Unmanned breaching systems for the Ministry of Defence

The contract concerns the supply of seven (7) unmanned breaching systems (OBDS), consisting of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with tracks, serving as a host platform, and an associated toolset for breaching minefields, and a control module for remotely operating the complete system by means of a remote control. The host platform can be fitted with various toolsets to carry out a range of operational tasks, whereby the focus of the present contract is on breaching explosive obstacles in the form of minefields in combination with wire obstacles. Because of this contract, strict requirements are imposed on the host platform in terms of mobility characteristics and terrain capability (e.g. pivot turn and trench-gap crossing), so that the system performs optimally in the intended operational environment. Part of the contract also concerns the supply of the equipment sets, ILS package, maintenance and spare parts, documentation, industrial tent, education and training. In addition, an option for additional OBDS, including associated equipment sets etc., will be included. The background to this acquisition is the wish of the Ministry of Defence to increase the available minefield and obstacle breaching capability, in order to thereby enlarge the freedom of movement of units on the battlefield. In addition, the OBDS, as a supplement to the minefield and obstacle breaching capability already existing within the Ministry of Defence, realises diversity within the minefield and obstacle breaching capability, whereby more possibilities arise in terms of available means and manner of deployment. Minefield and obstacle breaching capability, and specifically the unmanned variant, contributes to the opera