Ukraine received German anti-tank mines AT2
Destroyed AT2/DM1399 mine in a war zone. War Gonzo Photos
It became known that Germany transferred to Ukraine a new batch of rockets for M270 MLRS / MARS 2 multiple launch rocket systems. These ammunition are equipped with cluster warheads and carry a large number of AT2 anti-tank mines. Due to the design features, the latter pose a danger not only to armored vehicles and other equipment, but also to people.
Dangerous help
On September 15, the German Ministry of Defense announced the preparation of a new package of military-technical assistance for Ukraine. Together with other samples and products, it included two launchers of the MARS 2 type MLRS (the German version of the American M270 MLRS), as well as 200 rockets for them. It was reported that deliveries will begin as soon as possible.
The type of missiles transferred for MARS 2 was not named. However, the most recent news suggest that they were German-made AT2 shells. Such a missile is part of the MFOM family of unified ammunition and carries AT2 type anti-tank mines in the DM1399 modification.
At the end of last week, specialized resources for the first time reported the appearance of DM1399 mines in the zone of the Special Operation. There were also photographs of such products in a combat position, taken on different sectors of the front. The characteristic appearance made it possible to uniquely identify exactly the AT2 mine.
Soon the Ukrainian side hastened to brag about its "successes". Already on September 26, Kyiv publications reported that AT2 mines were being used on the territory of the Kherson region. With their help, 120 units were allegedly destroyed. Russian technology. At the same time, as always, no evidence is given, and it is proposed to take the word.
In the foreground lies the warhead; noticeable target sensor antenna. In the distance - the bottom part with supports. War Gonzo Photos
Thus, new rockets appeared at the disposal of the Ukrainian formations, allowing the use of foreign MLRS as a means of remote mining. AT2 rockets and mines have so far been seen only in open areas. Probably, with their help, the enemy is trying to hinder the maneuver of the Russian troops, but the mines can be detected and neutralized.
Given the events of the recent past, it should be expected that the next rockets with mines will fly towards the liberated settlements. The Kyiv regime has repeatedly bombarded cities and towns with anti-personnel mines and is quite capable of doing the same with received anti-tank ammunition.
Technical features
The AT2 anti-tank mine was developed in the late seventies by Dynamit Nobel by order of the Bundeswehr. It was necessary to create a light and compact ammunition capable of hitting the bottom of armored vehicles. Such mines were planned to be used with remote setting systems, both with specialized minelayers and with MLRS.
All modifications of the AT2 mine have a similar design and characteristics; the differences are minimal. The product is made in a cylindrical metal case with a hemispherical top cover. A parachute is attached to the lid for safe descent during mining. Several spring-loaded supports are placed along the perimeter of the bottom, with the help of which the mine is brought to a vertical position. The total height of the case is 160 mm, the diameter is 103,5 mm. Weight - less than 2,22 kg.
The main part of the body is occupied by a shaped charge in the form of 907 g of explosive. Penetration is declared at the level of 140 mm of homogeneous armor. When detonated, the body of the mine is destroyed and scatters in the form of fragments, causing additional damage.
AT2 mine version DM1274 for LARAT2 missiles. Photo by Wikimedia Commons
At the bottom of the case are control devices, a power source and a fuse. The main target sensor is a flexible metal antenna rising to a height of 700 mm from the ground. When it moves to a given angle, the fuse is triggered. The mine also has a magnetic target sensor that reacts to large metal objects.
There is an element of non-removability that undermines the mine when you try to move. An oscillation sensor is provided to increase stability. When the ground shakes or another mine is blown up, it temporarily turns off the fuse, which prevents the ammunition from being detonated and complicates the disposal.
The control device includes a self-liquidator with a choice of operating time up to 4 days. It is reported that self-detonation of mines occurs in 99% of cases. The remaining products become unusable after a while due to battery discharge.
The first version of the AT2 mine, designated DM1233, was used with the LARAT2 rocket for the LARS MLRS. Each such rocket carried only five mines and scattered them over a small area. Then the DM1274 mine was created for the Scorpion minelayer. In this case, cassettes with 20 mines each were used. The minelayer carried six launchers with five cassettes on each.
The latest version of the mine is known as DM1399. It is intended for the MFOM missile. In the dimensions of the standard warhead, it was possible to place 28 minutes. They are delivered to a distance of up to 38 km and are scattered over a large area.
Mines in service
The first customer of the mines of the AT2 family was the Bundeswehr. In 1981-86. he purchased such products as part of LARAT2 missiles. From 1984 to 1992 cassettes were produced for the Scorpion system, and in 1993-95. MFOM AT2 missiles were produced for the MARS 2 MLRS. In total, the German army purchased about 100 thousand missiles and cartridges with 1,2 million mines. To date, only DM1399 mines and AT2 missiles have remained in service. The rest of the products were written off and disposed of or sold.
Split layout of the DM1399 mine for MFOM missiles. Photo Lexpev.nl
In the nineties, due to a change in the military-political situation, the Bundeswehr began to sell off its weapons and equipment. Mines of the AT2 series and their means of installation also interested foreign buyers. Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Norway and France bought equipment and rockets / cassettes in various quantities.
Of particular interest is the sale of mines to Italy. In 1997, against the background of the preparation of the Mine Ban Convention, the Italian army decided to abandon the AT2 products. These mines are technically anti-tank, but the main target sensor is sensitive enough to work from a person. Accordingly, in fact, we are talking about anti-personnel weaponswhich is subject to the Convention.
However, other countries did not go into such details and left the AT2 in service. At the same time, the example of Italy in a number of cases led to disputes and scandals. Thus, the press and specialists accused the Bundeswehr and German industry of actually violating the Ottawa Convention while formally observing its terms.
Since then, 20-25 years have passed, and disputes about the legality of the operation and use of AT2 mines abroad have been forgotten. However, now there is a reason for their renewal. Anti-tank mines with anti-personnel capabilities were transferred to Ukraine. The Kyiv regime is fighting, and in addition, openly violated the Convention on anti-personnel mines. All such events require evaluation and appropriate response.
Countermeasures
Apparently, the notorious international democratic community will again ignore the observed processes. The transfer of disreputable mines and their subsequent use will simply go unnoticed. At the same time, it can be expected that Russia will not be blamed for the use of AT2 mines, as was previously the case with the anti-personnel PFM-1.
MLRS MARS 2. Photo by KMW
Obviously, in such a situation, first of all, a response of a military-technical nature is required. And measures to counter the new threat are generally obvious. Anti-aircraft defense and engineering troops should fight AT2 missiles and mines of the same name. The task of air defense in such a situation is the timely interception of flying missiles with mines. Practice has shown that our air defense systems and air defense systems are capable of intercepting missiles of the MFOM and GMLRS lines.
If the rocket broke through into a given area and scattered mines, engineering units should come into play. To combat products DM1399 can be used tank trawls of all current types, incl. equipped with magnetic attachments. Depending on various factors, the mine will be detonated at a safe distance or will work under the trawl without harming the engineering vehicle.
New threats
Thus, foreign partners continue to help the Kyiv regime with the supply of certain weapons and equipment. This time, he was given rockets that turn the MLRS into a remote mining system. They are already being used, and AT2 anti-tank mines with "advanced" capabilities are appearing on the ground.
German-made mines, despite their considerable age, pose a certain danger to equipment and people. Nevertheless, there are and have long been worked out various ways to deal with them. Mines can be destroyed both in the air during delivery and on the ground. In addition, the timely identification and destruction of warehouses or transports with rockets will significantly reduce the risks.
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