The Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) dropped a video on Tuesday showcasing their brand new anti-tank landmine called the TM-2025. It seems like a fancy upgrade from the old TM-62 version, which came in various materials like metal, plastic, wood, and even cardboard. Back in the day, the TM-62 was the go-to anti-tank landmine for the Soviet military, popping up in all sorts of operations led by Moscow and its buddies.
The TM-2025 still rocks a lot of the same features as its predecessor, but with some snazzy improvements that make it more versatile than just blowing up vehicles. The body of the TM-2025 is sleeker and smoother than the TM-62, thanks to better finishing. But the real magic happens with the fusing system of the landmine. The TM-2025 now sports a new electromechanical fuse called MPEM-1, ditching the old mechanical fuses or outdated versions of electromechanical fuses used in the TM-62. The video hints that the fuse body and many components of the MPEM-1 were 3D printed. In April 2024, the Militarniy website sniffed out plastic-cased versions of Soviet anti-personnel and anti-tank landmines, possibly also 3D printed.
There’s a sneaky internal battery and electronics setup in the TM-2025, hinting at a possible electromagnetic sensor. This sensor would allow the mine to trigger when a target vehicle rolls overhead or close enough to mess with the magnetic field.
A little side fuse slot lets you add an anti-handling module to spice up combat clearance. You could also opt for remote detonation by an operator in the landmine role or if using it as an engineering demolition charge. The coolest part? You can turn the mine into an air-dropped weapon delivered by drones. Ukraine has been cleverly fitting TM-62s with makeshift delivery systems to drop them from drones or drive them on ground vehicles like the Ratel S system, disrupting Russian attacks. The TM-62 usually packed 7.5 kilograms (16.5 pounds) of TNT or a TNT/RDX explosive charge. No deets yet on the type and weight of explosive filling in the new TM-2025.
After a gig in the British Army as an Ammunition Specialist and Bomb Disposal Officer, Steve jumped into the world of ammunition destruction, demining, and explosive ordnance disposal with the UN and NATO. In 2017, he jetted off to Ukraine with his Ukrainian wifey and two kiddos, becoming a full-time writer. Now, he’s the big shot senior writer and English language editor at the Kyiv Post.
