New Domestic Demining Machine 'Germina' Undergoing Trials in Ukraine

03/25/2025

Kramatorsk Heavy Machine-Building Plant has developed a remotely controlled demining system, dubbed Germina, that promises to revolutionize the clearance of explosive remnants of war. The machine is engineered to clear up to five hectares per day and is robust enough to withstand the blast of an anti-tank mine. Currently, the first prototype is undergoing field trials with a mine action operator, after which it will be submitted for certification.

A Showcase of Ukrainian Innovation

According to Ihor Bezkaravainy, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Germina is a prime example of harnessing local technical expertise and the practical experience of Ukrainian sappers. He highlighted that over 60% of the machine’s components are of Ukrainian origin, noting, "The speed at which it covered a 100-meter section during our demonstration was impressive." This performance underscores the machine’s potential to drastically reduce the time needed for demining operations.

Impressive Performance in Field Trials

During recent tests, Germina demonstrated its efficiency by advancing a 100-meter stretch in just one and a half minutes, with its working element penetrating the soil at a depth of 5 centimeters and covering a width of 2.7 meters. This capability translates to the ability to clear one hectare per hour—or up to five hectares per shift—making it a valuable asset for large-scale demining efforts.

Versatile and Robust Design

Germina’s design includes several specialized working elements: a chain mechanism, a milling tool, a manipulator, and a multifunctional bucket for soil displacement. These tools enable the machine to safely and quickly clear not only agricultural fields and forest belts but also positions, trenches, and buildings. Additionally, the machine is equipped with engines, chassis, and hydraulic systems sourced from leading European and American manufacturers. Its remote control functionality, effective at distances up to one kilometer, further enhances operational safety.

Demonstrated Efficacy Against Explosive Threats

In demonstration tests, Germina successfully neutralized a range of training models simulating explosive devices—including anti-tank mines (TM62 and PTM4), an anti-personnel high-explosive mine, and hand grenades—proving its capability to handle diverse and challenging threats.

Looking Ahead

Eduard Drach, Technical Director of the mine action operator UDS, emphasized that Germina’s high productivity, mobility, and ease of maintenance, combined with its ability to withstand explosions equivalent to 10 kilograms of TNT, will significantly accelerate the demining of agricultural lands. UDS is set to receive five Germina machines from Kramatorsk Heavy Machine-Building Plant in the first half of this year, which will be deployed for humanitarian demining operations in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions.

With a warranty period of three years and a preliminary base cost estimated at around 500,000 euros—substantially lower than many foreign counterparts—Germina represents a cost-effective and innovative solution. If it successfully completes certification, this domestically developed machine could play a crucial role in making Ukraine’s lands safer by accelerating the clearance of mines and explosive remnants from affected areas.