iDeaS by COGES EVENTS invites you to their event

Autonomous demining in high intensity conflicts : from cluster munitions to UXO

About this event

🧭 In modern theatres of war—from Ukraine to Syria—the massive presence of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), abandoned munitions (AXO), and cluster munitions continues to threaten force mobility, troop protection, and stabilization efforts. These threats slow down operations, increase casualty risks, and complicate humanitarian access.

This iDeaS session will examine how military operators, institutional actors, and field-tested companies are adapting their strategies, capabilities, and partnerships to clear contaminated zones under pressure. Through practical case studies and return on experience, the session will explore what is being done to keep up with the evolving nature of explosive threats in both contested and post-conflict environments.

🔍 Key themes include:

  • Strategic and doctrinal implications of mine proliferation
  • Operational integration of autonomous clearance systems
  • Service-focused support to armed forces and humanitarian actors
  • Lessons learned from recent deployments in Ukraine and Syria

Hosted by

  • Guest speaker
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    Luke i UNMAS

    Luke brings over 17 years of experience in military engineering, humanitarian mine action, and civil-military coordination. A former British Army combat engineer, he has served in Germany, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Jordan, Canada, and the UK. Since leaving the military, he has led and supported explosive hazard clearance programs across Africa and the Middle East, including as Country Director for DanChurchAid in Iraq and during deployments with the UN World Food Programme in Lebanon, Ukraine, and TĂŒrkiye. He holds a degree in Peace Studies and a postgraduate degree in Conflict, Security and Development from King’s College London.

  • Guest speaker
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    Léo Peria-Peigne Chercheur au Centre des études de sécurité @ IFRI - Institut Français des Relations Internationales

    LĂ©o is a Research Fellow at Ifri’s Security Studies Center, focusing on mine threats, conventional weapons, and capability foresight in modern conflicts. He contributes to the Observatory of Future Conflicts and is the author of “The Return of Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines in Europe” (April 2024). A graduate of Sciences Po Lille, he previously worked in defense consulting and with the French Special Operations Command.

  • Guest speaker
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    Davor Petek COO @ DOK-ING

    Davor Petek is a seasoned defense and security expert with 30+ years of experience in NATO, national armed forces, and the private sector. Currently COO at DOK-ING Defence & Security, he specializes in capability development, SSR, and C-IED. A proven strategist and advisor, he has led high-impact programs with NATO, EU, and UN partners across complex operational environments.

  • Guest speaker
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    Oliver Reed Head of Capability Management @ Global Cleerance Solutions

    Oliver is Head of Capability Management at Global Clearance Solutions (GCS), where he aligns field operations with product development to enhance safety and efficiency in high-risk demining. A former British Army officer (2002–2014) with deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, he brings over a decade of experience in defense consulting, including training and tech development across the Middle East and Europe. He is a strong advocate for innovation in mine action and operator protection.

  • Team member
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    Hawa-Léa Sougouna Conference Manager | Moderator @ COGES Events

iDeaS by COGES EVENTS

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The programme puts into perspective the major themes of the trade shows organised by COGES EVENTS.