Ukraine’s Emergency Service Conducts Major Rescue and Demining Drills

Large-Scale Exercises by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine

According to Главком: The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) carried out extensive tactical-specialized training sessions across multiple locations. During these drills, rescue teams practiced scenarios involving life-saving operations, industrial accident response, and underwater demining. The exercises involved aviation, ground, and diving units.

A key highlight was the newly established Mobile Rapid Response Center for Unmanned Systems within the SESU, which has a staff of 156 personnel. This center is prepared to operate around the clock. Additionally, an Interregional Center for Water Facilities was introduced. A mobile Command Post was set up using a Ford Trucks vehicle, while an Airbus H145D3 helicopter conducted aerial radiation reconnaissance at altitudes between 70 and 100 meters, employing Canadian RSI equipment-including gamma spectrometers and neutron detectors.

Exercise Scenarios

In one scenario, debris from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crash caused a passenger ship to catch fire. A DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone coordinated forces from the air. An EC225LP Super Puma helicopter deployed a rescuer from the special unit Delta, while a Mi-8MT helicopter dropped 3,000 kg of water onto the flames. An An-32P aircraft released 8,000 kg of water from an altitude of 40 meters and parachuted four aviation rescuers.

Following a simulated ship accident, an oil product spill occurred. To address the contamination, the SESU’s chemical protection team deployed 160 meters of boom barriers and used a Lamor Minimax 25 skimmer system. Two Super Puma helicopters landed eight rescuers and an inflatable raft. Victims were transported to shore using jet skis.

The special unit SIGMA located a downed Shahed drone on the riverbed using an echo sounder and an underwater drone. Divers raised the warhead with an underwater pontoon. On the coast, fragments of a depleted uranium R-60MK missile were discovered. Pyrotechnicians parachuted from a Mi-8MT, while the Super Puma crew conducted an emergency aeromedical evacuation of a seriously injured person from a moving boat. The Mi-8MT also demonstrated the transport of damaged aircraft equipment on an external sling.

These drills were part of regularly scheduled tactical-specialized training exercises held in the Cherkasy region. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko emphasized that the SESU practiced scenarios for rescuing people, managing industrial accidents, and conducting underwater demining. The news was published on June 9, 2026, as reported by a correspondent from Glavkom.

The SESU exercises underscore the importance of readiness to respond to emergencies that may arise from modern challenges, such as industrial accidents and threats from unmanned aerial vehicles. - Source: Glavkom correspondent

The integration of cutting-edge technologies-including drones and specialized equipment-reflects Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of rescue operations and protecting its population. Regular training also helps refine the skills of rescue personnel and ensures preparedness for emergencies in diverse conditions.

In addition to the extensive drills conducted by the SESU, advancements in technology are playing a crucial role in emergency response. For instance, the use of robots by rescuers in Poltava showcases how innovative solutions are being deployed to combat fires following Russian strikes. This integration of modern technology enhances operational efficiency and safety during critical rescue missions.