Czech Republic to reinforce anti-tank capabilities with 10,000 Finnish Sentry mines.

On December 5, 2024, the Czech defense company STV Group signed a seven-year framework agreement with the Czech Ministry of Defence for the supply of the Sentry anti-tank mine system. The contract, valued at up to CZK 4.08 billion ($172 million), includes at least 10,000 mines along with training and associated tools. The Sentry anti-tank mine system incorporates encrypted mesh connectivity, remote control features, autonomous target recognition, and deactivation functionality for friendly forces. These features enable the establishment of anti-access and area denial zones.
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The Sentry system, developed jointly by Finland’s Forcit Defence and STV Group, is categorized as a next-generation anti-tank mine system with integrated networking and remote-control capabilities. (Picture source: Forcit Defence)

The Sentry system, developed jointly by Finland’s Forcit Defence and STV Group, is categorized as a next-generation anti-tank mine system with integrated networking and remote-control capabilities. Forcit Defence has previously delivered 1,500 Hailstorm shrapnel charges to the Czech Ministry of Defence. This agreement extends the existing collaboration between the Czech and Finnish defense industries.

The Sentry system uses 10.5-kg multi-sensor anti-tank mines with insensitive explosives and electronic modules. The mines are equipped with seismic and magnetic sensors for detecting armored vehicles and can be programmed to target specific equipment or convoys. They can function autonomously under electronic warfare conditions and allow for the safe passage of friendly forces. The mines feature encrypted communication systems for secure operation and can be managed remotely at both individual and minefield levels.

Each mine includes GPS for precise geolocation and can alert operators to positional changes. The mines can be deployed on the surface or buried, with real-time adjustability. They use a directional warhead designed to penetrate up to 140 mm of rolled homogeneous armor. Anti-handling mechanisms prevent tampering, and unused mines can be retrieved and redeployed. Deployment requires intervals of 2.5 meters, and nine mines are sufficient to block a standard two-lane road. The system is designed to achieve similar effectiveness to conventional mines with fewer units.

Lithuania has also procured the Sentry system, purchasing a batch for €5.9 million ($6.51 million). These mines are being deployed as part of a counter-mobility initiative along Lithuania’s borders with Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad region. Lithuanian authorities highlighted the system’s ability to differentiate between friendly and hostile forces and its remote activation and deactivation capabilities as operational advantages. This deployment forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen border defenses, including physical barriers and other obstacles.

The Czech Republic is enhancing its military capabilities due to heightened security concerns in Europe, particularly related to Russia's military actions in Ukraine. According to the 2023 Defence Strategy, Russia is identified as the primary long-term threat to the Czech Republic and NATO, marking the highest risk of military conflict since the Cold War. The strategy underscores the necessity for stronger national defense and increased NATO cooperation to address these risks.

Modernization efforts include the acquisition of new military equipment and international defense partnerships. The Czech government has approved the purchase of 24 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S., with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2033. Additionally, up to 28 Leopard 2A4 and 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks are being procured from Germany to replace Soviet-era T-72 tanks, reducing reliance on Russian-manufactured equipment. The Czech Republic has also provided $288 million in military aid to Ukraine, including aircraft, tanks, and ammunition. Furthermore, it is coordinating the procurement of artillery shells for Ukraine, financed through frozen Russian assets within the EU. These initiatives aim to strengthen national defense and address regional security objectives.