Korea Defense Industry introduces remote-controlled Mine Spreader-II vehicle with GPS-based mine deployment.

At KADEX 2024, the Korea Defense Industry introduced the Mine Spreader-II, a next-generation system designed to disrupt enemy maneuvers by rapidly deploying mines. The Mine Spreader-II is equipped with four 40-mine launchers, providing a mechanism for quickly laying obstacles on the battlefield. Its design incorporates technologies from the 4th Industrial Revolution, including wireless power transmission, wireless communication, complex sensor control, and cluster control algorithms. These technologies enable precise mine ejection and remote control, replacing conventional mine systems.
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The Mine Spreader-II, equipped with four 40-mine launchers, incorporates technologies from the 4th Industrial Revolution to enable precise mine ejection and remote control and replace conventional mine systems. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Mine Spreader-II employs intelligent mine technology, featuring sensors and integrated platform strike capabilities. It can be mounted on various vehicles, including armored ones, and deployed to obstruct enemy routes. A key feature is its GPS-based control of mine density and placement, allowing precise deployment based on the target's location and speed. The system also enables remote control of obstacle zones, offering anti-mobility support for military operations.

The system’s core technologies include multi-spray control for dispersing multiple mines over wide areas, intelligent ammunition design for targeting, and a protective system linking platforms and strike clusters. Additionally, it is equipped with a vehicle-launched scatterable system (VLSS-II), which can be used on platforms such as drones and armored vehicles. The VLSS-II scatters anti-tank and area-suppression ammunition over large regions to create obstacles. It is remotely controlled and includes features like automatic targeting and self-destruction to prevent mines from becoming long-term hazards.

Globally, mine-laying and mine-scattering vehicles have become integral to modern military strategies due to their ability to rapidly deploy minefields in both defensive and offensive operations. Russia's ISDM Zemledeliye, a remote mine-laying system deployed in 2022, is mounted on a KamAZ-6560 8x8 truck and can launch anti-tank and anti-personnel mines over distances of 5 to 15 kilometers. It uses 122mm rockets to scatter mines and is equipped with satellite navigation and weather systems for precise deployment. Each mine can be programmed to target specific threats, such as armored vehicles, and includes self-destruct mechanisms.

Russia's ISDM Zemledeliye, a remote mine-laying system deployed in 2022, is mounted on a KamAZ-6560 8x8 truck and can launch anti-tank and anti-personnel mines over distances of 5 to 15 kilometers. (Picture source: Russian social media)

On February 28, 2024, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attended the unveiling of the Vozrozhdenie bi-caliber multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) at NPO Strela. This system, based on the ISDM Zemledeliye 8x8, can launch 140mm mines for anti-tank or anti-personnel purposes and 220mm rockets from Russian MLRS systems like the BM-27 Uragan, TOS-1 Buratino, TOS-1A Solntsepek, and TOS-2 Tosochka.

The UMZ, another Russian system based on Soviet-era technology, remains in use. Built on the ZIL-131V chassis, it can deploy mines, including PTM-1 and PTM-3 anti-tank mines and POM-1 and PFM-1 anti-personnel mines. The UMZ can lay minefields up to 4,200 meters long while moving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. Although effective, the UMZ is vulnerable to modern countermeasures, as seen in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In Ukraine, Soviet-era mine-laying systems like the UMZ have been used to slow Russian advances during the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian forces have deployed dense minefields using these vehicles, significantly delaying Russian offensives and causing losses to armored vehicles. Although these systems lack modern features like remote control and satellite navigation, they remain crucial to Ukraine’s defense strategy.

Equipped with six mine launcher units from Belma, the Polish Baobab-K system can deploy up to 100 anti-tank mines per launcher, using MN123.1 and MN123.2 mines with programmable self-destruct mechanisms. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

China has studied the use of mine-laying systems, such as Russia’s ISDM Zemledeliye, in Ukraine and recognized their value in disrupting enemy movements. This has prompted China to improve its own mine-laying capabilities, potentially for future use in a Taiwan contingency.

Poland has also developed mine-laying vehicles, with the Baobab-K system originating from the Baobab prototype introduced in 2013. In December 2018, HSW and its partners were contracted by the Polish Army to develop the Baobab-K. Mounted on the Jelcz P662D.43 8x8 truck chassis, the system has a combat weight of 31,700 kg, a top speed of 85 km/h, and an off-road range of 580 km. Equipped with six mine launcher units from Belma, the system can deploy up to 100 anti-tank mines per launcher, using MN123.1 and MN123.2 mines with programmable self-destruct mechanisms.

South Korea has also advanced its mine-laying systems as part of its defense strategy. Systems like the Mine Spreader-II incorporate technologies such as remote control, precision deployment, and intelligent ammunition design to enhance defensive capabilities against potential threats from North Korea. These systems are designed to deploy mines quickly and safely, minimizing risks to both civilians and friendly forces.

The American M136 Volcano system includes M87A1 canisters, which contain anti-tank mines with magnetically induced fuses, making them highly effective against armored vehicles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In the United States, the M136 Volcano system is an automated mine delivery system that can quickly deploy anti-tank and anti-personnel mines over large areas. It is used by armed forces worldwide and can be mounted on aircraft or ground vehicles, providing a flexible and efficient means of creating extensive minefields. The Volcano system includes M87A1 canisters, which contain anti-tank mines with magnetically induced fuses, making them highly effective against armored vehicles. The system also features anti-personnel mines that deploy trip wires, adding another layer of defense against enemy forces.

The development of mine-laying vehicles continues to be shaped by automation, remote control, and battlefield management systems. Countries are increasingly focused on improving the precision, speed, and safety of mine deployment by using technologies like satellite navigation, real-time data transmission, and self-destruct features to enhance military capabilities.