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Damasec brings security, defence and preparedness together at SKYDD 2026

Posted on Author Damasec

The 20-22 October, Damasec will participate in SKYDD 2026 in Stockholm, where the security industry comes together alongside the new National Defence Expo, focusing on total defence, national preparedness and civil-military cooperation.

For Damasec, this is a natural meeting place. Sweden is one of Damasec’s largest markets, and over the years we have built a strong presence through projects and deliveries within areas including ammunition clearance, physical security and the protection of critical infrastructure.

At SKYDD, we will bring together a broad range of our expertise at one larger joint stand. Our location between the security exhibition and the defence exhibition reflects Damasec’s areas of operation, which span security, physical protection, ammunition clearance, defence and operational preparedness.

From physical security and defence solutions to ammunition clearance

At the stand, visitors will have the opportunity to meet our team and our partners and explore solutions within physical security, HVM and perimeter protection, UAS and drone technology, as well as blast and ballistic protection.

We will present advanced drone solutions from Ukraine, as well as HVM solutions from ATG Access, Consel Group and SafetyFlex. In addition, we will showcase protection solutions from GG Defence within areas including drone, blast and ballistic protection, as well as protection against forced entry, together with hangar and building solutions from Future Round Halls.

Ammunition clearance and EOD are also a central part of Damasec’s operational capabilities. We work with the detection, identification and handling of ammunition and other explosive remnants in connection with construction and civil engineering projects, infrastructure and areas with historical military activity.

Sweden is already an important market for this part of our business, where Damasec carries out ammunition clearance operations and works closely with Swedish customers and partners.

An integrated perspective on security and defence

The threat landscape facing society, critical infrastructure and strategic installations is becoming increasingly complex. At the same time, the boundaries between traditional physical security, preparedness and defence are becoming less distinct.

This is precisely where Damasec operates.

Our different specialist areas enable us to approach security from multiple perspectives. This ranges from the survey and clearance of areas where ammunition and explosive objects may be present to physical perimeter protection, the protection of buildings and critical infrastructure, and advanced systems and solutions for defence and high-risk environments.

For us, SKYDD is therefore not only about showcasing products. It is also an opportunity to meet the Swedish customers, partners, authorities and other stakeholders we already work with, while building new relationships in a market of significant importance to Damasec.

Meet Damasec at SKYDD 2026

We look forward to three days in Stockholm, bringing together our Swedish and international activities within security, defence and ammunition clearance at one stand.

20-22 October 2026 / Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm / Stand A32:21

Visit our stand and meet the Damasec team and our partners.

Mine Action: Living and Working in Kyiv, Ukraine

Posted on Tags , Author Damasec

Living and Working in Ukraine – A Firsthand Perspective

At Damasec, we’re often approached by partners and professional contacts curious about what daily life is really like in Ukraine – whether living, working, or simply visiting. To provide an authentic view, we asked Andy Gleeson, one of our team members based in Kyiv, to share his personal experiences of life on the ground.

 

Damasec in Ukraine: A Commitment in Action

In the summer of 2022, Damasec Mine Action Systems took a major step forward by establishing Damasec Ukraine. This expansion was more than strategic growth—it was a clear reflection of our commitment to supporting Ukraine during a critical moment in its history. The new branch was set up to intensify our humanitarian mine action efforts and contribute to greater safety and stability across the region.

 

Life in Kyiv: More Than Meets the Eye

When people abroad picture Ukraine, particularly considering the ongoing war with Russia, the image is often one of constant chaos and danger. Media coverage tends to emphasize conflict zones and dramatic headlines, painting a picture of a country under siege. While it’s true that Kyiv endured intense attacks in 2022 and nearby areas like Bucha were severely affected, the reality of life in Kyiv today tells a more complex—and surprising—story.

Since the early stages of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv has remained largely free of ground combat. That said, the city still faces regular threats from drone and missile strikes. Despite this, daily life carries on with impressive normalcy. Shops are open and fully stocked, public transport operates reliably, and the city’s cafés, restaurants, and bars are as busy as ever. There’s a rhythm to life that feels both resilient and remarkably familiar.

For me, day-to-day life in Kyiv feels like living in any other European capital. I live in a flat near the city center, do my weekly grocery runs, attend meetings throughout the week, and enjoy social outings on the weekends. The city’s diverse and lively atmosphere is bolstered by people from around the world who now call Kyiv home.

