The Cambodian Mine Action Center staged its first test Monday of a state-of-the-art mine-clearing vehicle officials said could revolutionize the nation’s demining efforts.
Two “Flails”—17-ton armored mine-clearance vehicles—were donated by Finland as part of a two-year, $1.6 million demining project in Kampot province, according to CMAC.
On flat terrain, the vehicle can clear up to 15,000 square meters in a five-hour workday. By hand, it would take 15 demining platoons eight hours to accomplish the same amount of work.
“If it works as well as tests conducted by its manufacturers indicate it can…we will be able to demine more efficiently and more quickly,” CMAC National Director Sam Sotha said.