Russian Forces Deploy Hard-to-Detect 3D-Printed Mines in Kherson.

The Situation in Kherson

According to TSN.ua: Russian military forces in Kherson have begun deploying a new type of anti-personnel mine, manufactured from 3D-printed plastic, which poses a severe threat to civilians. Due to their production technology, these mines are virtually impossible to spot in grass or green areas. Vladimir Perepelitsa, head of the explosive ordnance disposal service for the National Police in Kherson Oblast, detailed the dangerous characteristics of these new munitions, noting that the average pressure required to trigger a mine is approximately seven kilograms.

The mines used by the occupying forces are a modernized version of so-called 'pastry' mines. Vladimir Perepelitsa emphasized that this level of pressure is sufficient to cause extremely severe injuries to an adult. The dangerous items have been discovered in various districts of Kherson, including the city center and the Korabelnyi district. Furthermore, these mines are being dropped by quadcopter-type drones, complicating their detection and neutralization. This tactic represents a concerning shift in the weaponization of commercially available drone technology.

Technology and Safety Recommendations

The deployment technologies involve linking drones into a unified network, a method identified on the 'Molniya' strike UAVs. This increases the effectiveness of using these new munitions. Given this evolving threat, it is critical to follow a specific safety protocol upon discovering a suspicious object:

• Do not approach
• Move away
• Mark the hazardous area
• Report it to the State Emergency Service or the police

The types of hazardous objects that can be dropped from drones include anti-personnel mines, which threaten the life and health of the civilian population. The situation in Kherson demands heightened vigilance and caution, as new battlefield technologies are reshaping conventional understandings of safety.

The use of new technologies in military conflicts, such as 3D-printed anti-personnel mines, underscores the evolution of combat tactics and methods.

Considering the specific characteristics of the new mines, civilians in Kherson and other regions must be exceptionally cautious and adhere to safety guidelines. This development also highlights the urgent need for state authorities to enhance demining efforts and public safety measures, a critical task in the face of this growing and insidious threat.