 

Resilience in Action

What continues to impress me most is the resilience of the people here. Despite the ongoing conflict, Kyiv remains fully functional. The community has adapted to this new normal, where occasional air raids or night-time explosions have become part of the backdrop. Yet, these disruptions rarely dampen the city’s spirit.

Kyiv’s social life is thriving. There are regular events, cultural happenings, and a strong sense of connection between locals and foreigners. Personally, I’m most engaged with the Mine Action community, which provides a meaningful network of people who understand the unique challenges we face. We support one another, share stories and advice, and often decompress over a drink—something that’s as much about solidarity as it is about socializing.

 

A Changing Landscape for Mine Action

The field of Mine Action in Ukraine has evolved significantly in recent years. When I first arrived, the accreditation process for demining operators was managed by a different government body. Today, that responsibility lies with the Ministry of Economy through the National Mine Action Centre (UANMAC).

UANMAC now plays a key role in overseeing standards, coordinating between actors, and ensuring operational compliance. As of now, 82 companies have been accredited, with another 50 awaiting approval. Yet the scale of the challenge is staggering: roughly 30% of Ukraine’s land—equivalent to 139,000 square kilometers—is contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Much of this land is agricultural, making the need for clearance both urgent and essential for the country’s recovery.

 

Looking Forward

Clearing Ukraine’s land of mines and UXO is a long-term effort that will take years to complete. But the collective commitment among organizations, supported by advanced technology, skilled professionals, and trained dogs, gives hope for real progress.

Living and working in Kyiv during such times is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength and adaptability of the Ukrainian people—and of the global support working alongside them. Despite the uncertainty, life goes on. The city continues to grow, connect, and inspire

Andy Gleeson

Damasec Discovers Nearly 200 Hand Grenades in Jönköping

Ammunition clearance in Sweden – seen over more than a decade

Posted on Tags , , Author Damasec

Since 2013, Damasec Mine Action Systems has been a leading player in ammunition clearance in Sweden, having completed more than 40 projects, both large and small. With a strong presence and a long series of successful projects, we have contributed to creating safe environments, promoting the development of new business areas, and removing unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other explosives from land and forest areas. Our work in Sweden is characterized by high quality, efficiency, and a deep understanding of international regulations in the field (IMAS). We have worked for both the Fortifikationsverket and a wide range of Swedish municipalities. Here is a selection of the larger projects Damasec Mine Action Systems has completed.

Falun training and shooting range (2013-14)

During the period 2013-14, we carried out extensive clearance of the Falun training and shooting range, which was previously a shooting and training area. The area was sold to the municipality for city expansion and the construction of a new business area. A major challenge was that half of the area had been used as a dumping ground for slag from the Falu Mine, making normal search and clearance difficult. We therefore decided to clear the affected areas mechanically using armored excavators and sorting plants. The result was the clearance of 27 hectares, where we found 295 UXO and 2000-3000 significant ammunition parts.

Näsby training and shooting range, Kristianstad (2014, 2015, 2016, 2019)

During the period 2014-2019, we carried out several clearance projects at the Näsby training and shooting range in connection with the construction of a new raw water pipeline and city expansion. The southern part of the area was declared a Natura2000 area, which imposed restrictions on excavation. We cleared about 6-8 hectares and found 10-15 UXO and over 70 significant ammunition parts.

Frösö shooting range, Bynäset Östersund (2016 & 2017)

In 2016 and 2017, we carried out a risk-reducing surface search of the Frösö shooting range, which was previously a shooting area for both aircraft and artillery. The island is a popular hiking area, and there was a desire to create a safe walking path around the entire island. We cleared about 28 hectares and found 588 UXO and 500-600 significant ammunition parts.

Slätten/Klockarängens shooting range, Örebro (2020)

In 2020, we cleared part of the former shooting range Slätten/Klockarängens shooting range due to the Fortifikationsverket’s desire to build a new depot area. The area was divided and fenced into smaller areas, which resulted in significant contamination of deeply buried barbed wire, which gives the same metallic signal on our equipment as a UXO. There were also archaeologically protected areas that limited the possibility of excavating for UXO. We cleared 260,334 m² and found 186 UXO and 4000-6000 significant ammunition parts.

