We had several in-depth conversations with operators who are already thinking beyond traditional approaches. There is a clear shift — teams are looking for faster, more data-driven ways to work, and the interest in real implementation is growing.
We also started a few new discussions around joint research. The focus is quite specific: signal processing, AI-based interpretation, and how to make multi-sensor systems actually useful in the field — not just in theory.
Another important part was hearing updates on Ukraine. There is visible progress in how mine action is being structured — from prioritization systems like GRIT to stronger institutional coordination. It’s still a complex process, but the direction is becoming clearer.
At the same time, one thing stood out across almost every discussion: technology is no longer optional. Whether it’s magnetometers, GPR, UAVs, or data platforms — everyone is trying to figure out how to combine these tools into something that actually works on the ground.
Croatia has already achieved something many countries are still working toward — being declared mine-free. But the symposium itself has grown into something much bigger than a regional event. It’s now one of the few places where real exchange happens — between engineers, operators, and decision-makers.
For us, these conversations matter. And we’ll keep building on them.

The impact of NATO SPS for us is easy to describe in simple terms: before and after. Before – an initiative of a few enthusiasts demonstrated to sappers on a local level. After – professional development of the product from technology readiness 4 (validated in Lab) to TRL 7 (prototype validated in operational environment) with:
- Large scale deployment in Kharkiv and Mykolaiv region of Ukraine
- Official supply of MinesEye to the first responders
- New version with AI data processing and Ukrainian UAV-platform
It’s encouraging to see how international cooperation empowered by NATO helps to address complex challenges and push the boundaries. With several months of the project still ahead, we are now entering a critical phase — refining the system, expanding deployments, and preparing for broader adoption.

We are very grateful to the people of Japan for their consistent support of Ukraine in the field of humanitarian demining. Innovation in this area will significantly accelerate the clearance of mined territories and help return agricultural land to use. We will do everything on our side to implement the use of drones in the work of demining operators.
An important priority is also strengthening cooperation between the private sectors of Japan and Ukraine to create better technological solutions. We have already reviewed a number of Japanese-made sensors that could improve the performance of the MinesEye system. Some of them are already being integrated into the system or into the survey process.
We keep working.

During the meeting, the delegation became familiar with the university’s technical and training facilities, as well as its approaches to preparing specialists in humanitarian demining and the use of unmanned systems in emergency response.
The visit also created an opportunity to exchange practical experience and identify areas for further collaboration, particularly in combining technological solutions with training programs for specialists working in the field.

Together, we assessed potential areas for training flights and upgraded the MinesEye Sensor Fusion System to version 1.6, enabling reliable operation in more challenging weather conditions.
Hands-on sessions focused on real practice: deployment and packing of the system, followed by test flights under difficult environmental conditions.
We also introduced new AI-powered software capable of processing multi-sensor data, confirming detected objects, and mapping findings with greater accuracy.
These trainings are about readiness and safety — ensuring that demining teams are equipped with modern tools they can trust in real field operations. Every step like this brings us closer to safer land and safer communities.

MinesEye system makes it possible not only to scan from the air, but also to see underwater.
We conducted a live demonstration of our technology at the invitation of our partner Risk Control — one of the leaders in underwater demining in Ukraine.
As a result of the survey, we detect unexploded ordnance on the lakebed, as well as most types of underwater mines.
The technology operates at depths from 2 to 5 meters, depending on the type of explosive object.
As a result, divers receive a map of magnetic anomalies with precise points indicating the location of hazardous objects. This makes it easier to locate items in silt and reduces the time required for inspection.

Taking this opportunity, we also focused on building connections with Japanese manufacturers. Our research showed that Japanese companies are capable of covering almost all the needs of the MinesEye system — from magnetic sensors and cameras to drones and geolocation systems. At the same time, Japanese companies are open to experimentation, and their engineers approach product development with great attention to detail.
During the week, we held meetings with six local companies and have already taken the first steps toward cooperation with several of them. We were impressed by how well-informed Japanese partners are about demining efforts in Ukraine and how interested they are in contributing to this work.
Context and opportunities
The visit took place during an important political moment in Japan, with new government appointments and active international engagement. Ukrainian representatives were among the first to establish contact with their Japanese counterparts during the conference.
Japan continues to increase defense spending while also strengthening international partnerships and supporting the development of partner countries. In this context, cooperation opportunities are growing, especially as the Ukrainian and European markets are of interest to Japanese companies.
From our perspective, it is also important that Japan has previously agreed to cooperate with Ukraine in the field of drones — an area that could be mutually beneficial for both countries.
Support that made it possible
We would also like to highlight the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme. This program played a key role in the development of the MinesEye system and made it possible to organize such a large and comprehensive visit.
A new call for applications to the program will open soon — an opportunity worth considering.
We are returning from Japan tired, but full of positive energy and strong impressions.
More to come.

