Ukraine Introduces New UAV Operator Specialty for Explosives Detection
19 March, 2025 Drone for Explosives Detection. Ukraine. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Ukraine is officially introducing a new specialty for UAV operators tasked with aerial reconnaissance and explosives detection, the Ministry of Defense has announced. The new qualification is based on the recently approved DSTU 8820-4:2025 standard, which was developed by Ukraine's National Standardization Body. The regulation will take effect on May 1, 2025, establishing key principles for using mechanized demining equipment (MDV) to clear explosives from territories.
The standard also outlines guidelines for different types of MDV, ranging from soil cultivation machines to advanced devices for detecting and neutralizing explosive threats.
Demining process. Photo from open sources
The DSTU 8820-4:2025 standard defines requirements for MDV operators, including training and certification, and safety protocols, including those for remote and autonomous equipment control.
The national regulatory framework is also harmonized with international standards IMAS (International Mine Action Standards). Experts from the Main Department of Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety, along with other key stakeholders in the field of demining, developed the standard. According to the Defense Ministry, to ensure effective implementation, mechanized demining equipment will undergo testing at a newly created training site designed to simulate real-world conditions.
A sapper with an individual demining kit, 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that introducing this standard marks a significant step in improving humanitarian demining efforts and aligning Ukraine's mine clearance practices with global best practices. In February, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announced the creation of a test range for evaluating new demining technologies, including those using AI.
The project is being developed in collaboration with international partners, with a designated location already selected.
GCS demining machine.
December 2024, Ukraine.
Source: Ukrinform news agency
Ukraine's 2024-2034 long-term demining strategy includes plans to allocate EUR700 million from international partners to purchase specialized demining equipment.