The Australian Department of Defence has awarded the contract to supply specialist detection tools under the Joint Counter Explosive Hazards (JCEH) Program to EPE Trusted to Protect (EPE). The program enhances the ADF’s ability to Enable, Find, Analyse, Neutralise and Exploit explosive hazards, ensuring force protection and freedom of manoeuvre across the spectrum of operations.
Under this contract, EPE will deliver advanced detector tools for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Search operations, replacing the in-service fleet as it approaches obsolescence. The capability includes the Institut Dr. Foerster Ferex 4.035 Digital Fluxgate Magnetometer for the location of deeply buried ordnance, supplied through KK&S Instruments; and the Minelab MDS-20 handheld dual-sensor Counter IED detector, combining unique metal detection and ground penetrating radar (GPR) technologies.
EPE will provide the Commonwealth with an integrated solution drawing on 20 years of experience delivering and sustaining explosive hazard threat reduction systems for the ADF. The program will be supported by EPE’s team of EOD and high-risk search qualified personnel, bringing years of collective operational experience to the project. This single source award offers greater assurance of the acquisition process, and greater opportunity for collaboration and controlled evolution of the search capability, with EPE managing the supply chain network and specialist training.
Minelab, a Codan company, will deliver the MDS-20 Dual-Sensor Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Detectors and spare parts to the Australian Defence Force, as part of EPE’s contract under the Australian Government’s DEF08101 Counter Explosive Hazards Program.
The MDS-20 integrates advanced metal detection and ground penetrating radar technologies to deliver exceptional detection of low and no metal explosive hazards, and the most challenging improvised explosive devices in a compact, lightweight platform. Counter-IED detectors save lives. They are used in military and humanitarian operations to detect low-metal mines, plastic homemade explosive containers and complex improvised explosive devices across varied soil types and operating conditions.
Designed, engineered and manufactured in Mawson Lakes, South Australia, the MDS-20 is Minelab’s latest Counter-IED product and integrates metal detection and ground-penetrating radar technologies to detect low-metal landmines and improvised explosive device components. Production of the MDS-20 commenced in November 2025 with the establishment of a dedicated production line at the Mawson Lakes facility.
Ben Harvey, Executive General Manager, Minelab, said: “The delivery of 205 MDS-20 Counter-IEDs detectors to the ADF reflects Minelab’s sustained investment in advanced detection technologies. The MDS-20 is the result of decades of investment in Australian engineering and detection expertise, designed to deliver reliable performance in complex and high-risk environments to help keep people safe.”
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected]
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]
