Project: “Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine”
with EU support
Background
In 2016, for the first time in the history of demining, we successfully identified and assisted in the removal of three American 500-pound AN-M64 aerial bombs from World War II, based on the results of a scientific-practical experiment conducted in Italy (EU). The bombs were detected from an altitude of 150 meters and safely extracted by local sappers. The survey of a 4-hectare agricultural site took only 20 minutes. The munitions and the type of explosive (TNT) were identified with 100% accuracy. The coordinate deviation did not exceed 1 meter.
Brief Overview of the Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine Project
Relevance, Objective, and Alignment with EU Priorities
In 2014, Russia’s occupation and annexation of Crimea led to a ban on investment in Crimean infrastructure, technology exports, and more. As a result, VITAVA d.o.o. lost its scientific and technical base (Agreement dated 04.03.2006 No. 02/04-03/06 with the Sevastopol National University of Nuclear Energy and Industry) and suffered significant investment losses.
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. The Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine project has since become even more urgent and is fully aligned with the EU’s Ukraine Facility 2024–2027 program aimed at Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
PROJECT COMPONENTS
R&D (Research and Development) for the creation of a remote hardware-based system for detecting all types of explosive ordnance is carried out by VITAVA d.o.o.
The pilot project—establishing the physical infrastructure and a testing laboratory in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine—is being implemented by INTERTRADE-UKRAINE LIMITED, a certified operator in humanitarian demining activities.
Independent scientific oversight is provided by:
- National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”
- National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”
- Lviv Polytechnic National University
Production of 25 detection units—each mounted on a vehicle chassis and equipped with an autonomous power supply, onboard computing center, UAV platform, operator workstations, as well as control, communication, and navigation systems—is being carried out by VITAVA d.o.o.
EXPECTED RESULTS
The return of territories to safe use is impossible without thorough technical inspection. Over four years, 150 specialists operating 25 detection units will survey 200,000 km² of territory. Humanitarian demining operators will receive detailed digital maps with the coordinates of all explosive hazards.
COMPETITIVENESS
Our detection systems stand out from existing technical inspection tools by identifying explosive objects and substances based on direct indicators — their spectral characteristics. No other technology offers such reliability (100%) and productivity (1 million m² per hour).
EXPERIENCE IN UKRAINE
The scientific concept of remote detection of any objects (from diamonds to anti-personnel mines) has been implemented in two technologies — “SEARCH” and “RTT”. These technologies have been successfully applied in numerous projects and national programs in Ukraine, including the “Meganom” program (search and destruction of chemical weapon remnants submerged in the coastal areas of the Black and Azov Seas) from 2004 to 2007, as well as in the program “Scientific, Design, and Technological Support of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle…”.
The interest of the Ukrainian government, its readiness to participate in the project’s implementation, and fruitful cooperation are evidenced by letters from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine dated June 6, 2022 (No. 03-1336/174-1) and July 26, 2023 (No. 03-13954/174-1).
FINANCING
The project budget consists of borrowed funds (€5.0 million) and an EU investment grant (€45.0 million). The grant investment distribution is as follows: €35.0 million (70%) allocated in Ukraine and €15.0 million (30%) allocated within the EU.
RISKS
Standard project risks (unplanned expenses, implementation delays, insufficient resources or team qualifications) are assessed as low and mitigated through experienced management, thorough planning, staffing, budget control, establishment of a contingency fund, optimal resource allocation, and organized feedback among project participants.
Technological risks are considered moderate and minimized through independent scientific oversight.
The scientific-practical experiment conducted in Italy (2016) and the involvement of the EU eliminate risks for the company, our partners, and potential investors. Additional confidence is provided by conducting R&D and production of the Complexes in Slovenia, outside the conflict zone.
Careers
Join Our Team — Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine Project
We are seeking skilled professionals to join our R&D team:
Positions:
- Lead Engineer
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- System Administrator / Programmer
Requirements:
- Degree in relevant field + 3+ years experience
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and defend technical decisions
- Fluent in technical Ukrainian and Russian; English skills a plus
- Preferred: International driving license (category B or above)
- Commitment: 6 to 12 months minimum
Apply now!
Send your CV and cover letter to: info@vitava.si
For questions, contact: +386 68 63 63 80