A Russian smart anti-tank mine has been deployed in Ukraine for the first time, according to reports.
The PTKM-1R mine uses sensors to detect approaching vehicles and compares the sound to a list of noises made by approved targets, as manufacturers say it will avoid it firing at civilian vehicles.
Once it detects enemy vehicles the mine launches its payload 100ft into the air, which then scans the ground for possible targets to strike with infrared sensors.
Advert
The mine then fires a projectile at targets with such speed that it can blast through a tank's armour plating and kill the crew of the vehicle.
According to the Telegraph, a photo reportedly taken on 26 April was shared on social media which showed one of these mines installed in a Ukrainian field.
The PTKM-1R is a 'top attack weapon', meaning it is designed to attack armoured vehicles by striking them on their top where the armour plating is usually thinnest.
Advert
The Russian military reportedly first began using the terrifying smart mine in 2020, though it was not officially unveiled until 2021.
The West has similar weapons, as the Russian PTKM-1R has been compared to the US-made M93 Hornet Wide-Area Munition, another top-attack mine.
While it is not yet known whether the weapon has been used to destroy any Ukrainian tanks, it is a sign of the way military technology is adapting to stronger tank armour by finding new ways to strike heavily-protected vehicles.
Ukrainian forces have had great success destroying Russian armour with top-attack weapons, including artillery strikes and handheld missile launchers which have reduced many of Vladimir Putin's fighting vehicles to heaps of junk.
It has been more than two months since Putin began his invasion of Ukraine by sending troops across the border for what his government describes as a 'special military operation'.
Advert
Since the invasion date of 24 February, thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed while millions of Ukrainian civilians have been forced to flee their homes and even their country to escape Russian attacks.
Russia's invasion has been met with widespread international condemnation as many countries have sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine and supported their military with weapon shipments.
Sanctions have also been imposed against members of Putin's regime by many countries.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin
