Small Wars Journal: Bring back mines to destroy rails

15

US Army paratrooper on exercises. Photo by the US Department of Defense

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.


Russian railway troops at work. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

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.

Small Wars Journal: Bring back mines to destroy rails

Schematic diagram of a typical diesel locomotive. The fuel tank is one of the vulnerable elements. Graphics Small Wars Journal

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.


Russian armored train involved in the Special Operation in Ukraine. Photo Telegram / Panzerwaffle

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.


Large-caliber argument against saboteurs. Photo Telegram / Panzerwaffle

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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  1. -1
    4 August 2022 05: 09
    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.

    They were able to strike at the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet ... which means they will find a way of sabotage here too ... the enemy is inventive, arrogant, and receives everything necessary for sabotage from the Anglo-Saxons.
    And we have a bad habit of thinking that the enemy will treat us like human beings and will fight according to the Christian commandments Thou shalt not kill.
    No, this will not happen...
    we will be killed, deceived, and slandered in every possible way.
    The respected author indicated only another way for the enemy to see how this would happen.
    1. 0
      4 August 2022 05: 27
      Everything is simpler: for 50 years we have been moving towards "war at a distance, missiles and conspiracy in zurich".
      Desert Storm.
      But our future is control of Eurasia only by land and airspace.
      Boots with footcloths and I20 + diesel fuel decide everything.
      No thermonuclear weapons. It is large for red lines.
      The fun is over.
      "your word, Comrade Mauser!"
    2. +3
      4 August 2022 07: 40
      They would have to protect their railway trains, and not destroy others.
      The Wild West and the Makhnovshchina returned to the USA

    3. -1
      4 August 2022 20: 17
      Who and when did we think that they would fight with us "in a noble way" ??? Both Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, Ukraine - none of them fought nobly. If you look at the Soviet period, the same story. But you know who is trying to fight nobly - we ourselves. And something like a "game of knights", the initiative of which comes only from OUR side. That's just, no matter how the war ends, no "nobility" in society will be preserved. The opposing sides will do everything to ensure that not a single document remains in history that would show examples of a "noble" war on our part.
  2. The comment was deleted.
  3. +1
    4 August 2022 11: 23
    The attacker has the advantage in choosing the place, time and method of attack.
    Railways are no better in this regard, so the appearance of an additional threat should not be discounted.
    1. -1
      4 August 2022 16: 21
      Railways - very vulnerable to sabotage, damage is caused to the road itself, rolling stock and the subsequent barrage is very long
      as an addition
      less vulnerable will be a military road from conventional airfield slabs for cargo hovercraft
      1. +2
        4 August 2022 21: 56
        Most likely unprofitable
        1. 0
          5 August 2022 10: 00
          this is military transportation, what does profitability have to do with it (?)
  4. 0
    4 August 2022 14: 33
    Author com. Have you read Starinov? Why the nonsense about "difficulties and risks", "lack of real need"?
  5. 0
    4 August 2022 15: 06
    What are these special mines against rails? An ordinary landmine in craft paper, the author, not this one, but he just voiced that money should be allocated to the Pentagon for research. Kui loot without leaving the cash register.
  6. The comment was deleted.
  7. +1
    4 August 2022 17: 46
    in the course of current events in Ukraine, both sides are trying to influence the enemy's rail transport.

    wow, what a revelation... and how many km of railway tracks, bridges, infrastructure, etc. destroyed ours, curious to know ...
    besides Odessa, I can’t remember anything, though they restore it regularly ...
    even under the lion, they "hit" into the tunnel, though it seems to no avail - trains from Slovakia are carrying weapons without stopping ...
    straight to the "eastern front" ...
  8. +1
    4 August 2022 18: 08
    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.

