DRDO develops minefield marking system for Indian Army to enable faster, semi-automated deployment – check out its features

The Indian Army uses minefield marking as a critical activity to provide immediate warnings and visual signs near hazardous areas. This process, which involves placing pickets and tying ropes between them, establishes a physical barrier that distinguishes known danger zones from cleared areas. The task is currently supported by the Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-I, developed by R&DE (E).

To enhance the speed and reduce human effort in this process, the Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-II has been developed. The upgraded system is designed for semi-automatic operation with minimal manual intervention. It is capable of marking minefields more efficiently and is suitable for deployment in the plains of Punjab, as well as the semi-desert and desert regions of Rajasthan.

Minefield marking: System capabilities and operation

The Mk-II equipment is mounted on a TATRA 6x6 vehicle platform and can erect pickets at adjustable distances ranging from 10 to 35 metres in 5-metre intervals. While the system automatically rolls out nylon (polypropylene) ropes from its onboard spools, manual effort is still required to tie the ropes to the pickets at two height levels.

The equipment can continuously place up to 500 pickets in one operation. Depending on soil conditions and spacing, it can cover a perimeter of at least 1.2 kilometres per hour using 15-metre intervals. Ten spools are installed onboard, each carrying 1.5 kilometres of rope, enabling the system to support up to 15 kilometres of fencing in a single run.

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Technical specifications

The system comprises mechanical, electrical, electronic, and pneumatic sub-systems. Its mechanical elements include one picket storage unit, one Picket Holder Assembly (PHA), a pneumatic system, buffer assembly, ten rope spools with braking mechanisms, a container, a platform, one linear motor guide, and seating for two operators.

The electrical sub-system includes a power pack, Power Distribution Unit (PDU), linear motor, lighting, and ventilation. A linear motor is used to hammer the pickets into the ground, resting on a stopper when not in use. This stopper is actuated by an electrical actuator. A diesel generator (DG-set) supplies the required power, which is regulated by the PDU based on the equipment’s demands.

The electronic sub-system features an auto/manual control panel, main and field junction boxes, a Distance Measuring Device (DMD), a driver’s display panel, linear motor controller, and various sensors. These components support automatic operation of both electrical and pneumatic actuators.

All sub-systems are integrated within a box-type container welded to the platform, which is secured to the vehicle chassis using U-bolts.

Deployment and production plans

The system is capable of operating within a temperature range of 0 to 45°C and requires a crew of four, including one driver and three operators.

The Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), Pune, a premier DRDO laboratory, has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Indian industries with the technical and financial capability to manufacture and supply the Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-II with the requisite quality standards.