Press release, B-roll and images available here.
Near the town of Bucha, where the legacy of conflict still lingers beneath the soil, a different kind of operation is underway. One that blends human courage with cutting-edge technology to save lives.
On Friday 24 April, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, joined HALO Ukrainian deminers on the ground to see firsthand how innovation is reshaping one of the world’s most dangerous jobs.
From hands and knees to AI and drones
Prince Harry piloted an AI-powered drone that can map lethal explosives in real time using drone imagery combined with AI models trained to identify and classify war debris.
In Ukraine, where vast volumes of high-resolution drone imagery are collected, these AI models can analyse terrain in hours rather than the days-long manual assessments once required. This acceleration has transformed operations. It allows teams to rapidly identify high-risk areas, prioritise clearance and reduce the time communities spend living alongside hidden threats, so families can return home, farmers can safely grow crops and children can play without fear.
He later went on to watch a demonstration of R-BOT technology, a form of unmanned ground vehicle used to remotely remove explosives. The technology has enabled HALO teams to inspect explosive ordnance remotely, assess threats before approaching and interact with hazardous objects from a safe distance. This reduces human exposure at the most dangerous moments while maintaining the same rigorous operational standards.
Speaking on the evolution of technology used by HALO: “Nearly thirty years ago, when my mother visited Angola, deminers carried out their work on their hands and knees, painstakingly uncovering hidden explosives. Today, thanks to innovation, they are using drones, AI and robots to do this vital work with greater precision and protection.”
The scale of the challenge and why it matters
In 2022, the Ukrainian government estimated that 174,000 sq km of land (an area twice the size of Austria) was potentially littered with landmines and other explosives. Since then, HALO’s teams have used advanced surveying and drone technology to deliver real progress:
- Over 29,000 sq km of land, roughly the size of Belgium, has been confirmed safe to use, allowing families to return to their homes and farmers to reclaim and farm their fields.
- Over 60,000 explosive items have been found and destroyed, removing some of the deadly threats that Ukrainians face every day.
In Ukraine, clearance is happening alongside an active conflict. New threats are constantly emerging, and HALO is adapting in real time by using advanced technologies to clear land with greater efficiency and precision.
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Remembering the victims of Bucha
The Duke paid his respects at Bucha’s memorial to civilian victims of the Russian occupation of Bucha which took place between 27 February and 31 March 2022. The atrocities committed in the town triggered international condemnation at the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago.
The surrounding land and buildings were left impacted by deadly mines and unexploded munitions including missiles, bombs and grenades; a legacy of the fierce fighting as Ukrainian troops repelled the Russian forces.
Be part of a new era of mine clearance
The scale of the challenge in Ukraine is immense but a new era of innovation in mine clearance is already transforming our approach. With continued investment in these technologies, we can work smarter, faster and safer, ensuring land is returned to communities sooner.
Support our technology initiative and be part of a legacy that helps rebuild communities long after conflict ends.
“I’m incredibly proud to support this new generation of mine clearance. Because at its heart, this work is about restoring not just land but dignity, safety, and hope.”
