Technology: Ukraine Develops TM-2025 Anti-Tank Mine with 3D-Printed Smart Fuse.

According to information published by Defense Express on April 29, 2025, Ukraine introduced a new generation anti-tank mine, TM-2025. This new system is a domestically developed evolution of the Soviet-era TM-62, enhanced with modern engineering improvements such as a 3D-printed electromechanical fuse, updated casing, and additional mechanisms to resist deactivation attempts. The emergence of the TM-2025 underscores Ukraine's continued efforts to modernize its defense capabilities under the pressures of ongoing conflict.
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Close-up view of Ukraine’s new TM-2025 anti-tank mine, highlighting its updated metal casing, modular design for auxiliary fuses, and the advanced MPEM-1 electromechanical fuse featuring 3D-printed components. (Picture source: Telegram video footage)

The Russian TM-62, on which the TM-2025 is based, is one of the most widely deployed Soviet-designed anti-tank mines. Introduced in the early 1960s, the TM-62 is a large, circular mine typically equipped with a mechanical pressure fuse such as the MVCh-62 or MVP-62, and it is capable of penetrating heavy armored vehicles with its substantial explosive payload. Designed primarily for conventional warfare, the TM-62 has been used extensively in multiple conflicts across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its simple design, robust effectiveness, and the ability to use a variety of fuses made it a versatile platform. Over time, many countries, including Ukraine, have stockpiled and modified these mines to meet modern warfare needs.

The TM-2025 has already been sighted in active service on the front lines, indicating its deployment in current military operations. At first glance, it closely resembles the TM-62 due to its metal casing, but several upgrades differentiate it from its predecessor. Among the most notable changes is the redesigned mine body, which features smoother contours and an internal compartment that allows for the installation of an auxiliary side detonator. This new configuration makes the mine significantly more resistant to disarmament, as the secondary fuse increases the complexity and danger of any neutralization attempt.

These design changes are not purely defensive. The modified structure of the TM-2025 also enables greater versatility, including easier conversion for use in drone-deployed attacks or for mounting on engineering vehicles. This modularity reflects a broader shift in Ukrainian defense production—aimed not only at improving performance but also at increasing tactical adaptability across different combat scenarios.

The relevance of the TM-2025 extends far beyond its role as a traditional anti-tank mine. In the context of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, the capacity to repurpose mines as payloads for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and aerial drones has become a strategic necessity. Ukrainian forces have increasingly relied on unmanned systems to deliver explosive payloads to enemy positions or vehicles while minimizing the exposure of personnel. Mines like the TM-62 have already been adapted by Ukrainian engineers for this purpose, and the TM-2025, with its improved modular design and fuse options, significantly enhances this capability. Its potential for integration into drone warfare platforms allows for precise, remotely operated attacks on enemy armor or fortifications, often behind the front lines or in hard-to-reach areas.

One of the most innovative aspects of the TM-2025 is its new Ukrainian-made fuse, the MPEM-1. Unlike the conventional MVCh-62 or MVP-62 mechanical fuses used in the TM-62, the MPEM-1 is electromechanical and incorporates components produced via 3D printing. While technical specifics of the MPEM-1 remain undisclosed, visual evidence suggests it offers more reliable performance and greater resistance to environmental stressors or tampering. The use of additive manufacturing in the production of critical mine components represents a notable advancement in Ukraine’s capacity to rapidly prototype and scale production of advanced battlefield equipment.

Serial numbers and naming conventions indicate that the TM-2025 entered production in 2025. Its deployment is a response not only to battlefield requirements but also to logistical and industrial realities. The TM-62 mine remains one of the most widely used explosive devices in Ukraine, not just in its original form but also as a base for improvised explosive devices, demolition charges, and even landing platforms for multicopter drones. The TM-2025’s updated structure and improved fuse system offer better performance in all these roles.

By upgrading a widely available legacy system with contemporary enhancements, Ukraine has managed to create a mine that is more effective, harder to neutralize, and capable of serving multiple purposes in a dynamic combat environment. The TM-2025 reflects how Ukraine’s defense sector is blending traditional designs with modern innovation to meet the immediate needs of war while preparing for future challenges.