MBDA subsidiary TDW GmbH has been awarded a contract to produce and deliver 2,600 PARM DM22 (Panzerabwehrrichtmine Deutsches Modell 22) off-route anti-tank mines to the German Armed Forces. TDW and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support signed the contract on 14 November 2023, marking the beginning of the procurement. The budget committee of the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, has given its approval for the production and delivery of an initial batch of PARM DM22. These off-route anti-tank mines are set to replace previously supplied mines to Ukraine, with Germany having generously provided 14,900 anti-tank mines to Ukraine. The production and delivery of these advanced DM22 mines, which are estimated to cost EUR 68 million (over USD 72 million), will be funded through resources allocated to partner countries for equipment and training.
“The order intake marks a first milestone of the ramp up of our production capacities. PARM strengthens TDW’s market position as a leading warhead company in Europe. We are convinced that PARM will help Germany, as well as other nations, develop and expand their area denial capabilities” commented Andreas Seitz, Managing Director of TDW.
“TDW provides core competences in the field of anti-access/area-denial systems and warheads. With the procurement, PARM is in the process of returning to serial production, making it the most available, most powerful roadside counter-mobility system on the market” stated Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director MBDA Germany.
These funds are managed by the German Ministry of Defense and the Foreign Ministry, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. Deliveries of the PARM DM22 anti-tank mines are scheduled to commence in 2026, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in bolstering its defense capabilities. The framework agreement for the production of DM22 anti-tank mines has been established with TDW, a subsidiary of MBDA. This comprehensive agreement includes an option to produce an additional 10,000 units of this advanced weapon, underlining Germany’s commitment to enhancing the security and defense capabilities of its partners.
The PARM DM22 represents a significant advancement in German off-route anti-tank mines technology. The development of this mine traces back to the early 1980s, with extensive trials conducted between March 1983 and March 1988. The PARM DM22 is a fully automated anti-tank effector that can defeat modern main battle tanks and armored cars. A single soldier is able to carry PARM and the system requires little training and is combat proven. Through its modular design, PARM can easily be adapted with different sensors and a remote control. This mine can be effectively employed for a wide range of strategic purposes, thanks to its innovative design. The PARM DM22 features a versatile mounting system on a small tripod, enabling it to be easily adjusted through 360 degrees, elevated to 90 degrees, and depressed to -45 degrees.
Furthermore, it incorporates a 5-minute arming delay and can be detonated either via command or through a fiber optic trigger cable, which activates the mine when it is triggered or crushed. The PARM DM22, an evolution of the PARM DM12 off-route anti-tank mine, comes equipped with a sensor system known as SAPIR (Sensor Active Passive Infrared). This addition significantly expands the mine’s tactical utility and enhances its effective range from 2–40 meters to an impressive 4–100 meters. Additionally, it features programmable settings that allow the mine to remain active for periods ranging from several hours to up to 30 days, ensuring maximum adaptability in various operational scenarios.
