US to Provide Ukraine With 3 Types of Remote Anti-Personnel Mine-Laying Systems

The United States will supply Ukraine with 3 different types of remote anti-personnel mine-laying systems, according to The New York Times on December 2.

This includes the Area Denial Artillery Munition (ADAM), the Modular Pack Mine System (MOPMS), and the Volcano mine-laying system.

The delivery comes as part of a recently announced $725 million military aid package aimed at slowing Russia’s advances in Ukraine. The Pentagon views providing anti-personnel mines as one of the most effective measures to impede Russian troop movements.

The first type, ADAM, uses 155mm artillery shells to deploy anti-personnel mines. Each shell, such as the M692 or M731, contains 36 mines and disperses them up to 600 meters from the point of impact.

The mines emit seven tripwires, triggering an explosive charge that launches shrapnel up to 1.5 meters in the air, with a lethal radius of 7 meters. Mines deactivate after 48 hours or up to 14 days if not triggered, ensuring minimal long-term danger.

The second one, the M131 MOPMS is a portable system containing 17 anti-tank mines and 4 anti-personnel mines. Weighing 75 kg, it can be transported by two soldiers or military vehicles. MOPMS mines are remotely activated via wire or radio, offering flexibility in rapidly creating mixed minefields.

In addition, Ukraine will receive the Volcano system, capable of dispersing anti-tank and anti-personnel mines over a wide area. The system can be mounted on trucks, other vehicles, or even helicopters, significantly increasing its operational range and versatility.

The provision of these advanced mine-laying systems highlights the Pentagon’s commitment to fortifying Ukraine’s defense against Russian offensives. “These systems will allow Ukrainian forces to slow and disrupt Russian troop movements effectively,” US defense officials said.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden authorized the delivery of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine, a move aimed at bolstering Kyiv’s defenses against advancing Russian forces. This will be the first deployment of the US mines on Ukrainian soil.