18/06/2026
We are proud to share this exciting news with you. 😊 ❤️
NORWEGIAN PEOPLE’S AID HANDS OVER THREE NEW MINE DETECTION DOGS TO THE ARMED FORCES OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA DEMINING BATTALION
The total number of mine detection dogs donated by the GTC since 2010 has reached 35
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), through its Global Training Centre for Mine and Explosive Detection Dogs (GTC) in Sarajevo, will hand over three new mine detection dogs to the Demining Battalion of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this handover, the total number of dogs donated by the GTC to the Demining Battalion since 2010 will reach 35.
This long-standing cooperation represents one of the most successful examples of partnership between a humanitarian NGO and state institutions in the field of humanitarian mine action in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The donated dogs constitute an important part of the operational capabilities of the Demining Battalion, whose personnel are engaged daily in demining operations and activities aimed at reducing the risk posed by landmines.
This cooperation is based on a long-term approach to sustaining mine detection dog capabilities. Mine detection dogs typically have an operational working life of between six and eight years, after which they are retired from service. Maintaining the required number of operational teams therefore requires the continuous training and deployment of new dogs, as well as the transfer of knowledge and experience to new generations of handlers and teams.
Within this framework, the dog handler training course commenced on April 6, 2026, and was successfully completed on June 18, 2026. Throughout the intensive training period, the course participants demonstrated an enviable level of knowledge, dedication, and professional expertise, ensuring the highest standards of future field operations.
Mine action experts emphasize that sustaining mine detection dog capacity involves far more than acquiring new animals. It requires a systematic process of selection, training, certification, veterinary care, and the development of qualified dog handlers. For this reason, the regular renewal of mine detection dogs' capacities is a key prerequisite for the long-term sustainability of this specialized capability within the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Particular value is added to this cooperation by the fact that the training of military dog handlers and the maintenance of the Battalion’s dog capacity are carried out as part of the partnership activities between the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Norwegian People’s Aid. Unlike earlier periods, when certain capacity-renewal projects were supported through international donor funding, before all by the Governments of Switzerland and Norway, the current model is based on the regular support of the NPA GTC to the Battalion.
This model represents an example of sustainable investment in public safety and in strengthening the institutional capabilities of the Battalion. For many years, the Demining Battalion of Bosnia and Herzegovina Armed Forces has been the key actor in humanitarian mine action in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The handover of three new mine detection dogs is another confirmation of the success of this partnership and of the shared commitment to preserving and further developing capabilities that contribute to a safer future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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