Britain buying anti-tank mines to create ‘lethal barriers’

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced a £1 million contract award to Alford Technologies Ltd for the procurement of GLADIUS User-Filled Off-Route Mine systems.

The move aims to “mitigate a current capability gap in Lethal Barriers (mines)” and strengthen the British Army’s operational flexibility in defensive and offensive scenarios. The contract, awarded without prior publication due to proprietary considerations, will bolster NATO readiness and interoperability.

Bridging a Capability Gap

The GLADIUS system represents a reintroduction of anti-tank mine capability into the British Army, a vital measure for addressing current challenges in battlefield mobility and denial operations. According to the MOD’s notice, the system will provide “a means for defensive actions, offensive ambush and sabotage”, enabling the British military to respond effectively to evolving threats.

The MOD highlighted that the contract would support “training, capability development, and bolster NATO readiness” while ensuring interoperability with allied forces. The mines will also align with existing safety standards for in-service systems, minimising additional Defence Lines of Development (DLOD) impacts.

What Are GLADIUS Off-Route Mines?

The GLADIUS User-Filled Off-Route Mine system is a modern anti-tank mine designed for versatility and precision. Unlike traditional buried mines, off-route mines are deployed along paths to target the sides of armoured vehicles, exploiting their weaker points. Key features of the system include:

• User-Filled Design: The system allows operators to customise the explosive charge for specific mission requirements.
• Directional Lethality: Explosive force is focused in a particular direction, improving efficiency and minimising collateral damage.
• Remote Deployment: Operators can remotely detonate the mine at an optimal moment, increasing tactical flexibility.
• Mobility: These mines can be quickly deployed and retrieved, making them ideal for ambushes and mobile operations.
• NATO Interoperability: Already in use by 11 NATO nations, the system facilitates shared knowledge, training, and operational compatibility.

The GLADIUS system, say the MOD, enhances the British Army’s ability to deny enemy movement, create chokepoints, and conduct ambush operations against armoured vehicles.

Why Alford Technologies?

Alford Technologies Ltd, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and intellectual property owner of the GLADIUS system. The MOD stated that “Alford is the only economic operator with the proprietary information to meet this requirement and meet MoD’s capability gap.”

The MOD justified the single-source procurement under the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011, citing “technical challenges in maintaining and operating alternative systems.”

Operational Impact and NATO Integration

The inclusion of GLADIUS mines enhances NATO’s collective defence posture. With the system already in use by multiple NATO forces, the British Army benefits from “common spares, shared training opportunities, and streamlined operational practices.” This interoperability strengthens NATO’s ability to respond cohesively to threats, according to the notice.

The contract, valued at £1 million, is expected to be fulfilled within three months, depending on production timelines. While relatively small in monetary terms, this procurement represents a significant step in addressing the UK’s capability gap in lethal barriers.