Drones and Tech Revolutionizing Landmine Clearance

This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.

(MSN) Drones are transforming landmine detection in Ukraine, enabling safer and more precise surveys of contaminated areas from the Russia-Ukraine war. The HALO Trust, a humanitarian charity, logged over 85,800 drone flight minutes in 2024, identifying over 11,000 hazards, including landmines, rockets, and grenades. With three regional teams and over 100 drones, they use high-resolution cameras and AI tools to create detailed maps and analyze images. While AI has potential, it currently lags behind human accuracy. New technologies, like ground-penetrating radar, magnetic resonance sensors, and remote-controlled machinery, are enhancing clearance efficiency and safety.

HALO pioneered these innovations, increasing productivity and reducing risk for deminers. Future advancements may combine satellite and drone imagery with AI for even more precise planning, while semi-autonomous machines could revolutionize clearance. However, humans remain vital for key tasks like swinging detectors, ensuring rapid and effective landmine clearance. This blend of human expertise and technology is saving lives and reclaiming land.

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