Initial delivery begins with a total of approximately 1,600 units to be sequentially powered up
Ground-penetrating radar? Detecting even non-metallic mines through a combined sensor of metal detector and radar
Image of the 'New Mine Detector' developed, mass-produced, and powered by Hanwha Systems. [Photo by Hanwha Systems]
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Ye-ju] The full-scale deployment of the 'new type mine detector' capable of detecting wooden box mines has begun.
Hanwha Systems announced on the 30th that it has successfully carried out the mass production of the 'new type mine detector,' contracted with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration in October last year, and has started deliveries. The newly delivered mine detectors have been supplied to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and a total of about 1,600 units are expected to be sequentially deployed in the future.
According to the international NGO 'International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL),' the domestic Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is estimated to have about 2 million landmines buried, making it one of the highest mine densities in the world. In particular, ankle mines, made of plastic and weighing less than 100g, are highly likely to be washed away during heavy rains, and the highly destructive wooden box mines tend to float and be easily lost during floods, posing a threat to public safety.
The new mine detector uses a composite sensor combining Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Metal Detector (MD), enabling detection of non-metallic mines such as wooden box and ankle mines that conventional mine detectors could not find. It also allows underwater detection and video confirmation of detected mines, significantly improving detection rates and reducing false alarm rates, thereby dramatically enhancing detection performance.
It offers three operational modes?MD single detection, GPR single detection, and composite detection?that can be appropriately used as needed, increasing versatility. Ergonomically designed to reduce operator fatigue, it allows for long hours of detection. It is expected that future military mine clearance operations will be faster and more efficient.
Park Hyuk, head of Hanwha Systems' Surveillance and Reconnaissance Business Division, said, "Through this deployment, our military will be able to safely conduct operations free from the dangers of mines, and furthermore, contribute to preventing mine accidents. Especially, the core technology of the new mine detector, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), has superior performance and excellent price competitiveness compared to advanced foreign countries, and we will actively pioneer export markets."
He added, "Hanwha Systems will also actively participate in humanitarian activities for mine clearance targeting countries suffering from the pain caused by mines."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
