Croatian Firm DOK-ING Pioneers Short‑Term Rental of MV‑4 Demining Robot in 

In a landmark initiative for Ukraine’s mine‑action sector, Croatian heavy‑machinery specialist DOK‑ING has successfully completed its first short‑term rental of the MV‑4 robotic demining machine. Over a three‑day period, SafeLane Global, a leading mine‑action operator, utilized the MV‑4 to conduct a technical survey of 2.1 hectares in the village of Bezimenne, Mykolaiv region, under Ukraine’s state program for compensating the cost of agricultural‑land clearance.

“This is already the third demining‑machine manufacturer to offer leasing or rental options for its equipment,” said Ihor Bezkaravainy, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy. “This first completed agreement is highly instructive for other mine‑action operators, demonstrating that a machine can be rented for just a few days yet still complete a substantial volume of work. That’s how the market should function—offering diverse solutions for different conditions.”

Rapid, Effective Clearance

During the three‑day trial, the MV‑4 cleared 20,837 m², destroying a PMN‑2 anti‑personnel mine and uncovering a range of explosive threats: two POM‑2 bounding mines, three 220 mm rocket projectiles, one 120 mm OF‑49 mortar mine, and a 57 mm S5 aviation rocket. These robust results underscore the robot’s versatility and precision in identifying and neutralizing buried ordnance.

Seamless End‑to‑End Service

DOK‑ING’s Ukrainian partner, A3tech, managed every stage of the project—from coordinating the rental and handling logistics to preparing the MV‑4 for field deployment. A3tech also stood by to perform any necessary technical maintenance on the robot, ensuring uninterrupted operation throughout the assignment.

A Growing Trend in Mine Action

Short‑term equipment rental offers mine‑action operators critical flexibility. Rather than investing in expensive capital assets for seasonal or project‑specific needs, organizations can now tailor their machinery usage to the precise scope and duration of each clearance operation. For Ukraine—where vast tracts of agricultural land and rural infrastructure remain contaminated—this cost‑effective model promises to accelerate restoration efforts nationwide.

Looking Ahead

Buoyed by the success in Mykolaiv, DOK‑ING and A3tech plan to expand their rental program across Ukraine’s frontline regions. As more manufacturers embrace flexible leasing schemes, mine‑action teams will gain access to a broader arsenal of mechanized tools, enabling them to safeguard communities and revive farmland with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

The MV‑4 trial in Bezimenne not only validates the efficacy of short‑term rentals but also heralds a new chapter in Ukraine’s demining strategy—one defined by innovation, collaboration, and adaptive solutions tailored to the country’s evolving needs.