HORIBA MIRA was the prime contractor for the PANAMA remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) system, which was credited as a “proven step change in operational tempo in Afghanistan.”

Specially designed for improvised explosive device (IED) detection, the ROV is fitted with a variety of sensors and MACE technology that allows for safe control from a remote operator control station.

PANAMA’s counter IED and threat-detection capability led to it becoming the largest UGV used by NATO during the Afghanistan conflict, making a significant contribution to minimising the danger faced by military personnel tasked with IED detection.

According to Col Adrian Parker OBE, PANAMA was considered by the operational commander to provide “game-changing capability and the best system of IED detection currently deployed within the NATO group.”