The Australian Department of Defence has awarded a contract to supply specialist detection tools under the Joint Counter Explosive Hazards (JCEH) Program to EPE.
Minelab, a Codan company, will deliver the MDS-20 Dual-Sensor Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Detectors and spare parts to the ADF, as part of EPE’s contract under the Australian Government’s Def 08101 Counter Explosive Hazards Program.
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.
EPE works closely with Australian partners such as Minelab Electronics in South Australia and KK&S Instruments in New South Wales to ensure reliable delivery and ongoing technical support.
According to Minelab, the MDS-20 integrates advanced metal detection and ground penetrating radar technologies to deliver detection of low and no metal explosive hazards, and improvised explosive devices.
Counter-IED detectors 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.
“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," Minelab, Executive General Manager, Ben Harvey, said.
The MDS-20 builds on Minelab’s established portfolio, including the globally deployed F3 humanitarian demining detector.