    why so far... :)
    during the Second World War, partisans, through a rail war, stopped the advances of entire fronts ...
    this is first...
    secondly, War on the Rocks, even before the war, laid out the logistics of the RF Armed Forces ...
    "Does Moscow have the logistic structure needed to support military operations? In short, within the time frame envisaged by Western exercises, no." "it does not have the logistical means to do everything in one fell swoop without logistical pauses to restore the logistics infrastructure" "the line of its support should be stretched as much as possible, while at the same time aiming at the logistics and transport infrastructure: trucks, railway bridges and pipelines "
    “The rear units and establishments of the Russian army are not designed for a large-scale ground offensive away from the railways. Logistic support units inside the maneuverable units are not as numerous as their Western counterparts.
    Among military formations, only brigades have equivalent MTO capabilities, at least relatively. Compared to the American ones, Russian formations have a quarter fewer combat vehicles, but almost three times as much artillery. Formally, the Russian brigades include two artillery battalions, one rocket and two anti-aircraft, and the American ones - one artillery battalion and an anti-aircraft company each. Additional artillery and anti-aircraft battalions of the Russian army increase the need for logistics.
    In addition, the Russian army does not have a sufficient number of logistic (logistical) support brigades for each branch of the armed forces. According to the annual Military Balance Bulletin of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Russia has ten logistics brigades to support 11 combined arms armies, one tank army and four army corps. The Western and Southern military districts of Russia each have three armies and a total of two logistical support brigades. The General Staff could take such a risk due to the developed railway infrastructure of these districts.
    "The trump card of the Russians is the railway troops, which consist of ten brigades and have no analogues in the West."
    "The reason for the uniqueness of the Russian railway brigades lies in the logistical connection of troops to this type of communication at the level of both combined arms armies and divisions / brigades. No other European army uses railways on such a scale."
    "Outside of the railway network, Russia will have to rely primarily on a fleet of trucks to supply its army while the Railway Troops rebuild or repair an existing line, or even build a new one."
    "it is limited by the number of trucks in service with the Russian army and the range of operations." “The Russian army does not have enough trucks to meet the logistics needs at a distance of more than 145 kilometers from the supply depots. To reach a range of 290 kilometers, the Russian army would have to double the number of trucks so that each logistic brigade has 400 of them.”
    “Formally, each united army is assigned a logistics brigade, despite the fact that different types of armed forces have a different organizational structure. Each such brigade consists of two motor transport battalions, which include 150 general-purpose trucks, 50 trailers and 260 special trucks. Russian the army makes extensive use of cannon and rocket artillery, and rockets are very bulky.Each army typically has between 56 and 90 multiple launch rocket launchers.
    Funds for the completion of one of them takes a whole truck. If the combined arms army fired a single salvo, it would need to use 56-90 trucks to replenish rocket ammunition alone. This is about half of the truck fleet of one logistics brigade. But there are also six to nine air defense divisions, five anti-aircraft artillery divisions, 12 mechanized and reconnaissance battalions, three to five tank battalions, mortars, anti-tank missiles and ammunition for small arms, not to mention food, equipment, medicines and so on. These items are more difficult to assess, but the potential restocking needs are large. We need a lot of trucks."
    etc.
    ---
    so, the question of the destruction of the railway in ukrostan is quite relevant ...
  9. +1
    4 August 2022 20: 38
    No matter how strange it may sound, but the supply through the railway in the modern world should be radically reconsidered. To provide those parts that are far from the front, the railway has almost no competition (except perhaps the supply via inland waterways, but rivers and canals are not everywhere). But at a distance of at least 100 km. away from the scene of hostilities, it is already dangerous to use.
    The thing is, for a long time, the safety of railway transport was ensured by the fact that the only thing that could block the railway communication (except for the direct seizure of the territory where the railway tracks or junction was located) was artillery. But the artillery of the late 20th century had to reach the line of sight to damage the train. After the First World War, when artillery received a rapid breakthrough in development and learned how to organize aimed fire from closed positions, the range of destruction reached a distance of 30-30 km. But already in WWII a problem arose - aviation. In WWI, aviation could not yet effectively destroy ground targets, even stationary ones. But for WWII, attack aircraft and dive bombers appeared. And these aircraft could pose a threat already far from a distance of 100 km. To fall under an air raid, the convoy could and at a distance of 100 km. from the front. At the same time, on the basis of the experience of the First World War, the means of combating trains through mines were properly developed. The development of the theory of sabotage groups, in combination with railway mines, endangered the railway supply itself. Although even in such conditions, being at a distance of more than XNUMX km, the trains remained practically in guaranteed safety.

    But it's the 21st century. Railway communication, in case of war, will no longer be safe, the locations of all railway nodes and all the paths between them are known. There is an orbital network of satellites that is capable of photographing transport hubs anywhere in the world at certain intervals, in good resolution. Development of satellite guidance. If now, some country plans to seriously weaken the country's logistics, the railway nodes will be one of the first to suffer (which was demonstrated by the special operation). And directly during the conduct of hostilities, almost online, you can find out the moment of arrival of the train with the supply of the enemy and know where this unloading station is. Therefore, simply transfer the coordinates with a note that the target may soon leave to the Air Force or missile troops, and after 10-15 minutes the train, when even half of the load has not been removed from it, will be hit.
  10. -1
    5 August 2022 10: 57
    ...for the destruction of rails in Russia.
  11. -1
    4 September 2022 14: 36
    It's also good that the drone was not involved in the project ...

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