Russia is deploying Shahed-136 drones, known for their long-range strikes, to drop PTM-3 anti-tank mines in strategic areas of Ukraine.
This new tactic, revealed in videos released by Russian military channels, shows drones dispersing magnetic mines along supply routes and agricultural terrain, complicating Ukrainian logistics. The mines, small and hard to detect, are activated by the proximity of vehicles, posing an additional risk to troops and civilians in areas far from the front lines.
The National Police of Ukraine (NPU) warned the population after downing a Shahed in the Sumy region, equipped with canisters containing PTM-3 mines. According to experts, Russia may be testing this capability in an early phase, using human control or autopilot for precise operations. With a range exceeding 1,000 km, Shaheds could mine deep areas within Ukrainian territory, increasing pressure on the country’s already weakened defenses.
In addition to the Shaheds, Russia is also adapting Lancet loitering munitions to carry PTM-3 as warheads, increasing their destructive potential. Analysts note that while Ukraine already uses drones for tactical mining, the Russian escalation of this strategy, combined with the mass production of Shaheds, could exacerbate Ukraine’s logistical crisis.
If fully implemented, the tactic would turn previously considered safe routes into risk zones, further complicating troop and supply movements.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @GrandpaRoy2 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Using a Geran-2 (Shahed) long-range strike UAV to drop just two PTM-3 anti-tank landmines on frontline roads reflects the pathetic failure of Russia to develop a heavy lift drone fleet.
Ukraine has used its large heavy drone fleet to precision place many thousands of PTM-3s.
1/ https://t.co/ESaWGlwDqR pic.twitter.com/dGvejUAgtf— Roy🇨🇦 (@GrandpaRoy2) August 11, 2025
