The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the neutralization and removal of IEDs and UXO

Abstract

U posljednjim desetljećima sukobi su u potpunosti evolvirali iz klasičnog načina ratovanja odnosno konvencionalnog u takozvane asimetrične sukobe. Samom pojavom asimetričnih sukoba u kojem svu borbenu moć jedne od strana čine manje skupine terorista u potpunosti je promijenila doktrine modernih i profesionalno ustrojenih vojski. Jedna od tehnika kojima se koriste terorističke organizacije su IED (eng. improvised explosive devices). Kao odgovor na ovu vrstu prijetnje ustrojeni su EOD (eng. explosive ordnance disposal) timovi. Ratove u 21. stoljeću uz terorizam obilježava i uporaba raznih besposadnih sustava, a u najvećoj mjeri zračnih besposadnih sustava to jest bespilotnih letjelica. Njihova jednostavnost uporabe, modularnost i cijena izrade dovela je do masivne uporabe diljem svijeta. Svoju primjenu također pronalaze i u uklanjanju IED. Cilj ovog rada je uz prikaz sadašnjih mogućnosti uklanjanja IED-a i UXO-a (eng. unexploded ordinance) razmotriti ulogu i mogućnosti bespilotnih letjelica u sigurnom otkrivanju, neutralizaciji i uklanjanju IED-a i UXO-a, te kasnije i mogućnost implementacije u OS RH.In recent decades, conflicts have completely evolved from the classic or conventional way of warfare to the so-called asymmetric conflicts. The very emergence of asymmetric conflicts in which all the fighting power of one of the parties is made up of small groups of terrorists has completely changed the doctrines of modern and professionally organized armies. One of the techniques used by terrorist organizations is IED (Improvised Explosive Devices). In response to this type of threat, EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) teams were established. Wars in the 21st century are characterized by the use of various unmanned systems, and to a large extent, unmanned aerial systems, i.e. drones. Their ease of use, modularity and cost of production have led to their massive use around the world. They also find their application in the removal of IEDs. The aim of this work is to present the current possibilities of removing IEDs and UXOs (unexploded ordinance) and to consider the role and possibilities of unmanned aerial vehicles in the safe detection, neutralization and removal of IEDs and UXOs, and later the possibility of implementation in the Croatian Armed Forces