Ukraine Strengthens Its Demining Operations With Swiss GCS-200 Demining Vehicles.

On April 20, 2024, the Danish Refugee Council organized a demonstration of the Swiss-made GCS-200 demining machine in Mykolaiv, marking the start of its use in Ukraine. Until now, mine clearance operations have been carried out manually by deminers. However, introducing the GCS-200 demining machines will speed up this process considerably, freeing deminers from tedious and dangerous tasks.
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The remote-controlled GCS-200 machine has the remarkable capacity to clear up to 12,000 m² of land per day (Picture source: Danish Refugee Council)

Mechanical demining operations in Ukraine, particularly in the Mykolaiv region, are gaining momentum thanks to a crucial contribution from the German Federal Foreign Office. The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is benefiting from this financial support for the acquisition and operation of two GCS-200 demining machines. The first of these machines has already been delivered, while the second is expected next month.

The remote-controlled GCS-200 machine has the remarkable capacity to clear up to 12,000 m² of land per day, 200 times more than a group of deminers operating manually. This significant advance in mechanical demining, supported by Germany, strengthens Ukraine's ability to secure its territory and protect its inhabitants from the dangers of mines and explosive remnants of war.

The GCS-200, produced by Swiss Compagny GCS, is specifically engineered for heavy-duty mine clearance tasks, adept at handling both AP and AT Mines in challenging environments. Its robust V-shaped hull, crafted from high-strength steel, ensures maximum survivability in high-threat areas. Operated remotely with integrated and safeguarded camera systems, it enables safe and precise demining operations within a broad range of 300 m – 3,500 m. Fitted with tiller and flail mechanisms, capable of penetrating depths up to 31.50 cm and 30.50 cm respectively, this demining machine features an infinitely variable hydrostatic travel drive for each track, driven by hydraulic motors from the Allison gearbox.

Additionally, it boasts a versatile manipulator equipped with various tools for tasks such as IED disposal, UXO & AXO removal, and heavy object lifting ranging from 650 kgs to 2,000 kgs. With capabilities including excavating, gripping, pushing with an integrated dozer blade, cutting, and disrupting/de-arming, its components and resilient materials ensure durability even in harsh climatic conditions. Easily transportable via a 20ft ISO container, it offers logistical flexibility across roads, trains, and airports.

The mechanical demining initiative comes at a crucial time, as the UN reports that over 1,000 civilians have been killed or injured by mines and explosive remnants of war since February 2022. With more than 6 million Ukrainians still exposed to the danger of mine contamination, this acceleration of demining operations is crucial to saving lives and enabling the rapid reconstruction of Ukraine. In total, it is estimated that nearly 180,000 square km of Ukrainian land, an area half the size of Germany, could be affected by mines and other explosive devices.

Defense News April 2024