail, while the Prime mover alone weighs 10,240 kg. The flail weighs 2,100 kg, and the tiller weighs 2,900 kg.

The vehicle is equipped with a TATRA T3C-928-81 engine, a turbocharged engine that meets the EURO III standard. It has a rated power of 270 kW (362 HP) at 1,800 RPM and a torque of 1,850 Nm at 1,000 RPM. The average and maximum fuel consumption rates are 43.0 and 59.0 liters per hour, respectively. The Bozena-5 offers a mine clearance width of 2,655 mm and can clear depths of up to 300 mm with the flail and 350 mm with the tiller. The flail and tiller operate optimally within the RPM range of 300 to 500, providing efficient clearance operations. The maximum working efficiency for the flail and tiller is 5,000 and 6,000 square meters per hour, respectively. The vehicle can handle vegetation cutting with a diameter of up to 35 cm and a height of up to 5 m. It has a fording depth capability of up to 800 mm, allowing it to traverse water at this depth. With a fuel tank capacity of 270 liters, the Bozena-5 can operate for extended periods. It has a maximum speed of 9 km/h, and its remote control range is 5,000 m, with a battery life of 11 hours.