JICA and UNDP Showcase Innovative Japanese Technology to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action Efforts in Ukraine
Drohobych, Lviv Oblast – 10 July 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, together with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), hosted a two-day demonstration of cutting-edge mine action technologies designed to enhance humanitarian demining operations in Ukraine.
The event featured advanced innovations developed both in Japan and Ukraine, with a focus on ground penetrating radar (GPR), drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. These technologies were presented to national stakeholders involved in mine clearance, enabling them to explore and test tools aimed at increasing the efficiency and safety of demining activities.
A highlight of the session was the presentation by Professor Motoyuki Sato, a renowned Japanese scientist and inventor of the Advanced Landmine Imaging System (ALIS). ALIS, supplied to SESU by JICA since 2023, integrates metal detection with GPR to generate detailed underground images. This capability allows for the detection of explosive remnants of war, including mines with minimal or no metal content, significantly improving detection precision in high-risk areas.
Alongside ALIS, Japanese heavy demining machinery donated by JICA was demonstrated in simulated minefield conditions. The SESU deminers, experienced in operating both the ALIS technology and the demining machines in real minefields across Ukraine, conducted live demonstrations that illustrated the practical application of these tools in challenging environments.
Ukrainian innovation was also prominently showcased. The domestic organization UADamage introduced its AI-powered land scanning solution, which utilizes GPR sensors mounted on drones. This technology is currently being piloted through a collaborative initiative led by UNDP and Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy aimed at fostering homegrown innovations in mine action.
Attendees of the event included representatives from the Ministry of Defence, National Police, National Mine Action Centre, as well as various international and national organizations specializing in mine clearance. The gathering facilitated a rich exchange of technical knowledge and practical insights concerning the integration of these advanced technologies in Ukraine’s humanitarian mine action efforts.
Hiroto Kamiishi, representative of JICA, expressed pride in sharing Japanese technological advancements: “We’re proud to introduce ALIS, a cutting-edge geo-sensor mine detector, to Ukraine’s humanitarian mine action community. It is a great honour to be joined by Professor Sato, who developed this technology, and to see it used in the Ukrainian context.”
Mykola Humeniuk, Deputy Head of the Emergency Response Department at SESU’s Main Directorate in Lviv Oblast, highlighted the significance of international cooperation: “We are grateful for the ongoing cooperation with JICA and UNDP. Their support significantly strengthens our demining capacity and helps ensure the safety of our demining teams, especially those working in the areas close to the frontline.”
Edward Crowther, UNDP Field Operations Advisor for Mine Action in Ukraine, emphasized the promise of these technologies: “Ground penetrating radar is already a proven tool in other mine-affected countries. We believe it holds great potential in Ukraine to not only speed up humanitarian demining, but also to make it safer for the teams involved.”
About UNDP in Ukraine
The United Nations Development Programme supports Ukraine’s resilience and recovery amid ongoing challenges by coordinating a range of initiatives targeting explosive ordnance contamination. Through its Mine Action Programme, UNDP provides strategic guidance, technical assistance, and modern equipment including satellite imagery, drones, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence applications. In 2024 alone, nearly 4 million square metres of land were surveyed and cleared for safe use under UNDP-coordinated efforts.
About JICA
The Japan International Cooperation Agency is Japan’s official development assistance implementing body, committed to international cooperation and socioeconomic development worldwide. Since 2022, JICA has actively supported Ukraine’s emergency recovery with a focus on strengthening humanitarian mine action capacities through specialized equipment provision, training, and partnerships with national organizations. These efforts aim to improve the efficiency and safety of mine clearance operations, facilitating the safe return of affected communities to their lands.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications and Advocacy
Email: yuliia.samus@undp.org
Photo credit: Kseniia Nevenchenko / UNDP in Ukraine
