Zemledeliye (Russian: Земледелие, lit. Agriculture) is a Russian remote minelaying system (Russian: инженерная система дистанционного минирования; ИСДМ or ISDM). It is designed for the rapid creation of minefields from a distance in particularly dangerous areas. The system is used in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, most notably during 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.
| Zemledeliye | |
|---|---|
 Zemledeliye mine launcher | |
| Type | Remote minelayer Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin | Russian Federation |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2020–present |
| Used by | Russian Armed Forces Russian Engineer Troops |
| Wars | Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Splav State Research and Production Enterprise |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 10.3 m |
| Width | 2.5 m |
| Crew | 3 |
| Caliber | 122 mm |
| Barrels | 50 |
| Maximum firing range | 15 km |
Development
editIn the 1970s, after military trials, the Soviet military declined to adopt a similar system based on the Grad and Uragan multiple launch rocket systems, due to their poor accuracy over long distances and the inability to control the configuration of the deployed minefield. Such a minefield could become a threat not only to the enemy, but also to friendly troops.[1]
Russian military concluded tests of Zemledeliye system in late 2020, during the Caucasus 2020 exercises.[1]
Sergey Chemezov said that in addition to missiles with mines, high-precision ammunition has also been developed for the weapon, and for their production a special workshop was built at the NPO Splav.[1]
Description
editThe operating principle of Zemledeliye is similar to a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). Externally, the system somewhat resembles the Grad and Tornado-G MLRS and, like them, has 122 mm caliber,[1] but for minelaying it uses ammunition with a solid fuel engine, filled with various types of mines.[2] Each armored KamAZ carries two pods of 25 missiles loaded with mines. Their flight range is 5 to 15 km.[1]
Course-corrected missiles allow the Zemledeliye to deploy a minefield in a matter of minutes. The system fires rockets that scatter mines at a given location.[1] In accordance with the second protocol of the Geneva Convention, each mine is equipped with programmable self-destruct mechanisms. This ensures that minefields do not last forever, but are deactivated after a certain time without human intervention.[3]
The complex consists of: a combat vehicle on an eight-wheeled KamAZ-6560[4] armored chassis, a transport-loading vehicle and launch containers with engineering ammunition. The combat vehicle is equipped with a satellite navigation system, a computer and a weather station, which allows it to make adjustments and take into account the influence of weather on the flight of missiles.[1]
Service history
editIn December 2020 Zemledeliye was reported to enter service with the Armed Forces of Russian Federation, and Rostec began supplying the system to troops.[2][5]
Russia has used Zemledeliye during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Most notably it was deployed to repel the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.[4][6]
Operators
edit
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g "Минные намерения: «Земледелие» испытано и идет на вооружение". Izvestia. 1 October 2020.
- ^ a b Манич, Кристина (2020-12-24). "Российская армия начала получать системы минирования «Земледелие»". Известия (in Russian). Retrieved 2023-12-11.
- ^ "Испытания новой системы дистанционного минирования "Земледелие" скоро завершатся – Ростех". Interfax. 24 June 2020.
- ^ a b "ISDM Zemledeliye". Army Recognition. 10 June 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ "В войска началась поставка системы дистанционного минирования "Земледелие"". Российская газета (in Russian). 2020-12-24. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
- ^ "Russian ISDM Zemledeliye mine-laying vehicles slow down Ukrainian army's counter-offensive". Army Recognition. 7 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2024.