The UK Ministry of Defence has contracted Pearson Engineering to deliver demining equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The contract includes the supply of multi-purpose vehicle interfaces to attach self-protection mine plows donated by the British Army. They will allow the armored vehicles to be equipped with a wide range of ground-engaging equipment required to remove other natural and man-made obstacles.
The contract is part of the 100-million-pound ($125 million) UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine to provide maintenance and maneuver support to the Ukrainian military. According to Newcastle-based Pearson Engineering, remotely-controlled MW370 mine clearance vehicles and Barbadian Mine Rollers have already been provided to Ukraine. The equipment is accompanied by “comprehensive spares and sustainment packages.”
An estimated 40 percent of Ukrainian territory is riddled with landmines, making it potentially the most mined country in the world. Pearson and Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft were also contracted by the German government in 2023 to provide route-opening mine plows to Ukraine. “We continue to work collaboratively with our industrial partners to ensure that Ukraine has the mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities it needs, both for the current battle, but also in the interests of a safer and more secure environment for the people of Ukraine in the longer term,” Maj Gen Anna-Lee Reilly said.
