Anti-tank mines: What are they and how do they work?
Introduction
Landmines are explosive devices that are concealed under or on the ground, and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, such as combatants, vehicles, or tanks, as they pass over or near them. Landmines can be divided into two types: anti-personnel mines, which are designed to injure or kill people; and anti-tank mines, which are designed to damage or destroy vehicles, especially tanks and armored fighting vehicles.
Anti-tank mines are a type of landmine that has been used in warfare since the First World War, when tanks were first introduced by the British. Since then, anti-tank mines have evolved in design, function, and deployment, and have been used in many conflicts around the world. However, anti-tank mines also pose a serious threat to civilians and the environment, as they can remain active for many years after a conflict has ended, causing casualties, injuries, and economic losses.
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In this article, we will explore what anti-tank mines are, how they work, how they are used in modern warfare, and how they affect civilians and the environment. We will also discuss some of the legal and ethical issues surrounding anti-tank mines, and some of the efforts to clear and ban them.
How anti-tank mines work
Definition and types of anti-tank mines
An anti-tank mine is a type of landmine that is designed to damage or destroy vehicles, especially tanks and armored fighting vehicles. Compared to anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines typically have a much larger explosive charge, and a fuze that is designed to be triggered by vehicles or, in some cases, remotely or by tampering with the mine.
Anti-tank mines can be classified into three main types, based on their mode of action: blast mines, shaped charge mines, and off-route mines.
Blast mines are the simplest and most common type of anti-tank mine. They contain a large amount of high explosive that detonates when a vehicle passes over or near them, creating a powerful shockwave that damages or destroys the vehicle's wheels, tracks, suspension, or hull. Blast mines can be buried under the ground or laid on the surface. Some examples of blast mines are the German Tellermine 35 , the Soviet TM-62 , and the American M15 .
Shaped charge mines are a more sophisticated type of anti-tank mine. They contain a smaller amount of high explosive that is shaped into a cone or a hemisphere that focuses the blast energy into a narrow jet of metal that penetrates the vehicle's armor. Shaped charge mines can be buried under the ground or attached to a stake or a tripod above the ground. Some examples of shaped charge mines are the German Riegelmine 43 , the Soviet TMK-2 , and the British No. 75 Hawkins grenade .
Off-route mines are a relatively new type of anti-tank mine. They contain a shaped charge warhead that is connected to a sensor or a trigger that detects the presence or movement of a vehicle within a certain range or direction. Off-route mines can be hidden on the side of a road or a trail, or mounted on a vehicle or an aircraft. When Visual inspection can be done by using binoculars, cameras, or drones, but it is also limited by the visibility and camouflage of the mines.
Metal detectors: This is a method of detecting anti-tank mines by using a device that emits an electromagnetic field and detects the presence of metal objects. Metal detectors can be handheld, vehicle-mounted, or robot-mounted, and can scan the ground for buried or surface-laid mines. Metal detectors are effective against most types of anti-tank mines, but they can also be fooled by metal clutter or interference.
Mine rollers: This is a method of detecting and clearing anti-tank mines by using a device that consists of a heavy cylinder or a series of wheels that are attached to the front of a vehicle. Mine rollers are designed to trigger the mines by applying pressure or vibration, and to protect the vehicle and its occupants from the blast. Mine rollers can clear a path through a minefield, but they can also miss some mines or cause secondary explosions.
Mine flails: This is a method of detecting and clearing anti-tank mines by using a device that consists of a rotating drum or chain with metal hammers or balls that are attached to the front of a vehicle. Mine flails are designed to detonate the mines by striking them with force, and to protect the vehicle and its occupants from the blast. Mine flails can clear a wide area of a minefield, but they can also damage the terrain or cause collateral damage.
Mine plows: This is a method of detecting and clearing anti-tank mines by using a device that consists of a blade or a rake that is attached to the front of a vehicle. Mine plows are designed to push or pull the mines aside, creating a safe lane for the vehicle and other vehicles to follow. Mine plows can clear a narrow area of a minefield, but they can also leave some mines exposed or displaced.