Bulid training and shooting range, Uddevalla (2020)

In 2020, we carried out a risk-reducing surface clearance and technical investigation of the Bulid training and shooting range in connection with the decommissioning of part of the shooting area. The area was forested and only accessible via limited hiking trails. We cleared 311,287 m² and found 40 UXO and 2000-3000 significant ammunition parts.

Rosersberg training and shooting range, Rosersberg (2020)

In 2020, we carried out extensive search and clearance of the Rosersberg training and shooting range in connection with the construction of a pipeline through the decommissioned shooting area. We cleared 65,494 m² in three layers of 80 cm and found 18 UXO and 200-300 significant ammunition parts.

Kungsbäcks training and shooting range, Gävle (2023)

In 2023, we carried out a risk-reducing surface search of the Kungsbäcks training and shooting range, which was previously a training and shooting area. The municipality wanted to start subdividing and building a new business area, but there were concerns about the risks associated with wildfires and the danger of explosions from surface-near UXO. We carried out a surface-near clearance in a buffer area to ensure that fire personnel could fight a wildfire without the risk of explosions. The result was a risk reduction of 345,104 m², where we found 581 UXO and 8000-11000 significant ammunition parts.

Explosive storage in Älvdalen Municipality (2023)

In April 2023, Damasec Mine Action Systems carried out a specialized task in Älvdalen Municipality, Sweden. The task involved opening two old explosive storage units, also known as explosive chests, which required a high degree of expertise and especially safety. Our team worked closely with local authorities to ensure that all safety protocols were followed and that both chests were opened and the contents destroyed.

Damasec Mine Action Systems is dedicated to delivering high-quality and safe clearance projects in Sweden. Our experience and expertise make us a reliable partner for both public and private organizations seeking effective solutions in ammunition clearance. If you need to clear a current or former military area or older explosive storage, please contact us. We provide input so that you can make informed decisions and price the solution based on the scope of the task.

Read more about Damasec Mine Action Systems here

Read more about one of the many projects that Damasec has carried out in Sweden

Read more about IMAS standards here

Read more about Fortifikationsverket here

Understanding IMAS Standards – Safe and Effective Mine and Ammunition Clearance

Posted on Author Damasec

When it comes to mine and ammunition clearance, safety and efficiency are paramount. But what are IMAS, and why is it so important to follow these standards?

What is IMAS?

IMAS stands for International Mine Action Standards and is a set of guidelines and standards developed to ensure safe, standardized, and effective clearance of landmines and other explosive ordnance. These standards cover all aspects of UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) clearance, from technical surveys and mapping to clearance, marking, and post-clearance documentation.

IMAS was first developed in 1997 by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and has since undergone several revisions to adapt to new technologies and methods in mine and ammunition clearance. The purpose of IMAS is to promote and improve safety and efficiency in clearance operations by providing comprehensive guidelines and standards for all aspects of mine action.

IMAS standards cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Technical survey and mapping: Methods for identifying and mapping areas contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance.
  • Clearance: Procedures for the safe removal and destruction of mines and other explosive ordnance.
  • Marking and fencing: Standards for properly marking hazardous areas to prevent accidental access.
  • Documentation and reporting: Requirements for accurate documentation and reporting of clearance activities and results.
  • Training and capacity building: Guidelines for training personnel and building capacity in local communities.

UN’s Role as the Overarching Authority for IMAS

The UN’s role in developing and overseeing IMAS standards is crucial to ensuring that the highest safety and efficiency standards are maintained. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is responsible for developing and maintaining IMAS, which involves regular reviews and updates to ensure that the standards remain relevant and effective. This oversight ensures a consistent approach to mine and ammunition clearance globally, which is particularly important when dealing with explosives that pose a significant risk to both clearance personnel and local communities.

Risks of Not Following IMAS

  1. Increased risk of accidents and injuries: Without adhering to IMAS standards, there is a higher risk of accidents and injuries among clearance personnel. Failure to follow safety procedures can lead to unintended explosions, severe injuries, and loss of life.
  2. Inefficient clearance: Without standardized procedures, clearance operations can become inefficient, meaning hazardous areas are not fully cleared. This can leave unexploded ordnance that continues to pose a threat to local communities.
  3. Lack of documentation and traceability: Without proper documentation and reporting, it can be difficult to track and verify clearance activities in the future. This can lead to uncertainty about which areas are safe and cleared, and which still pose a risk.

