Mykola Zentsev, Head of Andromeda Demining Systems, on Why Japan Is Becoming Not Only a Donor but Also a Technological Partner of Ukraine in Demining
At the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC), held on October 22–23, 2025, in Tokyo, international organizations, private companies, and government representatives discussed the prospects for demining in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian company Andromeda Demining Systems (specializing in humanitarian demining and robotic systems), together with its partner Rising Sun Security Service (a Japanese security company), presented an integrated humanitarian demining system at the conference.
About how the role of Japanese partners is changing, which technologies will shape the future of the sector, and why private operators are becoming key players, speaks Mykola Zentsev, founder of Andromeda Group and retired Major General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
— Why did this conference in Tokyo become so important for the Ukrainian demining industry?
— At UMAC 2025, Japan publicly stated: we are moving from financial assistance to systematic technological cooperation. Previously, Japanese support was limited to grants through JICA or UNDP. Now we are talking about joint R&D projects, localization of component manufacturing in Ukraine, training programs for our deminers, and the creation of technological alliances between private companies of both countries.
For us as a private operator, this is critically important. Humanitarian demining is not only about equipment or methodologies; it is a holistic system—from political support to field operations. And UMAC showed that this system is finally taking shape.
— You mentioned technological alliances. Which specific areas attracted the most interest?
— First of all, artificial intelligence for data analysis. We saw several projects where AI helps to identify explosive hazards faster based on multispectral imagery or GPR scanning. This significantly reduces data processing time and lowers risks for deminers.
Second, a new generation of sensors. Japanese companies such as ALISys, Toyota Tsusho, and ProdRone presented magnetometers and ground-penetrating radar systems that can be integrated with heavy-lift drones. Imagine: a drone carries up to 30 kilograms of equipment, scans the area, and transmits data in real time to the unified IMSMA NextGen system. This is a game changer.
Third, robotic platforms and remotely operated mechanical machines. We already have experience working with such systems, but Japanese developments add new capabilities in terms of autonomy and precision.
— Andromeda presented a joint stand with Rising Sun Security Service at the conference. What exactly did you showcase?
— We demonstrated our integrated humanitarian demining system, which operates simultaneously on several levels: mechanical machines, manual demining teams, robotic platforms, and aerial systems. All of them are united by a single IT framework that collects data, analyzes it, and ensures quality control at every stage.
The key point is that our system is compliant with IMAS standards and Ukraine’s NMAS. This means we are ready for international certification and participation in UNDP, JICA, and GICHD programs. We position ourselves not just as an equipment company, but as a technical integrator capable of coordinating complex multi-level operations.
At the stand, we also presented real cases from de-occupied territories—how our teams worked, what challenges they faced, and how problems were solved under conditions of limited infrastructure.
— Which international partners were you able to establish dialogue with?
— First of all, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization – Ed.). We exchanged conceptual materials and discussed opportunities for joint pilot projects with company representatives.
Also JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency – Ed.)—their training department is preparing certification programs for private operators for 2026–2028. We coordinated our potential participation in these programs.
UNDP Japan is interested in verifying our SOP procedures and testing KPIs in pilot projects. GICHD (Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining – Ed.) is helping us prepare for full IMAS compliance.
And, of course, technology companies—ALISys, Toyota Tsusho, ProdRone, Cognitive Research Labs within a UNIDO project. We are discussing partnerships in sensors, carriers, and data analytics.
— Why is it so important that private operators like Andromeda are part of international programs?
— Because it is private operators who actually do the work in the field. International organizations set standards, finance projects, and control quality. But someone must physically clear territories, operate equipment, analyze data, and ensure team safety.
Previously, the private sector often remained outside the attention of donors—they worked directly with government bodies or large NGOs. But in Ukraine, the scale of contamination is so vast that it is impossible to manage without private companies. And UMAC 2025 officially recognized this.
We see a paradigm shift: private operators are no longer just contractors—they are becoming full-fledged participants in the international humanitarian demining system.
— What specific results are expected from cooperation with Japan in the coming years?
— First, the opening of a training center in Kyiv with the support of JICA and UNDP. This will allow deminers to be trained according to international standards without being sent abroad.
Second, pilot projects using Japanese sensors and robotic systems in Ukrainian territories. We are already discussing specific locations for testing.
Third, localization of the production of certain components in Ukraine. This is strategically important—we cannot rely solely on imports, especially in wartime conditions.
And finally, the inclusion of Andromeda and other Ukrainian operators in international donor programs as field implementers. This opens access to funding, technologies, and international experience.
— Which technologies impressed you the most at the conference?
— I was impressed by the Compressed Air Demining system from the Japanese company IOS. They use compressed air to neutralize mines—it sounds simple, but the technology is very effective and safe. They already have field experience in Cambodia and Ukraine.
Also VR simulators from Safer Access—they allow deminers to train in realistic conditions without any risk. Even experienced specialists can practice new scenarios.
And, of course, long GPR antennas from Isanagi—they provide significantly better scanning depth, which is critical for detecting large aerial bombs.
— You mentioned the unified data system IMSMA NextGen. Why is this so important?
— Imagine dozens of organizations working in the same area, using different methodologies and collecting data in different formats. How do we then understand what has already been cleared, where risks remain, and how effective operations are?
IMSMA NextGen is the international standard for sharing demining data. If all operators enter information into this system, we will have a complete real-time picture of the situation. This is not only a matter of efficiency—it is a matter of life and death for people returning to liberated territories.
Our system has already been developed with IMSMA compatibility in mind. We are ready for integration as soon as the system is fully operational in Ukraine.
— What role does Rising Sun Security Service play in your cooperation with Japan?
— Rising Sun provides security, logistics, and government relations support in Japan. Humanitarian demining is not only technical work—it is also personnel safety, complex equipment logistics, and interaction with local communities, authorities, and international organizations.
Rising Sun has experience working in complex environments and understands the specifics of the Japanese business environment and diplomatic procedures. Our partnership allows Andromeda to focus on technology and field operations, while Rising Sun creates the necessary context for successful cooperation.
— Which other Ukrainian companies impressed you at the conference?
— I would highlight the PostUp Foundation—they use drones with AI analysis to map minefields. This is a very fast way to obtain a preliminary situational assessment.
RoverTech presented the robotic platform “Zmiy” (Snake)—an interesting solution for remote reconnaissance.
XTI Engineering showcased the GART 5100 mechanical machine—a powerful system for mechanical clearance of large areas.
All these companies operate at a global level, and it is very important that Japanese partners see and appreciate this.
— What’s next? What are Andromeda’s next steps after UMAC 2025?
— In the near future, we are finalizing documentation for IMAS certification with the support of GICHD. This will give us access to international tenders and programs.
At the same time, we are preparing pilot projects with Japanese partners—we have already agreed on several locations for testing new sensor systems.
We are also working on expanding our IT framework—integrating with IMSMA NextGen, automating data collection, and improving analytical capabilities.
And, of course, we are preparing to participate in JICA training programs—we want our deminers to have access to the best global practices.
— How do you assess the prospects for humanitarian demining in Ukraine?
— This is a huge challenge, but I am optimistic. Approximately 174,000 square kilometers in Ukraine are contaminated with mines—one of the largest such problems in the world. But that is precisely why the international community is so actively involved.
UMAC 2025 showed: there is political will, there are technologies, there is funding, and there is readiness for cooperation. Now it is important to transform this into concrete results on the ground.