Small Wars Journal: Bring back mines to destroy rails
The basis of land logistics for many armies are railways. Violation of such communications can disrupt combat capability and reduce operational capabilities. Recently, the American edition of the Small Wars Journal drew attention to these issues. On July 25, it published an article by Zakkari Kallenborn "Bring Back the Anti-Rail Landmine" ("Return anti-rail mines"), which discusses one of the ways to disrupt enemy logistics.
past and present
SWJ recalls that landmines to damage railroad tracks and destroy enemy trains first appeared during the American Civil War. A century and a half has passed since then, but trains remain the backbone of military logistics and are still a priority target. Thus, in the course of current events in Ukraine, both sides are trying to influence the enemy's railway transportation.
In this regard, the Pentagon is offered to recall the concepts of the past and create an “old-fashioned weaponto deal with enemy logistics. At the same time, old ideas should be combined with modern technologies and capabilities. Such a combined approach will not only allow us to solve the tasks set, but also increase the overall effects of such operations.
Z. Kallenborn points out that modern "anti-rail" mines for the destruction of railways could enter service with the American army. If the need arises, they could be removed from the arsenals and used for their intended purpose. In addition, allies may be interested in such weapons. In particular, such mines could be used in Ukraine.
Promising ammunition
Small Wars Journal points out the need for anti-rail mines, and also suggests ways to use them. It also proposes the main considerations regarding the appearance of such a tool, aimed at simplifying its production and use. At the same time, a number of issues remain to be resolved by the military.
As a warhead, it is proposed to use an explosive, which is part of the ammunition of special forces. Undermining should be carried out using a special system with a target sensor and a fuse. The target sensor must monitor the railway tracks, determine the moving train and carry out the undermining at the optimal time. In addition, the mine needs camouflage.
Principles of application
SWJ pays much more attention to the organization and conduct of such sabotage. It is proposed to use all available methods and means that will allow you to get the best results and inflict maximum damage on the enemy.
First of all, it is proposed to use all available means of reconnaissance. With their help, maps of the railway network should be drawn up and the main routes of military transportation should be determined. Based on this information, military experts must find the best places to lay mines: an attack should not only stop a specific train, but also interfere with the passage of others.
Mining is proposed to be carried out by forces of sabotage and reconnaissance groups. Such units with the necessary weapons should penetrate enemy territory and prepare sabotage. The number of groups, their composition and equipment should be determined by the operation plan.
If possible, artillery, missile systems and other strike systems with a sufficient range of fire may participate in such an operation. Their task will be to attack the accumulation of trains and / or working repairmen to cause maximum damage and increase the downtime of transportation.
Expected effect
SWJ reminds you what effects sabotage on railroad tracks allows you to get. First of all, the detonation of an anti-rail mine destroys the structure of the track and excludes its use until restoration. Such an attack on a passing train can lead to its derailment and additional damage. In addition, the evacuation of damaged rolling stock, which is also associated with difficulties, will be required.
Z. Kallenborn draws attention to the wide distribution and use of diesel locomotives. Such locomotives use liquid fuel and have fuel tanks with a capacity of several cubic meters. The destruction of the tank under the influence of a mine can lead to a large fire, worsening the overall situation. Also, an additional damaging factor may be the ignition of the transported cargo - fuel or ammunition.
The elimination of the consequences of such sabotage and the repair of the track can be associated with serious difficulties. The speed and ease of performing such work depends on the remoteness and accessibility of the attack site, its consequences, the characteristics of the damaged structure, etc. These factors determine how soon it will be possible to restore traffic and launch new echelons.
Security issues
An article from SWJ looks at a promising way to deal with enemy logistics, and lists its advantages. At the same time, the issue of real prospects for such ideas was left without attention. In addition, the problem of their feasibility in practice in the event of a conflict with a full-fledged army has not been disclosed.
Of particular interest is the proposal to prepare sabotage using all available reconnaissance means. Indeed, the analysis of satellite images or other data allows you to more accurately find critical areas, the defeat of which will give the greatest effect. Due to this, the required number of sabotage groups will be reduced, and their training will also be simplified.
At the same time, it is the use of DRGs that is the weakest point of the proposed strategy. In this concept, scouts are invited to penetrate behind enemy lines, search for designated targets and lay mines. However, the probability of successfully solving a combat mission is low. First of all, since the groups will have to work in hostile territory and penetrate to great depths, which is associated with constant risks.
In addition, attacking transport communications is not an easy task. Thus, during a threatened period or during an open conflict, railways located in the immediate vicinity of dangerous zones are carefully guarded. Various engineering and railway means can also be used to prevent sabotage or, at least, to reduce their negative consequences.
Examples of such communications security can be seen in recent months. Russian armored trains are now operating in the Donbass and in the controlled territories of Ukraine. They provide road protection and cover the movement of passenger and freight trains. Several times the enemy tried to attack armored trains, but such actions had no effect and only led to unjustified losses on his part.
Whether a hypothetical American or other foreign DRG under such conditions will be able to approach the path, lay a mine and undermine the required composition is a big question. The group has every chance of being detected and suppressed or destroyed on the way to the object of attack.
SWJ proposes to supplement the mines with rocket-artillery or air strikes against idle trains and / or railway workers carrying out repairs. However, a logical question arises about the advisability of using DRGs and mines when it is possible to carry out other attacks, moreover, more powerful and effective. Such sabotage makes sense only in areas inaccessible to artillery and aviation.
Understanding the experience
Thus, the appeal made in the title of the article from the Small Wars Journal, as a whole, does not make practical sense. In theory, anti-rail mines can play a role in armed conflict and affect the logistical capabilities of the enemy. However, their application is associated with a number of difficulties and risks, and the result of this process may be far from desired. As a result, there is virtually no real need for such weapons.
However, the promotion and study of various ideas and concepts, incl. doubtful, is a natural and necessary process. Due to this, there is a rethinking of existing experience or a search for completely new solutions. And the real prospects of certain proposals can be determined already at the level of theory - without spending time and resources.
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