The Sentry ATM anti-tank mines manufactured by Finland’s Forcit Defence worth of EUR 5.9 million have been delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Design of the mines make them particularly effective in destroying or damaging tanks and other armored tactical vehicles. Mining is an effective countermobility method in borderline areas. Containing several industry-first features the SENTRY system delivers undefeated stopping power and dominates battle fields by creating Anti-Access and Area Denial zones while enabling friendly ground forces to pass. Ministers of Defence of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia signed a Letter of Intent back in the beginning of the year on strengthening cooperation on the development of effective countermobility measures on the border with hostile neighbors.
“We are purchasing mines because it is a very important element of effective countermobility measures. A significant portion of resources will go to mining capabilities and procurement of different types of mines. We already have contracts in place and the first of the mines are already in the warehouses of the Lithuanian military,” Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas says.
All the signatories agreed to reinforce countermobility installations along the eastern NATO border taking into account national requirements, geographical peculiarities, and available and planned military capabilities. Reinforcement of borderline with Russia and Belarus is a priority for Lithuania and Poland as well. While Lithuania proceeds with the implementation of the countermobility measures plan, which includes strengthening security of the Suwalki Gap as well, Poland makes significant investments in its own border fortifications too. EUR 600 million may be needed to fully implement the countermobility measures in Lithuania over the next 10 years.
The Sentry ATM anti-tank mines are next generation remote-controlled antitank mine system which combines advanced encrypted mesh connectivity and fierce target penetration capacity. It is designed to retain mobility of friendly forces by deactivating remotely temporarily or fully if required. The equipment recognizes and identifies hostile targets, autonomously sets detonation time thus causing maximum damage to hostile equipment. Sentry system is the future of land warfare, fully compliant with modern arms treaties and ensuring readiness to deny hostile access with a 25 year shelf life.
