By cutting through minefields, the device clears explosives and
pushes them aside, opening a safe path for troops to move faster
and more securely towards critical enemy positions or key
objectives, outpacing current methods in speed and
safety.
The device, called WEEVIL, was developed collaboratively by the
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Pearson
Engineering Ltd – a British company based in the north-east -
using the latest tech. WEEVIL can clear minefields quicker and
safer than present capabilities, reducing risk to soldiers on the
front line. Current mine-clearing methods include the TROJAN
Armoured Vehicle, which requires a three-person crew to operate
directly within hazardous areas.
The system prototype currently uses the Warrior Infantry Fighting
Vehicle, fitted with a full-width mine plough, advanced
remote-control system, and vehicle-mounted cameras. This allows
it to be operated by a single person from several miles away from
danger and is expected to be able to adapt to work with any
suitable vehicle platform
The ground-breaking trials are set to continue with the British
Army, who will push the robotic system to its limits, providing
vital insight to inform future mine-clearing capabilities. The
prevalence of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines in modern
warfare to slow troop movements has been highlighted in by the
conflict in Ukraine.
In the Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced an additional
£2.2 billion for defence in 2025/26. This comes on top of the
announcement of the largest sustained increase in defence
spending since the Cold War, as the government will hit 2.5% of
GDP spend by April 2027 and has a commitment to hit 3% in the
next Parliament.
Minister for the Armed Forces, said:
It won't be a moment too soon when we no longer have to send our
people directly into harm's way to clear minefields.
This kit could tackle the deadly threat of mines in the most
challenging environments, while being remotely operated by our
soldiers several miles away.
It demonstrates British innovation, by British organisations, to
protect British troops.
Delivering on the Plan for Change by driving defence as an engine
for economic growth, the government is also significantly
increasing the proportion of MOD's equipment procurement spend on
novel technologies like dual-use tech, uncrewed and autonomous
systems and AI-enabled capabilities, spending at least 10% from
2025-26.
Dstl Military Advisor Major Andrew Maggs, who pioneered
WEEVIL, said:
WEEVIL is the perfect combination of tried and tested technology
and modern advancements.
By enhancing existing vehicles with new capabilities, we're able
to maximise their potential and give our troops a much-needed
advantage, particularly in missions where time and safety are
critical.
Dstl and Pearson Engineering have successfully tested this
prototype in Newcastle on a surrogate minefield. The concept is
now being passed for further development to the British Army who
are seeking to optimise and modernise in-service capabilities as
well as develop new solutions for future challenges.
Chief Executive Officer at Pearson Engineering Ian Bell
said:
We are proud to contribute to such game-changing capability. It
brings together decades of development by Pearson Engineering,
delivering the very best of minefield breaching technology proven
around the world, and contemporary developments in
teleoperation.
Work with UK MOD is an incredibly important part of our business,
ensuring our troops get the latest in combat engineering
capability and that we can effectively defend our nation and
allies.
