Homemade Mines of a New Design in Kherson
Russian occupying forces are now using a novel type of improvised anti-personnel mine in Kherson, fabricated with 3D printing technology. These mines feature a plastic casing, which makes them difficult to detect with standard metal detectors. They are further camouflaged with a special fabric that absorbs sunlight, adding another layer of difficulty for identification. The mines are dropped by drones across various parts of Kherson, scattering them into grass and onto soft ground.
The new mines have an average trigger weight of 7 kilograms. Crucially, they lack a self-destruct mechanism, rendering them a persistent and heightened danger. These devices are an upgraded version of improvised explosive devices previously known as 'pryaniki' or 'gingerbread cookies.' The primary improvements lie in the 3D-printed casing and an increased explosive payload. Inside, they contain a detonator and an electrical initiation system that is more sensitive than traditional mechanical triggers.
Expert Opinion
Volodymyr Perepelytsia, a security expert:
'It is printed on a 3D printer; inside it contains explosive material, a detonator, and what is needed for it to function. It works the same way as a PFM mine—from pressure applied to it. If a person steps on it, or a vehicle drives over it, the plastic bends, sometimes breaks, and an explosion occurs.'
The expert emphasized that these mines are extremely hard to spot in grass because the fabric does not reflect sunlight directly but absorbs it. 'Recently, the enemy has been dropping mines onto soft surfaces so the plastic doesn't shatter, and in grass, they are the most difficult to see. We have encountered these munitions in various parts of Kherson,' noted Volodymyr Perepelytsia. Consequently, these new improvised mines represent a severe threat to the civilian population.
This development underscores the increasing technological adaptation of Russian forces in the conflict, which is likely to elevate risks for civilians in combat zones. The use of 3D printing for military hardware opens new avenues for creating dangerous munitions that are harder to detect. This highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and greater public awareness in affected regions. The ongoing war has seen both sides innovate with drone technology and other means, making the battlefield increasingly complex and hazardous for non-combatants.