During September 2024, small improvised anti-personnel mines used by Russian forces began to appear in the Ukrainian arena.
The improvised AP blast mines, measuring just several centimeters, usually contain only a few grams of explosives and no fragmentation, and are laid in different areas using drones.
The majority of the casings of these improvised mines are 3D-printed and they are initiated by applying light pressure to close an electric circuit. The initiation system includes an electric detonator, a button battery, and a safety pin.
The small size of the improvised mines makes them difficult to locate, and the level of damage they can cause when stepped on or initiated is correspondingly limited.
The increasing use and diversity of pressure-actuated improvised mines can complicate the recognition of such items as hazardous, thus influencing demining efforts.
During September 2024, small improvised anti-personnel mines used by Russian forces began to appear in the Ukrainian arena.
The improvised AP blast mines, measuring just several centimeters, usually contain only a few grams of explosives and no fragmentation, and are laid in different areas using drones.
The majority of the casings of these improvised mines are 3D-printed and they are initiated by applying light pressure to close an electric circuit. The initiation system includes an electric detonator, a button battery, and a safety pin.
The small size of the improvised mines makes them difficult to locate, and the level of damage they can cause when stepped on or initiated is correspondingly limited.
The increasing use and diversity of pressure-actuated improvised mines can complicate the recognition of such items as hazardous, thus influencing demining efforts.
