China Reveals New Tracked Unmanned Mine Clearing Vehicle at UMEX 2026.

China unveiled a new tracked Multifunctional Unmanned Mine Clearing Vehicle at UMEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, presenting it as a next-generation combat engineering platform. The system underscores Beijing’s growing focus on autonomous ground vehicles to reduce personnel risk in high-threat environments.

At the UMEX 2026 unmanned systems exhibition in Abu Dhabi, China revealed a new generation tracked Multifunctional Unmanned Mine Clearing Vehicle, offering a glimpse into its evolving autonomous combat engineering capabilities. Displayed as a 1:10 scale model, the system is designed to detect, neutralize, and remove landmines while conducting heavy obstacle clearance, reflecting a broader push toward robotic survivability and mission flexibility in modern combat zones, according to exhibition materials.
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Scale model of the new Multifunctional Unmanned Mine Clearing Vehicle displayed at the NORINCO booth during UMEX 2026, showcasing China’s latest tracked UGV concept equipped for autonomous demining and obstacle clearance missions. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Unlike traditional UGVs Unmanned Ground Vehicles), which are limited to single-role demining tasks, this system integrates an advanced multi-tool front assembly capable of hosting up to five different mine-clearing mechanisms. These include a 1.8-meter-wide bulldozer blade, a self-propelled Boikova mine sweeper, solid milling heads, a rotating tiller, and the Katkov demining trawl. The primary tiller, mounted at the front, destroys buried mines using rotating chisels, allowing it to plow through and neutralize even hardened anti-tank devices. The system’s modularity ensures rapid reconfiguration for varying terrain or mission demands, supporting both combat breaching and humanitarian clearance operations.

Mounted on top of the vehicle is a compact robotic “crab” arm designed to manipulate lightweight obstructions, clear vegetation, or access confined spaces where the primary arm cannot operate. This miniature manipulator enables fine motor tasks during route clearance or demolition prep, making the UGV adaptable for urban combat scenarios or tight, obstacle-dense terrain.

The vehicle runs on a fully tracked chassis, prioritizing off-road mobility and stability in rugged or uneven environments. With no crew compartment or manned systems, it is presumed to be remotely operated or semi-autonomous, likely controlled via a secure ground station with real-time video and telemetry. Sensor modules mounted above the front chassis suggest the integration of electro-optical systems, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and UFG (Ultrasonic Frequency Generator) technology to support navigation, object recognition, and terrain mapping.

China’s unveiling of this multifunctional UGV signals a major step forward in robotic engineering support capabilities, with the potential to shift battlefield tactics by overcoming minefields and explosive traps that have traditionally slowed or halted offensive operations. Designed to clear paths for infantry, armor, or logistics convoys, the system minimizes human exposure while maximizing mechanical precision and power.

The debut of this system at UMEX 2026 confirms China’s growing ambition to dominate the unmanned combat support space. By integrating mine-clearing, obstacle removal, cargo handling, and route engineering into a single robotic platform, the People's Liberation Army appears poised to deploy these vehicles in future combined arms operations. Army Recognition will continue to follow developments surrounding this system, including potential export variants and deployment timelines within Chinese ground forces.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.