Ukraine has received a GCS-200 heavy demining machine from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The handover took place during the Humanitarian Demining Conference in Ukraine (UMAC-2024) in Lausanne on October 17-18. Present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Ihor Bezkaravaynyi and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Bohdan Drapiatyi. Throughout the year, Switzerland will deliver three demining machines, which will be used by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES).

“Each machine provided by our partners increases our capacity for humanitarian demining and enhances the safety of the deminers working in the fields. I am grateful to Switzerland for their contribution to humanitarian demining, not only through equipment but also by sharing expertise and helping to implement our joint projects,” said Ihor Bezkaravaynyi, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

Switzerland is one of the leading countries in terms of humanitarian demining assistance. The total amount of announced and provided aid exceeds 134 million U.S. dollars. Switzerland funds demining projects and provides technical support for clearing mines and other explosive objects. It also supports programs to educate the local population on safe behavior with such items.

In addition to providing three demining systems, the program includes a comprehensive package of training, instructions, and logistical support.

The GCS-200 is a heavy, remotely operated machine designed to clear areas of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. It can neutralize explosive objects up to 30 centimeters deep. One of its advantages is the interchangeable modules that allow for the safe removal and loading of explosive objects. Currently, SES demining units have 12 GCS-200 heavy demining machines.