HC Deb 26 November 2001 vol 375 cc663-4W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on new technology to detect and remove land mines; and if he will make a statement. [15133]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 20 November 2001]: The Ministry of Defence's on-going generic mine detection research programme is currently assessing the following technologies:

  • Ground penetrating radar
  • Metal detection
  • Polarised thermal imaging
  • Ultra wide-band radar
  • Quadrupole resonance.

This research has resulted in the demonstration last year of an integrated three-sensor portable mine detector and a four-sensor vehicle mounted mine detection system.

Research is also under way on a Portable Humanitarian Mine Detector. A pre-production demonstrator system will be completed by July 2002 for assessment by humanitarian de-mining organisations.

The Ministry of Defence and QuinetiQ have also developed a pyrotechnic torch for destroying antipersonnel and anti-tank mines with minimal collateral damage and improved safety of deployment. Current procurement action for this system is aimed at delivering 2000 units into military service by early 2002.

The Defence Procurement Agency placed contracts in October with Ultra Electronics Ltd. of High Wycombe, Bucks and Hunting Engineering Ltd. (now Insys Ltd.) of Ampthill, Bedfordshire for the Competitive Assessment Phase of the Mine Detection, Neutralisation and Route Marking System (MINDER) Programme, with an initial capability to enter service by 2005.

Progress has also been made to improve the effectiveness of minefield breaching operations, and techniques have been developed to improve ploughing efficiency and survivability. Investigations into individual mine neutralisation are also taking place.

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