Revealing the most terrible mines of the Russian army

According to the United Nations, more than 26,000 people in 75 countries around the world die each year from landmines. Although explosive weapons that kill infantry are an inhumane means of war, many countries continue to use them.

Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

The common reason is: Mines are not only an effective tool to kill enemy troops, but also create psychological pressure that can stop entire divisions, because soldiers will be afraid of unseen threats.

RIA Novosti has compiled a list of the most dangerous mines currently in service with the Russian Army.

One of the most famous Russian mines is the “Witch” or OZM072. This mine was manufactured in the 70s during the Soviet Union and belongs to the class of explosive jump mines. The structure of the mine is quite simple, consisting of a steel cup with an explosive charge and a fuse with 660 grams of TNT and 2,400 lethal fragments.

The mine operates when the tension wire is released after impact and shoots the explosive charge to a height of 60 - 80cm. The mine's lethal radius is about 72 - 75m. This mine was used effectively in the Afghanistan battlefield.

The “Petal” mine did not have a powerful explosive like the “Witch” mine, but had a warhead of only 37 grams of explosive. It did not explode and scatter metal fragments, but it had a huge psychological impact. The problem was that when it exploded, it would tear the foot off. This could stop an entire squad, as wounded soldiers would need help to move on.

Therefore, the enemy forces will have to be very careful to move forward if there are no good mine clearance experts to clear the way. Notably, the “Petal” mine does not need to be carefully arranged but is scattered on the ground. Its small size makes it difficult to detect, making it even more dangerous.

One of the most effective anti-personnel mines is the MON-50 guided mine. This mine was developed in the Soviet Union in the 60s and 70s. It can be attached to any surface and detonated via a remote control.

The destructive power of this mine is amazing - all life within a radius of 54 degrees and at a height of 15cm to 4m will be affected by 540 metal fragments and 700 grams of explosives. This mine can help destroy an entire truck.

The PMN anti-personnel mine, also known as the “black widow,” is a type of explosive device that has been in service since 1950. It has been used in many conflicts of the last century. Its characteristics are low weight and non-fragmentation.

The destruction of the target is carried out by detonating 200 grams of explosive. The small weight allows soldiers to carry spares and widely deploy them on the ground to become an impossible minefield to defuse.

According to Danviet