Ukraine is officially introducing a new category of operators – external pilots of unmanned aerial vehicles who will perform aerial reconnaissance and explosive ordnance detection tasks.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The relevant standard DSTU 8820-4:2025 “Mine Action. Management processes. Part 4. Mechanized demining processes” was approved by the National Standardization Body of Ukraine.
The document introduces the key principles and requirements for the use of mechanized demining equipment (MRE) during the clearance of territories from explosive hazards. It will come into force on May 1, 2025.
In addition, due to the implementation of this standard:
regulates the use of various types of EOD equipment, from soil treatment agents to equipment for detecting and disposing of explosive ordnance;
sets requirements for the operators of the MPM, their training and certification;
regulates safety measures during the operation of equipment, including remote and autonomous control;
harmonizes the national regulatory framework with international IMAS (International Mine Action Standards) standards.
The standard was developed by experts from the Main Directorate of Mine Action, Civil Protection and Environmental Safety and other mine action stakeholders.
It is worth noting that a special training ground is planned to be created for testing mechanized demining equipment. This will ensure that the equipment is tested in real conditions, increasing the efficiency of its use.
This standard is an important step towards increasing the effectiveness of humanitarian demining in Ukraine and implementing international best practices in combating the mine threat.