Explosive breaching: This is a method of detecting and clearing anti-tank mines by using an explosive charge that is placed on or near the suspected minefield. Explosive breaching is designed to detonate the mines by creating a shockwave, and to create a gap in the minefield for vehicles or troops to pass through. Explosive breaching can clear a large area of a minefield, but it can also cause environmental damage or civilian casualties.
Examples of anti-tank mines in recent conflicts
Anti-tank mines have been used in many conflicts around the world, both by state and non-state actors. Some of the examples are:
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The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): Both sides used anti-tank mines extensively along the border and in the disputed territories, creating one of the largest minefields in history. The Iranian forces used mostly Soviet-made TM-46 and TM-57 blast mines, while the Iraqi forces used mostly Italian-made VS-2.2 and VS-3.6 shaped charge mines. The war resulted in thousands of casualties and injuries from landmines, as well as massive environmental damage.
The Gulf War (1990-1991): The Iraqi forces used anti-tank mines to defend their positions in Kuwait and southern Iraq, as well as to hinder the coalition forces' advance. The Iraqi forces used mostly Chinese-made Type 72 blast mines and Italian-made VS-2.2 shaped charge mines, as well as some improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The coalition forces used various methods to detect and clear the mines, such as mine rollers, mine plows, explosive breaching, and air strikes. The war resulted in hundreds of casualties and injuries from landmines, as well as significant economic losses.
The War in Afghanistan (2001-present): The Taliban and other insurgent groups have used anti-tank mines to attack the Afghan government and NATO forces, as well as civilians and humanitarian workers. The insurgent groups have used mostly Soviet-made TM-46 and TM-62 blast mines, as well as some IEDs made from old artillery shells or fertilizer. The Afghan government and NATO forces have used various methods to detect and clear the mines, such as metal detectors, mine dogs, robots, and demining teams. The war has resulted in thousands of casualties and injuries from landmines, as well as severe humanitarian and development challenges.
The War in Donbass (2014-present): The Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists have used anti-tank mines to create defensive lines and blockades along the contact line in Donbass. The Ukrainian forces used mostly Soviet-made TM-62 and TM-64 blast mines, while the separatist forces used mostly Russian-made MON-50 and MON-90 shaped charge mines, as well as some IEDs. The war has resulted in hundreds of casualties and injuries from landmines, as well as ongoing humanitarian and security challenges.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (2020): The Armenian and Azerbaijani forces used anti-tank mines to defend their positions and hinder their opponents in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh and its surroundings. The Armenian forces used mostly Soviet-made TM-62 and TM-72 blast mines, while the Azerbaijani forces used mostly Turkish-made MKE MOD 1 and MKE MOD 2 shaped charge mines, as well as some Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions. The conflict resulted in thousands of casualties and injuries from landmines, as well as massive environmental damage and displacement.
How anti-tank mines affect civilians and the environment
The humanitarian and economic impact of anti-tank mines
Anti-tank mines are not only a threat to military vehicles, but also to civilians and their livelihoods. According to the Landmine Monitor 2020 report, anti-tank mines caused 1,066 casualties (including 286 deaths) in 2019, accounting for 19 percent of all landmine casualties. Of these, 84 percent were civilians, and 42 percent were children.
Anti-tank mines can harm civilians in various ways, such as:
Direct injury or death: Civilians can be killed or injured by anti-tank mines if they accidentally step on or touch them, or if they are caught in the blast radius of a mine triggered by a vehicle. Anti-tank mines can cause severe injuries, such as amputations, burns, fractures, or internal organ damage.
Indirect harm or displacement: Civilians can be affected by anti-tank mines if they prevent them from accessing essential services or resources, such as health care, education, water, food, or markets. Anti-tank mines can also force civilians to flee their homes or lands, or to live in fear and insecurity.
