Russian Army Confirms German-made PARM 1 Off-route Anti-tank Mines in Ukraine

Ukraine Weapons Tracker reported that that Germany delivered pretty rare PARM DM12 HEAT off-route anti-tank mines, which can strike enemy vehicles with fin stabilized rockets up 100 meters away. Some was captured by Russian troops near Izium, Kharkiv Oblast. The mine is suited for both protective and tactical use and allows to dirsupt, fix or turn the movement of opposing forces. It is unclear how many of them were supplied, however previously Germany claimed they donated 2000 mines of various types. The DM-12 PARM 1 is still in the inventory of the Bundeswehr. The delivery to the German Army took place starting in 1991, they introduced as DM 12 PARM 1.

The PARM 1 (Panzerabwehr-richtmine, Automated Anti-Tank Weapon) was developed in the 1980s as “off-route” from mine arms company MBB. It was tested between March 1983 and March 1988 and approved in June 1988 for use. The mine was developed in the early 1980s to meet the US MIL-STD-331A and US MIL-STD-810C requirements. Trials of the mine were conducted between March 1983 and March 1988. In June 1988 it was accepted into service with the German Army, with the Army receiving the first batch of 25,000 between 1991 and 1994. The PARM 2 was a development of PARM 1 incorporating an infra-red sensor, and an improved rocket.

The PARM 1 is mounted on a small tripod, allowing it to be traversed through 360 degrees and elevated to 90 degrees and depressed to -45 degrees. The mine can once be established, more than 40 days will be used at a site, then they shut down. the PARM is an autonomous, sensor-controlled Panzerfaust, which can be placed on a tripod along roadsides or ditches to protect roads and paths (off-route). Enabled by the perception of an engine sound via an acoustic sensor a misplaced on-the-road optical cable (max. length: 40 meters ) is activated. A specific timed electric discharge device ensures that the PARM is compliant to International Humanitarian Law.

When rolling over by a heavy vehicle, this cable is used as a trigger to initiate the ignition of the charge. Then shoots the PARM a recoilless projectile to the respective target from which fires a shaped charge on impact. The shaped charge applies for the vehicle at a at most destinations weakly armored body, namely the lateral trough in the field of casters or wheels. The mine has an effective range of between 2 and 40 metres. The rocket has a velocity of approximately 120 metres per second, and has a claimed armour penetration of 600 millimeters. The shaped charge perforates conventional armour and ERA to a considerable extent.