Why is it Important to Follow IMAS?

Following IMAS standards is crucial to ensuring safety and efficiency in mine and ammunition clearance. These standards are designed to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, meaning our team can work under the safest possible conditions. By adhering to IMAS, we can optimize our clearance processes, allowing us to clear areas more quickly and effectively. This benefits not only our clients but also the local communities that rely on their land being made safe again.

Furthermore, compliance with IMAS ensures that our work meets the highest international standards. This means our clients can have full confidence that the clearance work is carried out correctly and thoroughly. Following IMAS standards also demonstrates our commitment to providing safe and reliable services, which builds trust with our clients and partners. This trust is essential for long-term success and maintaining a good reputation in the industry.

Learn more about IMAS here

Damasec Discovers Nearly 200 Hand Grenades in Jönköping

Posted on Author Damasec

Updated November 15 at 3:32 PM

Damasec found a total of 188 hand grenades. The project was completed on November 15, with a total of 17 detonations carried out to destroy all the grenades.

If you’re up for a three-hour broadcast, you can listen to P4 Jönköping Midday from November 15, 2024. It covered the detonations, along with features about the project, its history, and great music: https://sverigesradio.se/formiddagip4jonkoping

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Damasec Global Group is currently working on clearing a popular natural area near the A6 road in Jönköping, Sweden. Earlier this year, live hand grenades were found on the surface of a small area, prompting Jönköping Municipality to contract the company for the investigation and clearance task.

Damasec began the job on the afternoon of November 11, and now, two days later, the number of grenades found has reached nearly 200, and the task is far from complete. Progress is slow, as the level of metal contamination from nails, screws, and other waste is high, making it challenging to work with the search equipment.

Project Manager Morten Frøding states: “I’ve been in this industry for 25 years, and I have never encountered so many live grenades in such a small area of 45 square meters. It’s quite incredible.”

Jönköping Municipality believes the grenades originated from a former regiment that was stationed in Jönköping until 1980. However, how the grenades ended up in the forest instead of being disposed of properly remains a mystery. The grenades are believed to date back to the 1940s or 1950s, making them over 70 years old.

We will update this article once the project is completed, but in the meantime, you can read and hear more in the Swedish news here:

https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/chocken-over-130-granater-hittade-i-populara-strovomradet

https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/jonkoping/14-nya-handgranater-vid-a6-i-jonkoping

Damasec Addresses Old Explosives Storage Challenge in Älvdalen

Posted on Author Damasec

In April 2023, Damasec Mine Action Systems carried out a specialized demolition task in Älvdalen Municipality, Sweden. This project involved the opening of two so-called “explosive chests”—old storage chests for explosives once used in rock blasting for road construction and other infrastructure projects. Since these chests might contain dangerous explosives, professional assistance was essential to manage the potential risks. The municipality had been in close dialogue with Damasec about the project since January 2022, discussing solutions and obtaining necessary permits for handling the chests.

Lost Knowledge and Forgotten Explosives – A Growing Problem
As highlighted by Sveriges Radio, several municipalities today are facing the challenge of “forgotten explosive stockpiles.” Many of the individuals who originally worked with these explosives have either retired or passed away, leading to a loss of essential knowledge about these old explosive chests and, in some cases, even their locations. This includes expertise on safely opening the chests and handling explosives that may be up to 60 years old and potentially unstable.

Safe Opening of Explosive Chests
To tackle the task safely and avoid accidental explosions, Damasec employed a controlled method that involved a small amount of explosive to open the chests. The operation required two carefully planned detonations, one for each chest, to open them securely. Once opened, the chests were inspected, and the explosive contents were carefully removed. A final detonation was then carried out to safely destroy the contents. This approach ensured the entire operation was completed with minimal risk and posed no danger to the surroundings. Inside the two chests, Damasec found explosives and old detonators—materials left behind and forgotten for decades.

 

Securing and Destroying Old Explosives
Over the years, Damasec Mine Action Systems has developed substantial expertise in securing and destroying old explosives in Denmark, Sweden, and internationally. This project in Älvdalen Municipality exemplifies how Damasec’s expertise can address complex challenges associated with abandoned and potentially hazardous explosives.

The challenges faced by Swedish municipalities with explosive chests underscore the need for specialized companies capable of addressing issues that arise when forgotten explosives are discovered.

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