New footage shared on social media confirms that Russian Shahed-136 drones are being used to drop PTM-3 anti-tank mines in flight.
In a video recorded by a Ukrainian interceptor drone during an engagement, it is possible to see the moment a Russian Geran-2 drone ejects its KPТМ containers, each containing a PTM-3 mine, before continuing its flight.
The footage, circulating on Ukrainian defense channels, clearly documents the mine release sequence while the Russian variant of the Iranian Shahed drone attempts to deploy its payload before impact.
“Two KPТМ containers are mounted under the wings, and each container holds one PTM-3 anti-tank mine. The container has an ejection charge and is necessary to launch the mine a certain distance before it hits the ground and becomes armed,” the Ukrainians explained on a Telegram channel.
Ukrainian sources noted that the drone was intercepted shortly afterward. The recording marks the first visual confirmation that Russia has begun using its Shahed drones as improvised aerial mine carriers.
The Soviet-made PTM-3 anti-tank mine is described as particularly dangerous due to its activation method.
“The PTM-3 reacts to changes in the surrounding electromagnetic field (it reacts to large metal objects such as a tank or armored vehicle),” the report explains.
“The mine cannot be disarmed; it must not be moved or lifted under any circumstances. It can only be made safe by physically destroying it in place.”
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