Swiss company GCS increases delivery of demining machines to Ukraine.

Global Clearance Solutions (GCS), a Swiss company, revealed its plan to intensify deliveries to Ukraine of its automated demining machines, aiming to reach a total of 60 units by mid-2024. This announcement was made on December 12, 2023.
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GCS-200 demining machine from Switzerland (Picture source: GCS)

On December 12, 2023, the Swiss company Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) announced its intention to increase the number of unmanned demining machines supplied to Ukraine to 60 units by mid-2024. The GCS-200 demining system, already in use by Ukrainian forces, is capable of eliminating explosive hazards, performing light earthworks, transporting cargo, digging soil, and uprooting trees. This multifunctional system includes a tracked tractor and various attachable tools that can be quickly connected or detached.

In the last quarter of 2023, GCS plans to increase its deliveries to 25 machines, reaching 40 by spring 2024, and eventually 60 by mid-year. The company communicated these plans via its Twitter account.

The GCS-200, designed with a V-shaped hull made of high-strength steel, offers maximum survivability in high-risk areas. This design choice is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of the machine when operating in hazardous environments where it might encounter explosives or other dangers.

One of the key features of this machine is its remote-controlled operation, facilitated by integrated and protected camera systems. These systems allow for safe and precise operations. The remote-control capability is quite flexible, with an operational range varying from 300 meters to 3,500 meters. This range can change depending on the machine's configuration and the nature of the operational environment, offering versatility in different settings.

In terms of demining capabilities, the machine is effective against both anti-personnel (AP) mines and anti-tank (AT) mines. It uses a tiller for demining, reaching a depth of up to 31.50 cm, and a flail capable of clearing up to a depth of 30.50 cm.

Another significant aspect of this machine is its manipulator, equipped with various tools designed for the disposal of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and abandoned explosive ordnance (AXO). Additionally, the manipulator is capable of lifting heavy objects, ranging from 650 kg to 2,000 kg. This function is not only useful for clearing explosives but also assists in a range of tasks such as excavating, exposing, gripping, lifting, pushing (with an integrated dozer blade), cutting, and disrupting or disarming, providing a comprehensive interface for multiple operations.

GCS recently opened a service center in Kyiv for maintaining its demining machines, supporting Ukraine's efforts in dealing with explosive remnants. The center also marks continued collaboration with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS), Nibulon, and other organizations focusing on mine clearance. Previously, repairs were managed by a dedicated company specialist using a mobile workshop. Notably, Nibulon received the first of four ordered GCS-200 machines earlier in October.