Economic loss or damage: Civilians can suffer from economic losses or damages caused by anti-tank mines if they destroy or damage their property, infrastructure, crops, livestock, or vehicles. Anti-tank mines can also reduce the productivity and income of civilians who depend on agriculture, trade, or transportation.
Anti-tank mines can also have a negative impact on the environment, such as:
Pollution or contamination: Anti-tank mines can pollute or contaminate the soil, water, air, or vegetation with toxic substances or materials, such as explosives, metals, plastics, or chemicals. Anti-tank mines can also create hazardous waste that requires proper disposal or management.
Destruction or degradation: Anti-tank mines can destroy or degrade the natural habitats, ecosystems, or biodiversity of an area with their explosions or fires. Anti-tank mines can also affect the climate or weather patterns of an area with their smoke or dust.
Disruption or alteration: Anti-tank mines can disrupt or alter the natural processes or functions of an area with their presence or removal. Anti-tank mines can also affect the human-nature interactions or relationships of an area with their effects on wildlife, flora, fauna, or resources.
The legal and ethical issues of anti-tank mines
The international treaties and conventions on anti-tank mines
Anti-tank mines are subject to various international treaties and conventions that regulate their use, production, stockpiling, Anti-tank mines are subject to various international treaties and conventions that regulate their use, production, stockpiling, transfer, and destruction. Some of the most relevant ones are:
The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW): This is a multilateral treaty that seeks to prohibit or restrict the use of certain weapons that are considered to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects. The CCW has five protocols, of which the second one (Protocol II) deals with landmines, including anti-tank mines. Protocol II was adopted in 1980 and amended in 1996, and it sets some rules and restrictions on the use, marking, recording, removal, and destruction of landmines. However, Protocol II does not ban any type of landmine, and it allows for some exceptions and reservations by the states parties. As of June 2021, there are 125 states parties to Protocol II.
The Mine Ban Treaty (MBT): This is a multilateral treaty that comprehensively bans the use, stockpiling, production, transfer, and destruction of anti-personnel mines. The MBT was adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 1999, and it is also known as the Ottawa Treaty or the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The MBT does not explicitly address anti-tank mines, but it prohibits any explosive device that can be detonated unintentionally by a person, regardless of its technical features or label. Therefore, some types of anti-tank mines with sensitive fuzes or antihandling devices are considered to be banned by the MBT. As of June 2021, there are 164 states parties to the MBT.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM): This is a multilateral treaty that prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, transfer, and destruction of cluster munitions. Cluster munitions are weapons that disperse or release multiple explosive submunitions over a wide area. Some types of cluster munitions contain anti-tank submunitions that function as off-route mines. The CCM was adopted in 2008 and entered into force in 2010, and it is also known as the Oslo Convention or the Cluster Munition Ban Convention. The CCM bans all types of cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians, including those with anti-tank submunitions. As of June 2021, there are 110 states parties to the CCM.
The ethical and humanitarian arguments for banning anti-tank mines
Anti-tank mines are not only a weapon of war, but also a weapon of terror and oppression. They cause indiscriminate harm to civilians and the environment, and they violate the principles of humanity and human dignity. Therefore, many human rights organizations, humanitarian agencies, civil society groups, and religious leaders have called for a total ban on anti-tank mines, as well as other types of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Some of the ethical and humanitarian arguments for banning anti-tank mines are:
They are disproportionate and unnecessary: Anti-tank mines cause more harm than good in modern warfare. They do not discriminate between military and civilian vehicles or targets, and they often fail to achieve their intended military objectives. They also create long-term risks and burdens for civilians and the environment that outweigh their short-term benefits for combatants.
They are cruel and inhumane: Anti-tank mines inflict severe pain and suffering on their victims, both physically and psychologically. They can kill or injure people instantly or slowly, leaving them with permanent disabilities or trauma. They can also deprive people of their basic rights and needs, such as health care, education, livelihoods, or mobility.
