Army to procure automated system for rapidly laying mines during operations

The Indian Army has sought an automated vehicle-based system that would enable its combat engineers to rapidly lay minefields during operations to delay or check enemy advances.

Referred to as the ‘Vehicle-Based Mine Scattering System’ (VBMSS), it will be used to deploy both anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. The Army has projected a requirement for 70 such systems, according to a request for information (RFI) issued by the Ministry of Defence on December 20.

“During operations, minimum mines are envisaged to be laid ab initio and a majority of the mines will be laid as responsive/ reactive minefields once enemy build up/thrust line is discerned,” the RFI states.

“Hence there is a need to induct the VBMSS in the Indian Army as it should equip the Army with the capability of dispensing mines in the shortest possible time. It will not only be economical, but will also upset the enemy’s time schedule and will force him to redeploy,” the RFI adds.

Its timely use can surprise the enemy, unhinge him and be an effective force multiplier by dispensing mines at a faster rate with reasonable accuracy.

The system will be employed by engineer units for rapidly laying minefields in the face of the enemy in a constrained time frame to cater for enemy build-up and disrupt enemy thrust lines.

The VBMSS will comprise of an independently powered mine dispensing sub-system mounted on a high mobility vehicle that would give it cross-country capability in plains, desert and semi-desert terrain, with the ability to carry out operations in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C.

Mine fields are also laid as a defensive measure along vulnerable border stretches during peacetime or before the commencement of actual hostilities in anticipation of possible enemy movements.