Wearing a full uniform with a pilot headset, Harry flew an AI-powered drone which detects and maps the position of lethal explosives and even operated a robot used to remove explosives from the ground. The HALO Trust is a UK charity which aims to save lives and help communities recover after conflict by making land safe.
Today, Harry paid his respects at Bucha’s memorial to the civilian victims of the Russian occupation that took place between 27 February and 31 March 2022.
According to the charity, the land and buildings around Bucha were left littered with deadly mines and unexploded munitions, including missiles, bombs and grenades.
But now the majority of the land around Bucha has been deemed safe after the charity’s countless efforts to clear it up.
Harry said: “It’s amazing to see technology transform the work of the HALO Trust—making mine clearance smarter, faster and safer.
“When my mother visited Angola nearly thirty years ago, deminers carried out their work on their hands and knees to uncover hidden explosives. Now they’re also using drones, AI and robots for greater precision and protection.
“This isn’t just progress — it’s lifesaving. HALO’s deminers help farmers to plant and harvest the land without fear and despite the war. Their efforts mean that, one day, displaced Ukrainians can return home to safe communities.
“I’m incredibly proud to support this new generation of mine clearance. Ukraine is still at war, but HALO’s work brings safety and hope.”
HALO has been clearing mines in Ukraine for a decade and continues its life-saving work despite the challenges of an ongoing conflict.
Miles Hawthorn, HALO Ukraine Programme Director, said: “The scale of the challenge in Ukraine is immense, and to clear land safely and at speed, mine action must be matched with technological innovation.
“With the right investment in this new technology, we can work smarter, safer and faster than ever before. “