Dogs helping detect radiation in Ukraine war

Military dogs wear the radiation detectors help the Ukrainian army plot safe routes

Military dogs in Ukraine are being kitted up with radiation detection technology created in County Durham.

Sedgefield-based Kromek has worked with the American government to develop handheld radar devices which a team of canines wear while scoping out land.

The detectors are linked to mobile devices which alert the dog handlers to radiation and can help them decide whether or not it is safe for soldiers to proceed.

The technology is also able to identify the radiation's source material, such as plutonium or uranium.

A Kromek detection device linked to mobile phone

The dogs wear equipment to protect their eyes and paws, along with a harness which the radiation detector is attached to, according to Kromek.

If the dog gets too close to the radiation, the handler, who will be about 100ft (30m) away, gets an alarm.

The detectors are triggered by the lowest levels of radiation, so there is time to get the dogs out of danger, say Kromek.

Chief Executive of Kromek, Arnab Basu, with radiation detection devices

The company's chief executive, Arnab Basu, said the technology had recently been used by dogs detecting land mines.

"There was a European Commission initiative where radiation detectors were put on mine detection dogs, so that when these canines are being used by the military to look for mines, they’re also looking for minor traces of radiation," Mr Basu said.

He said that gave military handlers the ability to make "very quick decisions" as to where, and where not, to go.