Ukraine Developed the SHTORM-UA Anti-Personnel Mine

Skylab conducted tests of the Ukrainian SHTORM-UA anti-personnel mine.

The company stated that it is a directional mine.

“SHTORM-UA is designed to reliably protect positions and effectively neutralize the enemy,” the company noted.

A directional mine does not detonate uniformly around itself but directs the main force of the explosion in one direction.

The mine, equipped with a C-4 plastic explosive charge, can be quickly deployed on any surface and withstands temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50°C.

It is stated that the total blast radius is 30×20×2 m.

“The main advantage is full operator control. The barrier can remain active for an unlimited time, and detonation occurs exactly when necessary,” the company noted.

During detonation, the explosive energy is not evenly dispersed but instead “pushes” the metal elements forward, creating a dense stream of debris in a specific direction.

This allows the target to be struck within a defined area without creating the same level of risk behind the device.

Such mines are used for:

• perimeter defense;
• protecting positions;
• blocking narrow passages or potential attack routes.

At the same time, the most important aspect of a mine is the quality of the explosive. This has also become a problem for Ukraine.

This year, investigators uncovered a large-scale scheme to supply the Ukrainian Defense Forces with mines equipped with unsuitable explosives.