New Threat Emerges: 'Shahed' Drones Spotted with Anti-Tank Mines on Wings
A deeply unsettling development has emerged from the conflict zones, with multiple military sources reporting the utilization of Geran-2 ('Shahed') drones by Russian forces carrying an unprecedented and dangerous payload. Prominent communications and electronic warfare specialist Sergey 'Flash' Beskrestnov has alerted the public via his Telegram channel to what he terms a "new problem." Reports indicate that 'Shahed' drones, observed in various Ukrainian regions, are now equipped with a pair of dispensers (KPTM) under their wings, each loaded with PTM-3 anti-tank mines. These formidable mines are reportedly fitted with magnetic detonators, designed to trigger upon detecting nearby military hardware.
Unpacking the Sinister Strategy
At present, the precise strategic intent behind this alarming deployment remains unclear, according to Beskrestnov. The PTM-3 mine, primarily designed for area denial and minefield creation, could potentially be repurposed for a variety of nefarious objectives. These include orchestrating roadside ambushes, conducting acts of sabotage against agricultural machinery – a clear implication of targeting vehicles – or even as a tool for broader acts of terror. Beskrestnov issues a stern warning, urging individuals to remain vigilant, identify these discarded munitions, and crucially, to steer clear of them, especially when operating vehicles.
Visual Evidence and Deployment Details
Imagery circulating from the DroneBomber channel offers a stark visual of the 'Shahed' drones modified with the KPTM-3 dispensers. The channel has also provided close-up views of the dispensers themselves and the PTM-3 mines they contain. Similar configurations have been documented on UAVs observed in formations near the border regions of Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts. The 'Colonel of the General Staff' channel further elucidates the operational mechanics of these mine-dispensing cassettes. It explains that the dispenser utilizes a charge to eject the mine a distance away. Once released, the PTM-3 mines are designed to land and automatically assume a combat-ready state on the ground.
The Lethal Design of the PTM-3 Mine
The PTM-3 mine is engineered to be a potent anti-materiel weapon. According to information from the Sappers website, its primary function is to incapacitate wheeled and tracked vehicles. It achieves this through a shaped charge designed to detonate beneath the target, thereby destroying its running gear. Weighing approximately 4.9 kg, the PTM-3 is equipped with a non-contact detonator. A significant concern is its self-destruct timer, which is set to activate between 16 to 24 hours after deployment. Furthermore, the magnetic detonator is sensitive not only to large metallic objects like tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs) but also to the proximity of individuals carrying metallic items weighing as little as 50-100 grams, posing a grave risk to civilians and soldiers alike.
A Dire Warning and Call to Action
Crucially, the PTM-3 is a booby-trapped device. The aforementioned source emphasizes, "The mine is not disarmed; it is absolutely forbidden to move or lift it. It can only be neutralized by physical destruction in situ." This underscores the extreme danger posed by these mines. The author of the 'Colonel of the General Staff' channel implores everyone, particularly those in active combat positions, to meticulously track and record the flight paths of 'Shahed' drones, with a special emphasis on routes that traverse transportation arteries. The implied objective is the urgent and systematic detection and neutralization of these newly deployed, deadly mines.
The PTM-3 mine is not disarmed; it is absolutely forbidden to move or lift it. It can only be neutralized by physical destruction in situ.
The KPTM-3 cassette itself contains a single PTM-3 mine and the necessary ejection charge to deploy it effectively.
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