This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
The Philippine Army has begun testing artificial intelligence to assist in the detection of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), aiming to improve safety for personnel working in hazardous environments.
During a recent training exercise at Camp Aquino in Tarlac, a new AI-enabled system—known as SpotlightAI—was demonstrated as part of a week-long program on UXO and landmine identification. The system analyzes aerial imagery collected by drones to identify explosive threats before human teams enter an area.
At the core of the technology is a module called SPOTD (Safe Pro Object Threat Detection), which uses machine learning to classify over 150 types of explosive devices. These include anti-personnel mines, cluster munitions, and other hard-to-detect hazards that remain buried or hidden in terrain across conflict-affected areas, according to Business Wire.
More than 30 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists participated in the training, learning how the AI system can support faster, more accurate threat assessments.
According to 2024 figures from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, UXO remains a serious risk in parts of Southeast Asia. AI tools like SpotlightAI are intended to reduce reliance on manual detection, which typically exposes personnel to significant danger.
SpotlightAI’s capabilities are not limited to the Philippines. The system is part of broader efforts to modernize UXO response across the Indo-Pacific, a region where historical conflict zones and current geopolitical tensions intersect.
In addition to its detection functions, SpotlightAI also enhances real-time situational awareness, allowing operators to make informed decisions quickly and remotely. This can be particularly useful in joint military-humanitarian missions, where both speed and safety are critical.
The technology has also been selected for use by various branches of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, including the Navy, Air Force, and Army units stationed in the region. Alongside the AI system, protective equipment designed for explosive disposal is also being supplied under recent contracts.
As militaries continue to adopt automated tools for risk reduction, AI systems like SpotlightAI could become a standard part of demining and EOD operations in heavily contaminated zones.