They are unjust and oppressive: Anti-tank mines affect mostly vulnerable and marginalized populations, Anti-tank mines affect mostly vulnerable and marginalized populations, such as women, children, refugees, or ethnic minorities. They can also exacerbate existing conflicts or inequalities, such as poverty, violence, or discrimination. They can also undermine the efforts of peacebuilding, reconciliation, or development in post-conflict societies.
The efforts to clear and ban anti-tank mines
The challenges and opportunities of mine clearance
Clearing anti-tank mines is a complex and costly process that requires specialized skills, equipment, and resources. It also involves various challenges and risks, such as:
Lack of information or records: Many anti-tank mines are not marked, mapped, or recorded by the parties that laid them, making it difficult to locate and identify them. Some anti-tank mines are also moved or buried by natural or human factors, such as floods, landslides, or farming.
Variety and complexity of mines: Anti-tank mines come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, making it hard to distinguish them from other objects or devices. Some anti-tank mines are also equipped with sophisticated fuzes or antihandling devices that make them more sensitive or resistant to detection or clearance.
Security and safety threats: Clearing anti-tank mines can expose the deminers and the surrounding communities to various dangers, such as accidental detonations, booby traps, IEDs, or hostile attacks. Clearing anti-tank mines can also require access to hazardous or contested areas, such as war zones, border regions, or wildlife reserves.
However, clearing anti-tank mines also offers various opportunities and benefits, such as:
Saving lives and limbs: Clearing anti-tank mines can prevent or reduce the number of casualties and injuries caused by them. It can also improve the health and well-being of the survivors and their families.
Restoring livelihoods and development: Clearing anti-tank mines can enable or enhance the access to essential services and resources for the affected communities. It can also increase the productivity and income of the people who depend on agriculture, trade, or transportation.
Building peace and stability: Clearing anti-tank mines can foster trust and cooperation among the former enemies or adversaries. It can also support the implementation of peace agreements or disarmament processes.
Protecting the environment: Clearing anti-tank mines can reduce or eliminate the pollution or contamination caused by them. It can also preserve or restore the natural habitats, ecosystems, or biodiversity of an area.
The role and responsibility of different actors
Clearing and banning anti-tank mines is a shared responsibility that involves different actors at different levels. Some of the main actors are:
The states parties: The states parties are the countries that have ratified or acceded to the international treaties and conventions on anti-tank mines. They have the obligation to comply with their provisions and commitments, such as destroying their stockpiles, clearing their territories, assisting the victims, reporting their progress, or cooperating with other states parties.
The non-state actors: The non-state actors are the groups or organizations that are not affiliated with any state, such as rebel groups, terrorist groups, criminal gangs, or private companies. They have the duty to respect the international humanitarian law and human rights law that apply to them, such as refraining from using anti-tank mines against civilians or humanitarian workers.
The international organizations: The international organizations are the entities that operate at the global or regional level, such as the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, or the African Union. They have the role to monitor and enforce the compliance of the states parties and the non-state actors with the international treaties and conventions on anti-tank mines. They also have the function to provide or coordinate the assistance and support for the mine clearance, victim assistance, mine risk education, or mine action advocacy.
The civil society organizations: The civil society organizations are the groups or organizations that operate at the local or national level, such as the non-governmental organizations, the media, the academic institutions, or the religious groups. They have the task to raise awareness and mobilize public opinion on the issue of anti-tank mines. They also have the capacity to deliver or facilitate the services and activities related to mine clearance, victim assistance, mine risk education, or mine action advocacy.
The individuals: The individuals are the people who are directly or indirectly affected by anti-tank mines, such as the survivors, the families, the communities, or the general public. They have the right to receive protection and assistance from the states parties and other actors. They also have the power to influence and contribute to the efforts to clear and ban anti-tank mines, such as by participating in mine risk education, reporting suspected minefields, donating funds or resources, or joining campaigns or movements.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have learned about anti-tank mines, which are a type of landmine that is designed to damage or destroy vehicles, especially tanks and armored fighting vehicles. We have explored how anti-tank mines work, how they are used in modern warfare, and how they affect civilians and the environment. We have also discussed some of the legal and ethical issues surrounding anti-tank mines, and some of the efforts to clear and ban them.
