China strengthens ties with Sri Lanka through EOD equipment donation.

On March 8, 2024, the People's Republic of China deepened its cooperative ties with Sri Lanka by donating a batch of specialized explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) equipment to the Sri Lankan Army. This donation is part of the Chinese Military Grant program and was officially handed over during a ceremony at the Sri Lankan Army headquarters. The event was attended by distinguished individuals, including Qi Zhenhong, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, General Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense, and Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Sri Lankan Army.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

China JP-REOD400 explosive ordnance disposal robot donated to Sri Lanka (Picture source: Sri Lanka MoD)

The donated equipment includes 18 REOD 4000 explosive ordnance disposal robots, 18 REOD 400 EOD robots, 10 anti-explosive blankets, and 10 explosion protection tanks and vehicles. These advanced technologies represent a significant contribution to enhancing the Sri Lankan Army's capabilities in safely managing explosive threats.

A highlight of the donation is the JP-REOD400 explosive ordnance disposal robot, a compact, dual-arm swing track robot that has been utilized in numerous missions. Despite weighing only 37 kilograms, the JP-REOD400 delivers operational performance on par with medium-sized EOD robots. Featuring two robotic arms with eight degrees of freedom movement from 0º to 360º, a standard length of 1.7 meters extendable to 2.4 meters, and a maximum gripping force of over 300 N, this robot can handle objects weighing up to 6 kg at full extension and up to 16 kg at closer ranges. Equipped with mechanical claws and capable of swapping out 18 types of extension tools with one-click positioning, the JP-REOD400 stands out for its high maneuverability, its ability to overcome 300 mm vertical obstacles, traverse 400 mm ditches, and climb 45º slopes. With a base endurance of 2 hours and a maximum of 8 hours, the robot is fitted with 7 cameras, providing infrared night vision over 30 meters. It can be wirelessly controlled up to a distance of 600 meters, and its ease of use allows operators, even those with minimal experience, to quickly become proficient in controlling it.

This donation fits into China's broader strategy of strengthening cooperation with Sri Lanka, a key partner in the strategically significant Indian Ocean region. By providing military assistance, China not only boosts Sri Lanka's defense capabilities but also strengthens beneficial bilateral relations, thereby facilitating the achievement of its strategic regional objectives. This gesture illustrates the complexity of contemporary international relations, where defense assistance plays a crucial role in reinforcing alliances and promoting national and regional interests.