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Mines Resurge: 3D Printing & Drones Fuel Deadlier Warfare
8 Nov
Summary
- 3D printing, microcontrollers, and drones enable deadlier, more accessible mines.
- Mines are now custom-made, harder to spot, and delivered precisely by drones.
- Several countries are withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty banning antipersonnel mines.
Antipersonnel mines, once declining in use, are experiencing a significant resurgence fueled by modern technologies. The Russia-Ukraine war has seen the deployment of mines that are both cheaper to produce and more advanced than ever before, thanks to 3D printing and microcontrollers. These innovations allow for custom designs that blend into surroundings and sophisticated triggers, making them more lethal and difficult to detect.
Drone technology has further transformed mine warfare, enabling precise delivery of both blast and fragmentation mines far behind enemy lines. This capability is being used to target civilian areas and infrastructure. The proliferation of these advanced mines raises alarms, as they pose a lasting threat to civilians for decades after conflicts end.
This new reality has led to a reassessment of the Ottawa Treaty's effectiveness. Several European nations have withdrawn or suspended their participation, indicating a shift in the perceived utility of mines. Demining agencies face urgent challenges in adapting to these evolving threats, while the global adoption of these accessible weapons is predicted to grow.
