The United States Provides Demining Machines And Other Equipment to the State Special Transport Service
American company Tetra Tech as an implementor of an international technical assistance project funded by the U.S. and Canadian governments has provided four GCS-100 demining machines with detachable equipment, tow cars, JCB excavators, and minibuses to Ukraine's State Special Transport Service (SSTS). The total value of the equipment exceeds $5.8 million. The U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink, First Deputy Minister of Economy Oleksiy Sobolev, Deputy Minister of Defence Yuriy Dzhyhyr, and Head of the State Special Transport Service Administration Brigadier General Oleksandr Yakovets took part in the equipment handover ceremony.
"Humanitarian demining is fundamental to Ukraine's recovery. Reconstruction can only begin once the land is cleared of mines and other explosive remnants, allowing people to return safely. This is why humanitarian demining is a priority in the Government's Action Plan and a key element of Ukraine's Mine Action Strategy. We face an enormous challenge, but by strengthening our demining capabilities with the help of our partners, we can clear our land faster. We commend that some of the equipment was purchased from Ukrainian manufacturers, contributing to the development of the Ukrainian economy," said Oleksiy Sobolev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
In addition to the machinery and equipment, Tetra Tech has provided the State Special Transport Service with personal protective equipment for the deminers operating the machines. SSTS specialists have also received training on the equipment at Tetra Tech's Ukrainian facility.
Some equipment, including personal protective gear, transport carriages, and excavator armour, was manufactured in Ukraine. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Economy's "Made in Ukraine" program.
"Today, we are handing over nearly $6 million worth of equipment to the State Special Transport Service, accelerating their work. Overall, the United States has provided over $180 million in humanitarian mine action assistance to Ukraine – our largest such a contribution to any country," said U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.
The United States is a crucial partner in Ukraine's mine action efforts, having funded projects totalling over $210 million since the full-scale invasion began. These funds support both completed and ongoing initiatives, primarily focused on strengthening Ukraine's demining capacity.
"Tetra Tech not only provides equipment but also actively trains our specialists. As of today, at least 600 specialists have been trained and certified at eight centres. This means the equipment from our partners will be operated by skilled professionals, further speeding up the demining process," said Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Yuriy Dzhyhyr.
It is important to note that First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko oversees humanitarian demining efforts, with the Ministry of Economy coordinating mine action in terms of humanitarian demining among central executive authorities.
For reference: The GCS-100 is a remote-controlled demining machine that can effectively clear anti-personnel mines even in difficult terrains. It has three interchangeable attachments: a soil cultivator, a hammer-type tool, and a manipulator boom for removing unexploded ordnance. It can clear up to 5,000 square meters of land per day.
As of July 16, the State Special Transport Service had surveyed over 115,000 hectares and neutralised over 178,000 explosive devices.