Some of the main points that we have covered are:
Anti-tank mines can be classified into three main types: blast mines, shaped charge mines, and off-route mines.
Anti-tank mines have advantages and disadvantages in warfare, such as being cheap and easy to deploy, but also being detectable and clearable by various methods.
Anti-tank mines have been used in many conflicts around the world, such as the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, the War in Donbass, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Anti-tank mines cause humanitarian and economic harm to civilians and environmental damage or degradation.
Anti-tank mines are subject to international treaties and conventions that regulate their use, production, stockpiling, transfer, and destruction, such as the CCW Protocol II, the MBT, and the CCM.
Clearing and banning anti-tank mines is a shared responsibility that involves different actors at different levels, such as the states parties, the non-state actors, the international organizations, the civil society organizations, and the individuals.
Recommendations for further reading or action
If you are interested in learning more about anti-tank mines, or if you want to take action to support the efforts to clear and ban them, here are some recommendations for further reading or action:
Read the Landmine Monitor 2020 report: This is an annual report that provides a global overview of the landmine situation, including anti-tank mines. It covers topics such as casualties, contamination, clearance, stockpiles, transfers, bans, and assistance. You can access the report online at [Landmine Monitor 2020].
Visit the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) website: This is a global network of civil society organizations that works to end the suffering caused by landmines, including anti-tank mines. It advocates for the universalization and implementation of the MBT and other relevant treaties and conventions. It also supports the mine-affected communities and survivors. You can visit the website at [ICBL].
Donate to the HALO Trust: This is a humanitarian organization that specializes in mine clearance and risk education in post-conflict countries. It employs local staff and uses innovative technologies to clear landmines, including anti-tank mines. It also helps the affected communities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. You can donate online at [HALO Trust].
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about anti-tank mines:
What is the difference between anti-tank mines and anti-personnel mines?
Anti-tank mines are designed to damage or destroy vehicles, especially tanks and armored fighting vehicles. Anti-personnel mines are designed to injure or kill people. Anti-tank mines typically have a much larger explosive charge and a fuze that is triggered by vehicles or remotely. Anti-personnel mines typically have a smaller explosive charge and a fuze that is triggered by pressure or tripwire.
How can I tell if an object is an anti-tank mine?
It is not easy to tell if an object is an anti-tank mine, as they come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Some anti-tank mines are buried under the ground or camouflaged with soil or debris. Some anti-tank mines are attached to stakes or tripods above the ground or hidden on the side of a road or a trail. Some anti-tank mines look like boxes, cylinders, plates, or discs. Some anti-tank mines have wires, antennas, or switches on them. If you see any suspicious object that could be an anti-tank mine, do not touch it or approach it. Report it to the authorities or a demining organization immediately.
How can I avoid anti-tank mines?
The best way to avoid anti-tank mines is to stay away from areas that are known or suspected to be contaminated with them. If you have to travel in such areas, follow these safety tips:
Use marked roads or paths that are cleared of mines.
Do not drive off-road or over unfamiliar terrain.
Do not touch or move any objects that could be mines or booby traps.
Do not enter any buildings or structures that could be mined or booby trapped.
Do not follow any signs or instructions that could be traps or diversions.
Do not rely on any devices or methods that claim to detect or protect against mines.
What should I do if I encounter an anti-tank mine?
If you encounter an anti-tank mine, follow these steps:
Stop and stay calm.
Mark the location of the mine with a sign or a marker.
Move away from the mine slowly and carefully.
Warn others about the mine and keep them away from it.
Contact the authorities or a demining organization as soon as possible.
What should I do if I am injured by an anti-tank mine?
If you are injured by an anti-tank mine, follow these steps:
Call for help and stay calm.
Apply pressure to any bleeding wounds with a clean cloth or bandage.
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