Metal Detectors and Bomb Disposal
Britain has donated hundreds of metal detectors and bomb de-arming kits to Ukraine, to help clear minefields and unexploded ordnance.
Over 1,000 Vallon metal detectors and 100 bomb de-arming kits have been supplied – the latest deliveries in the support Britain has offered Ukraine during 2022. Recently, the UK supplied over 1,000 anti-air missiles and 125 anti-aircraft guns and has sent thousands of NLAW anti-tank missiles during the course of the year to date. Since then, the RAF has flown over 240 flights to move thousands of tonnes of military aid from the UK and international partners, ranging from sophisticated missiles, through clothing, to support troops through the harsh winter. London continues to liaise with the government of Ukraine to ensure that future supplies meet the tactical demands of the conflict as it evolves.
“Russia’s use of landmines and targeting of civilian infrastructure underline the shocking cruelty of Putin’s invasion. This latest package of UK support will help Ukraine safely clear land and buildings as it reclaims its rightful territory,” stated Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace.
In addition to providing equipment, Britain has trained thousands of personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), including specialist training on some of the equipment donated. In total, over 11,000 AFU personnel were trained in the UK in 2022 – assistance set to continue in the new year: with the support of international partners, the infantry training programme now aims to train up to 20,000 AFU personnel in 2023.
The Vallon detectors can help in breaching minefields and route clearing, as well as ensuring that civilian infrastructure and houses are clear of explosive hazards. The bomb de-arming kits are designed to de-arm fuzes from unexploded Russian ordnance and IEDs. Helping to defend against attacks from the air, the UK has supplied Ukraine with Stormer vehicles and thousands of anti-air missiles, including Starsteak and AMRAAM. Visiting Kyiv in November, the Prime Minister announced a new air defence package including 125 anti-aircraft guns, as well as radars and anti-drone technology, helping defend Ukraine from Russian attacks against its infrastructure.
On the ground, MLRS have allowed the AFU to strike targets with precision from up to 80km away, helping to push back Russian forces and counter their use of long-range artillery. The MoD has also supplied dozens of M109 155mm self-propelled guns and L119 105mm light guns, along with over 100,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and millions of rounds of small arms ammunition. This weaponry has been supported by more than 200 armoured vehicle and 100 logistics vehicles, to help the AFU move troops and equipment around the battlefield, as well as Sea King helicopters to support SAR operations.
At sea, the UK has donated maritime Brimstone missiles and autonomous underwater mine-hunting vehicles to help keep waters safe for shipping. In addition to direct deliveries of military aid, the UK has established the International Fund for Ukraine, which uses contributions from international partners to rapidly procure priority military materiel. In total, the UK provided £2.3bn of military aid to Ukraine in 2022 – more than any other nation except the United States – and the government has committed to sustain the same level of funding in 2023.