Despite regular air raid alarms during the event, we managed to carry out a full demonstration. All training explosive objects were successfully detected and mapped in real time — proving once again the efficiency of MinesEye in challenging conditions.
What makes MinesEye unique is its ability to use multiple sensors simultaneously — both visual and magnetometric. This multi-sensor approach increases detection accuracy and significantly reduces survey time, which is critical for humanitarian demining in Ukraine.
We are grateful to the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme for supporting this project and enabling Ukrainian innovation to be applied to the urgent challenge of humanitarian mine action.

During the training, sappers learned how to deploy the MinesEye system in field conditions, perform data analysis and initial processing, identify hazardous objects, and integrate the collected information for further use in information management systems.
The focus was on practical, real-world scenarios that teams face in the field.
Despite certain challenges, UAV-based technologies demonstrate high efficiency and have strong potential to significantly accelerate the clearance of Ukrainian land and save lives.

A key challenge of the mission was zero visibility and a high level of silt. Under such conditions, manual inspection would take significantly more time and would not guarantee results. That is why the MinesEye sensor technology made it possible to detect suspicious objects much faster and more efficiently for further verification by divers and an underwater drone.
This is exactly the case where innovation and technology make it possible to significantly reduce survey time and use human and technical resources more efficiently.
Why this matters
Unlike fields or roads, water bodies are much harder to assess. You can’t rely on visual inspection, and traditional methods are slow and uncertain. At the same time, these locations are often critical for everyday use.
In this case, the lake is not just part of the landscape — it plays a role in local emergency response.
What made this scan different
Conditions in the lake were challenging. Visibility was close to zero, and the bottom was heavily covered with silt. In such an environment, divers would need to work slowly, with limited visibility, and still might miss potential hazards.
Instead of relying only on manual inspection, the team used sensor technology to scan the lakebed and detect anomalies — objects that may require further investigation.
These points can now be examined more precisely by divers or underwater drones.

These demonstrations were organized under the coordination of UNDP as part of an initiative to showcase innovative technologies to demining stakeholders and were conducted on operationally relevant sites allocated by NPA and HALO Trust.
NPA Trial – 30 April 2025The first trial took place on a 45-hectare BAC-classified field near Partyzanske village, assigned to Norwegian People's Aid. The field was divided for demonstration purposes, with 3 MinesEye systems deployed on the northern section.
Despite adverse conditions, including 15–20 km/h side winds, the team successfully surveyed 22 hectares in just 3.5 hours, while simultaneously conducting orthophoto imagery collection across 25 hectares. The magnetic survey detected 123 high-priority anomalies, confirming the effectiveness and field-readiness of the system under real-world constraints. More details to be found in this video.
HALO Trust Trials – 2 & 3 May 2025Two separate demonstration efforts were undertaken in partnership with The HALO Trust:
On 2 May, Postup surveyed two challenging sites near Burkhanivka village, including an old hay storage area and a valley adjacent to a bridge. Due to site complexity and dense vegetation, only 1.5 hectares were scanned. Findings included objects resembling PTM antitank mines, though one site offered limited magnetic visibility due to subsurface concrete structures.
On 3 May, an impromptu trial was organized jointly with HALO’s NTS team near Snihurivka. In this rapid-response survey, 15 hectares were scanned in just 2.5 hours using three MinesEye systems. Results were particularly striking:
  - Detection of a mine belt containing 8 TM-62M antitank mines
  - Detection of several POM mines, including one in the fully operational position
  - Confirmation of a mortar mine, antitank missile part, and unexploded artillery shell
Only 25-30% of magnetic anomalies were confirmed during the field survey, with the remainder requiring deeper inspection by HALO teams.
These trials provided invaluable operational validation and feedback for the MinesEye system, while also reinforcing the critical role of sensor fusion UAVs in accelerating and prioritizing clearance in high-risk, large-scale agricultural zones. Postup Foundation is grateful for the trust and collaboration extended by our international partners and looks forward to scaling this technology in service of safer land recovery across Ukraine.

In our presentation, we shared several key messages grounded in our deployment experience:

1) Mechanization alone is not innovation.
Simply introducing machines is not transformative — context and strategy matter. The modern battlefield has shown us that even tanks can become liabilities without adaptation. The same principle applies to mine action tools.

2) Integrated technologies must be developed to empower demining operators and increase the pace of clearance.
Without significant technological support, demining in Ukraine risks falling into the hands of civilians — especially farmers — who continue to lose their lives at a tragic rate of five per month.

3) Clearance remains the biggest bottleneck in mine action.
Mechanical tools must be deployed with precision:

- Avoiding antitank mine belts where the risk outweighs benefit

- Focusing only on areas with confirmed contamination

This prioritization is only possible through drone-based multisensor solutions.

4) Aerial systems that can detect both surface and subsurface threats offer the intelligence needed to focus efforts and minimize risk.

5) Demining operators are essential to the successful adoption of new technologies. Real-world validation by practitioners must precede standardization. Field input is critical to ensuring that innovation aligns with operational needs and realities.

We thank GICHD for creating space for such meaningful exchange, and for including implementers like Postup Foundation in shaping the future of mine action. Together with our partners, we remain committed to delivering solutions that save lives and return land safely — faster.