EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN HUMANITARIAN DEMINING: UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth examination of innovative technologies deployed in humanitarian demining in Ukraine under conditions of large-scale mine contamination resulting from the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation. The study outlines the significance of modern technological solutions in addressing the unprecedented extent of explosive ordnance contamination, which affects agricultural areas, urban zones, forests, and water bodies. Attention is focused on the structural challenges of mine action, including the diversity of explosive devices, the absence of reliable minefield mapping, the operational limitations of manual clearance, and the shortage of qualified personnel and specialized equipment. Particular emphasis is placed on the rapid development and integration of unmanned systems– airborne, ground, and underwater–equipped with multisensor platforms such as magnetometers, thermal imagers, highresolution optical cameras, and artificial intelligence algorithms for automated identification of explosive remnants of war. The article reviews key Ukrainian technological developments, including the “Zmiiy” aerial demining drone, the multifunctional ground robot Bufalo, and AI-driven systems for digital mapping of hazardous zones. It also examines international technological contributions, such as remotely operated underwater vehicles, hybrid robotic demining platforms, and sensor-integrated systems used for large-area surveys. These technologies significantly accelerate data collection, improve accuracy in risk assessment, reduce direct exposure of personnel to danger, and enhance the overall efficiency of mine-clearance operations. The study concludes that the strategic combination of technological innovation, international assistance, and institutional modernization of Ukraine’s national mine-action framework is essential for restoring safe living conditions, enabling the return of contaminated land to economic circulation, and supporting longterm post-war recovery.