17 Jun 2025 DOK-ING and EFI Demonstrated Robotic UXO Fire Management Strategy in Ukraine
ROBOTIC FIREFIGHTING IN MINED AREAS: DOK-ING AND EFI SHOWCASED GAME-CHANGING TECH IN UKRAINE
On June 10, as the strategic partner of the Security 2.0 exhibition, DOK-ING, in collaboration with the European Forest Institute (EFI), presented a groundbreaking robotic strategy for wildfire management in UXO-contaminated areas. The initiative included a joint expert presentation and two live demonstrations, showcasing the effectiveness and safety of this solution for the most dangerous post-conflict environments.
In traditional wildfire scenarios involving landmines or unexploded ordnance (UXO), first responders have only one protocol: do nothing and stay away. Ukraine, now the most landmine-contaminated country in the world, needs a new doctrine. The joint EFI–DOK-ING strategy transforms inaction into proactive wildfire prevention, safe landscape preparation, and effective suppression, all with zero risk to human life.
The core of the strategy is a modular and remote-controlled toolbox:
- MV-4: A light, highly manoeuvrable demining machine used for mechanised vegetation clearance and preparation of fire control lines.
- MVF-5: The world’s only heavy-duty robotic firefighting system, capable of foam/water suppression, obstacle removal, and critical infrastructure protection.
These systems enable year-round wildfire readiness, combining off-season training, proactive preparation, and in-season suppression, even in mine-contaminated areas.
Demonstration 1: Fire Management in UXO-Contaminated Landscapes
Attendees observed the full strategy in action:
- MV-4 cleared parallel fire control lines, simulating safe preparation during the off-season.
- EFI’s Alexander Held followed with a controlled ignition using a driptorch.
- MVF-5 secured the area with low-pressure dispersed water flow, helping contain the fire exactly where it was intended.
This demonstration highlighted the precision, coordination, and risk-free deployment of the robotic system in a UXO-contaminated context, replacing dangerous manual labour with automation.
Demonstration 2: Critical Infrastructure Protection with MVF-5
In the second live scenario, MVF-5 operated independently in a simulated disaster response:
- Pushed aside heavy logs with its armoured dozer blade
- Extinguished fires using onboard 3,000-litre water and foam tanks
- Lifted and moved a burning car using its rotational gripper
- Flattened rubble and removed a potentially hazardous barrel
- Activated ten sprinkler nozzles for self-cooling near heat sources
With 11 km/h max speed, remote HD-camera control, and the ability to draw water from any source (hydrants, rivers, tanks), MVF-5 offers SESU and other first responders a unique mix of mobility, thermal resilience, armoured protection, and operational independence.
Local Support for Mine Action Systems
While MVF-5 is a stand-alone solution for emergency response, DOK-ING’s broader operations in Ukraine, especially in humanitarian demining, are supported by its Ukrainian tech partner A3Tech. A3Tech ensures local assembly, service, and spare parts for MV-4 systems deployed across Ukraine, including by SESU and SSTS.
Strong Institutional Backing
The presentation and demonstrations attracted key stakeholders, including representatives from:
- The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU)
- The State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine
- Forests of Ukraine (ДП “Ліси України”)
All expressed strong interest in the EFI–DOK-ING wildfire management strategy, acknowledging its potential to revolutionise Ukraine’s response to fire threats in mined and ERW-contaminated areas. This wasn’t just a demo. It was a clear answer to one of Ukraine’s most urgent safety and climate challenges, combining European expertise, field-proven technology, and localised support. DOK-ING and EFI are proud to present a new doctrine for fire management in explosive-contaminated territories, one rooted in robotics, readiness, and results.
DON’T SEND A MAN TO DO A MACHINE’S JOB!
DOK-ING is a global leader in heavy-duty robotic systems, specialising in military engineering, CBRNe, counterterrorism, emergency response, and underground mining. Headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, DOK-ING operates across more than 40 countries, delivering innovative, autonomous solutions to enhance operational safety and efficiency. By integrating cutting-edge technology with real-world applications, DOK-ING remains at the forefront of industry advancements, safeguarding lives and critical infrastructure worldwide.