Humanitarian Demining

The Humanitarian Demining Program Element (PE 0603920A) is a U.S. Army research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on developing, demonstrating, and validating cost-effective technologies for humanitarian demining operations outside the continental United States (OCONUS). The primary goal of this program is to reduce the threat posed by landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to both deployed U.S. forces and local civilian populations in affected regions. The program is managed by the Army Futures Command (AFC) and is closely coordinated with the Department of State's Weapons Removal and Abatement Program, the Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) programs of the Combatant Commands (CCMDs), as well as international mine action organizations and foreign militaries.

A key objective of the program is to advance the state-of-the-art in demining technologies through a structured process of operational field evaluations (OFEs) conducted in actual minefields around the world. These OFEs provide unique, real-world data on the performance of new technologies, which is not available to any other DoD organization. The insights gained from these evaluations directly inform future investment decisions and technology development priorities, ensuring that the program remains responsive to evolving threats and operational requirements.

The program places a strong emphasis on collaboration and requirements validation. New technology needs and focus areas are identified and prioritized through annual Requirements Workshops and UXO/IED Working Group Meetings, which bring together stakeholders from the CCMDs, international partners, and host nations. This collaborative approach ensures that technology investments are aligned with both U.S. strategic objectives and the humanitarian needs of partner countries. These efforts support broader U.S. stability operations and security cooperation goals as outlined in Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 3000.05 and related guidance.

Within the program, the primary line item focuses on adapting commercial-off-the-shelf equipment, integrating mature technologies, and leveraging ongoing research within the Army's DEVCOM C5ISR Tactical Countermine mission area. The project aims to improve technologies for mine and UXO detection, technical survey and area reduction, mechanical clearance, vegetation removal, and mine neutralization. Planned efforts for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include the development and maturation of advanced sensors, robotic and GPS control systems, and automated data analysis tools to enhance the detection and clearance of mines and UXO at greater depths and in more challenging environments.

Operationally, the program supports the deployment and evaluation of new technologies in critical regions such as Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific, in direct response to CCMD HMA requirements. The program also provides mine and UXO detector training to CCMD personnel at the Humanitarian Demining Training Center (HDTC), supporting military-to-military engagement and capacity building with partner nations. These activities contribute to the DoD's broader strategic objectives of reducing instability, minimizing the need for large-scale U.S. force deployments, and fostering positive relationships with host nation governments.

The Humanitarian Demining program is also responsive to Congressional interest, as evidenced by Congressional Adds in FY 2024 and FY 2025, which provided additional funding to accelerate technology development and fielding. The program's accomplishments and planned activities are closely tracked and adjusted based on operational feedback, emerging threats, and evolving technology gaps identified in partnership with international and host nation stakeholders.