ROVs Deployed to Support Underwater Demining Across Ukraine

Deep Trekker has delivered sixteen REVOLUTION ROVs to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SESU) through a UNDP initiative, supported by the governments of the Republic of Korea, France, and New Zealand.

These ROVs are being deployed to assist SESU teams in underwater explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) across water bodies contaminated with explosive remnants of war.

The delivery is part of a broader UNDP mine action program, which includes training, strategy development, and inter-agency coordination. With an estimated 13,500 km² of inland waters requiring assessment, the ROVs offer a safer and more efficient approach.

The REVOLUTION ROVs are equipped with the M1200d Blueprint Oculus multibeam sonar, IMAGENEX Micro Side Scan Sonar, and visual cameras for low-visibility, GPS-denied environments. Each unit includes a DVL-enabled SensorPod+, dual lithium batteries, and the BRIDGE Console, which manages real-time data, mapping, and navigation.

Deep Trekker also conducted a two-week training program for 31 SESU personnel, covering deployment, sonar operation, data handling, and navigation workflows. These efforts enhance SESU’s ability to safely conduct EOD missions and contribute to broader efforts in reclaiming and securing Ukrainian territory.

Alan Middup, President of Deep Trekker, commented, “The opportunity to supply the Emergency Services in Ukraine, through the United Nations Development Programme, with an aquatic mine detection system based on our REVOLUTION ROV is hugely important for Deep Trekker.

“Not only does it prove the capability of our ROVs in such a challenging environment, it also underlines our global reach and ability. I am very proud of the fact we were able to deploy a team of our own technical and mission experts to Ukraine alongside our ROVs and successfully train the emergency services in their use. The work these teams can now complete within waterways in Ukraine is crucial to the ongoing effort of making safe areas of Ukraine.”