Kyiv, Ukraine – March 21, 2025
In a significant move to advance global efforts in landmine detection and clearance, the International Humanitarian Demining Academy (IHDA) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with the Aviation University of Ukraine. The collaboration aims to accelerate research and development (R&D) in cutting-edge technologies for humanitarian demining and post-conflict recovery.
This partnership brings together the IHDA’s global expertise in mine action training, field operations, and technology integration with the technical innovation and aerospace engineering capabilities of the Aviation University of Ukraine. The joint initiative will focus on developing next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensor fusion technologies, and AI-based data analytics for non-technical surveys, detection, and monitoring of explosive remnants of war (ERW).
“We are proud to join forces with one of Ukraine’s leading institutions in aerospace research,” said Oleksii Botnarenko, Director of the IHDA.
“Ukraine’s experience in responding to explosive threats and the University’s strong R&D capacity will create a unique environment to develop scalable, field-ready solutions for global humanitarian use.” The partnership includes the establishment of a Joint Innovation Lab on the university campus in Kyiv, which will serve as a hub for research projects, prototype testing, and pilot deployments. The collaboration will also involve capacity building, student exchange programs, and specialized training courses in humanitarian mine action (HMA) technologies.
According to Kseniia Semenova, a representative from the Aviation University of Ukraine, “This is a timely and meaningful collaboration. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the urgent need for advanced technologies in mine detection and clearance. Through this partnership, we aim to transform academic knowledge into real-world solutions that save lives.”
Initial projects under the partnership will include:
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building safer communities through innovation and international cooperation. It is expected to contribute significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting peace, safety, and access to land for agriculture and resettlement in post-conflict zones.
In a significant move to advance global efforts in landmine detection and clearance, the International Humanitarian Demining Academy (IHDA) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with the Aviation University of Ukraine. The collaboration aims to accelerate research and development (R&D) in cutting-edge technologies for humanitarian demining and post-conflict recovery.
This partnership brings together the IHDA’s global expertise in mine action training, field operations, and technology integration with the technical innovation and aerospace engineering capabilities of the Aviation University of Ukraine. The joint initiative will focus on developing next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensor fusion technologies, and AI-based data analytics for non-technical surveys, detection, and monitoring of explosive remnants of war (ERW).
“We are proud to join forces with one of Ukraine’s leading institutions in aerospace research,” said Oleksii Botnarenko, Director of the IHDA.
“Ukraine’s experience in responding to explosive threats and the University’s strong R&D capacity will create a unique environment to develop scalable, field-ready solutions for global humanitarian use.” The partnership includes the establishment of a Joint Innovation Lab on the university campus in Kyiv, which will serve as a hub for research projects, prototype testing, and pilot deployments. The collaboration will also involve capacity building, student exchange programs, and specialized training courses in humanitarian mine action (HMA) technologies.
According to Kseniia Semenova, a representative from the Aviation University of Ukraine, “This is a timely and meaningful collaboration. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the urgent need for advanced technologies in mine detection and clearance. Through this partnership, we aim to transform academic knowledge into real-world solutions that save lives.”
Initial projects under the partnership will include:
- Development of AI-powered drone systems for landmine and UXO detection
- Enhanced sensor integration for magnetic, thermal, and ground-penetrating data collection
- Simulation-based training tools for deminers and HMA professionals
- Field trials in conflict-affected areas within Ukraine and other partner countries
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building safer communities through innovation and international cooperation. It is expected to contribute significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting peace, safety, and access to land for agriculture and resettlement in post-conflict zones.