EOD COE in a Hungarian Training Area

"The NATO EOD COE has also been invited to attend the one-week comprehensive "HUN EOD Drone Practice and Exercise Event" organised by the Hungarian Defense Forces 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Riverine Guard Regiment (HDF 1st EOD and RGR). During the event, MSGT Gabor KOROM represented the EOD COE on a day when the EOD Battalion Commander MAJ Balázs BUKTA presented the matrix-based scenarios that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams had to execute. Police bomb disposal experts also competed, showcasing their professional knowledge and experience, while the Drone specialists supported the execution of tasks with various drones, enhancing the regiment's capability to carry out tasks related to explosive ordnance disposal or improvised explosive device operations.

Organising EOD events always require special attention, and this year's spring HUN EOD Drone Practice and Exercise Event was no exception. The event took place 8-14 May, emphasising not only accurate task execution from task receipt to completion but also showcasing the capabilities of drones during the execution of tasks by the EOD team, whether it be an IED or EO operation. The event was hosted at the Újdörögd training area, where the HDF 1st EOD and RGR provided a unique environment for the event. The NATO EOD COE maintains relations with the bomb disposal teams of supporting countries as the development of the ETACS project is a shared goal, and the project includes drone capability as a tool supporting bomb disposal activities.

The HDF 1st EOD and RGR began developing drone capabilities two years ago when the regiment's commander recognised the potential of drones in bomb disposal work. Since then, bomb disposal experts have actively participated in the development process, as the introduction of an innovative tool can not only make the bomb disposal profession more attractive to young people but also provide opportunities for continuous development and skill enhancement for experienced professionals.

The current drone fleet includes several DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise models, as well as a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise DUAL and a DJI FPV boat reconnaissance drone. The pilots received excellent training in the M-UAS basic course, and by participating in the type training, they gained additional expertise. The HDF 1st EOD and RGR are ready to fully exploit the opportunities offered by drones to make bomb disposal operations even more efficient and safe.

Drones have already been successfully used in various situations, such as area surveys and bomb disposal work before and during execution. Based on their experience, it is clear that drones open up a new dimension in bomb disposal work, allowing for more detailed and rapid situational assessments and area security from the air. Training events can be observed and recorded. The recordings made in this way are of great help during evaluation and can be used to correct mistakes and for future training sessions.

Future plans include using new sensors and software and acquiring larger drones to enable even more complex and sophisticated operations to support bomb disposal experts.

Text: MSGT Gábor KOROM, (HUN-A)
Photo: SSGT Bálint BÓLYI, (HUN-A)