Ukraine deploys new ADAM mines to counter Russian offensives
The Ukrainian army has recently received crucial support in the form of ADAM (Area Denial Artillery Munition) anti-personnel mines, which are now being deployed against Russian forces, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. This weapon is instrumental in countering Russian "human wave" attacks.
In the fall of 2024, reports began circulating on social media indicating that the Ukrainian armed forces would gain new support in addressing Russian "human wave" attacks. Initially, there were mentions of unspecified anti-personnel mines to be provided by the United States. It is now confirmed that the Pentagon has supplied Ukraine with 155 mm artillery shells equipped with ADAM mines, as evidenced by photos published online. This marks the first appearance of ADAMs on the Ukrainian front.
Modern ADAM mines in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers
ADAM mines were first observed with soldiers from the 24th Independent Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. OSINT analysts note these are M692 shells, which contain 36 M67 anti-personnel mines. There is also the M731 variant, containing 36 mines of another type referred to as M72. The latter is known for a short self-destruction delay of 48 hours, while the former, with M67 mines, self-destructs after four hours.
ADAM anti-personnel mines
The mentioned anti-personnel mines are launched from the American M109 self-propelled howitzer. With this, the shells achieve a range of nearly 18 kilometres.
The purpose of anti-personnel mines is to injure or completely neutralize enemy units. Upon impact, the shell releases wires that activate the mines. The mine is detonated using electric current, and when the battery charge falls below a certain level, the weapon self-destructs.
In the event of a malfunction and failure to self-destruct, the battery of this ammunition fully discharges after 14 days, rendering the mine inactive. A single M692/M731 shell weighs just under 45 kilograms and measures approximately 0.9 metres.
