One such canine, a 14-month-old Belgian shepherd named Arina, has recently completed an intensive four-month training programme conducted by the dog squad of the Luxembourg police.
From November 2022 to February 2023, Arina underwent comprehensive training, learning the basic principles of handling explosives in accordance with current EU standards.
The training encompassed essential skills such as following instructions, distinguishing various types of explosives, and demonstrating appropriate behavioural responses.
Upon completion of her training, Arina was introduced to her new handler from the Ukrainian military. A formal graduation ceremony in Poland marked the moment when Arina and other newly trained explosive detection dogs were handed over to their respective handlers.
The EU Mine Detection Dog Project is a joint initiative involving Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Finland, and Belgium.
The project aims to train a total of 50 new explosive detection dogs by 2025, all of whom are intended for deployment in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
Two additional Belgian shepherd dogs are currently undergoing the same rigorous training process, with their deployment expected by the end of October.
The ultimate objective of this project is to utilise these specially trained dogs in the identification and neutralisation of explosives and landmines across various terrains in Ukraine, including fields, vehicles, urban areas, and rural landscapes.
This initiative underscores the critical role of these highly trained canines in ensuring safety and aiding reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected regions.
