On August 13, 2026, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, in Kyiv, provided equipment to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU)—the implementing agency for humanitarian mine action—to help improve the safety and efficiency of such operations, thereby contributing to humanitarian mine action, which serves as the foundation for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
Photo courtesy of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine
The equipment provided on this occasion includes a mobile maintenance vehicle (commonly known as a “mobile workshop”) for inspecting and repairing mine clearance equipment procured under the technical cooperation project “Project to Enhance Capabilities for Humanitarian Mine and Unexploded Ordnance Action”; a mine avoidance education vehicle for conducting awareness-raising activities among local residents; and the “MinesEye” mine detection system. We would like to introduce how this cooperation has improved the efficiency and safety of mine action operations.
Improving the Efficiency of Landmine Countermeasures Through Japanese Technical Cooperation
Since February 2022, contamination from explosive remnants of war, such as landmines and unexploded ordnance, has been spreading nationwide in Ukraine. Until now, Ukraine has relied on interviews with residents, historical records, and satellite imagery to identify hazardous areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance might be buried. However, relying solely on this information made it difficult to narrow down the hazardous areas, resulting in the designation of large zones. Consequently, it was necessary to survey the entire area using specialized equipment, which required a significant amount of time and effort.
To reduce the time and cost associated with landmine detection, JICA is supporting the technical demonstration and implementation of the “MinesEye” landmine detection system. This system uses magnetic sensors and optical cameras to gather data on the surface and subsurface from a height of approximately 3 meters above ground. It then analyzes this data using AI to identify areas where landmines or unexploded ordnance may be present with a high degree of accuracy. A detection rate of up to 90 percent has been confirmed for a variety of objects, including both metallic and non-metallic ones.
The implementation of “MinesEye” makes it possible to more accurately pinpoint areas within extensive hazardous zones where landmines and unexploded ordnance are likely to be present, thereby reducing the time and cost required for surveys. Furthermore, by minimizing the areas that clearance personnel need to enter, it contributes to improved safety and reduced psychological stress.
Voices of anticipation from the field
“MinesEye” is expected to serve not only as a detection device but also as a new technology that will help improve the overall efficiency of humanitarian mine action. Serhiy Oliinyk, Head of the Innovative Technology Implementation Division at the Mine Action Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), stated the following:
“With the introduction of ‘MinesEye,’ we will be able to assess the situation in extensive contaminated areas more quickly and accurately, allowing us to effectively deploy our limited personnel and equipment to high-priority areas. Furthermore, since we can collect survey data linked to location information, we believe this will also improve the accuracy of on-site decision-making and work planning. By combining this system with our existing survey methods, we aim to further strengthen our humanitarian mine action capabilities and accelerate the process of clearing land and rebuilding communities.”
Comprehensive Cooperation on Mine Action
Photo courtesy of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine
JICA has been contributing to the implementation of the “Ukraine Mine Action Initiative,” which the Japanese government announced at the “Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC 2025)” held in Tokyo in October 2025. JICA provides comprehensive support for the technology, equipment, and capacity building necessary for humanitarian mine action, including the mobile workshops, mine avoidance education vehicles, and the “MinesEye” mine detection system provided in this latest grant. Through these efforts, ICA aims to improve the efficiency and safety of mine action while protecting people’s lives and livelihoods from the threats posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance, thereby supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
JICA will continue to support sustainable humanitarian mine action in cooperation with the Ukrainian government and relevant agencies to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian people and of deminers working on the front lines.
© Source JICA