The Afghan National Army (ANA) has contracted Critical Solutions International (CSI) and Humanistic Robotics (HRI) to supply mine rollers.

Under the contract, CSI and HRI will supply 464 mine rollers and associated operation and maintenance training to the ANA.

The new mine rollers are expected to strengthen the ANA's mine and improvised explosive device (IED) clearance capability.

"Leading in accuracy, effectiveness and safety, the HRI roller is the most user-friendly and sustainable system on the market."

CSI CEO Patrick Callahan said: "Leading in accuracy, effectiveness and safety, the HRI roller is the most user-friendly and sustainable system on the market. It has been proven in the field for commercial and peace-keeping missions in Africa and the Middle East.

"The standoff defeat capability provided by these rollers will enable our Afghan partners to make their roads safer for both the troops and civilians who travel them."

CSI and HRI have entered into a partnership in 2014 in order to complement the former's existing suite of counter IED technologies, and offer US and international customers a total route clearance package.

The HRI roller is part of a suite of counter IED technologies provided by CSI, which includes the purpose-built Husky route clearance vehicle.

HRI co-founder and CEO Samuel Reeves said: "The HRI-CSI partnership reflects the growing need for a multi-faceted, multi-technology approach for defeating landmines and IEDs. It allows us to combine our individual company capabilities to increase survivability and save lives.

"Partnering with CSI, which for many years has been at the centre of efforts to defeat the threat from IEDs with its Husky vehicle, is a perfect match for HRI."

Image: The new mine rollers will strengthen Afghan National Army's mine clearance and counter-IED capability. Photo: courtesy of Critical Solutions International.