Developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Pearson Engineering Ltd, the WEEVIL robotic plow can clear minefields much faster and more safely than current capabilities in the British military.
The British military has developed a drone mine-clearing plow in order to clear enemy minefields—a device for which there will be a clear need in the future of warfare.
Creatively called the WEEVIL, the new robotic system aims to provide British mechanized formations with quick and effective mine-clearing capabilities.
Britain’s WEEVIL Drone Is a Robotic Plow
Understanding that mechanized warfare is very much still part of modern combat, the British Army has been working on a robotic mine-clearing device that will clear minefields and open the way for an attached manned vehicle—as well as other vehicles to follow.
The WEEVIL plow is attached to the front of an armored vehicle and comes with an advanced remote-control system and vehicle-mounted cameras. These sensors allow a human to operate the WEEVIL remotely, increasing the survival rate of the attached vehicle’s crew.
The robotic mine-clearing plow is still in the prototype phase, but has shown sufficient promise so far to earn a contract and scale up production.
“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,” British Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said in a press release.
Developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Pearson Engineering Ltd, the WEEVIL robotic plow can clear minefields much faster and more safely than current capabilities in the British military.
“This kit could tackle the deadly threat of mines in the most challenging environments, while being remotely operated by our soldiers several miles away,” Pollard added. “It demonstrates British innovation, by British organisations, to protect British troops.”
So far, the WEEVIL’s tests have integrated it with the FV510 Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), but the drone is designed to attach to any combat vehicle in the British arsenal.
“WEEVIL is the perfect combination of tried and tested technology and modern advancements,” Army Major Andrew Maggs, the military advisor at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and also the pioneer behind the WEEVIL, stated. “By enhancing existing vehicles with new capabilities, we’re able to maximize their potential and give our troops a much-needed advantage, particularly in missions where time and safety are critical.”
Mines Are Still Relevant in Modern Combat
Although they are centuries old and extremely primitive compared to newer battlefield innovations like drones, landmines are still very much a part of modern warfare. The ongoing war in Ukraine is a perfect example of the use of mines today. Both Russia and Ukraine have relied extensively on anti-tank and anti-personnel mines for defensive and area denial purposes.
During the summer of 2023, the Ukrainian military launched a large-scale counteroffensive in the southern part of the front. Kyiv had been preparing its push for months, and many Ukrainian formations were outfitted with the latest security aid from the United States and the West, including Challenger 2 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks. But the Ukrainian offensive ultimately failed—in large part because Russia had spent the spring lull in fighting building up the most comprehensive defensive works seen in Europe since the end of World War Two. The Russian Army planted millions of mines, freezing the Ukrainian assault and ultimately causing the counteroffensive to fizzle out. Since then, Russia has largely held the strategic initiative—in large part through its extensive use of landmines at an opportune moment.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock / Dmytro Falkowskyi.
