Indigenous Minefield Marker Mk-II: How It Aims To Strengthen Indian Army’s Combat Readiness
MMME Mk-II is a next-generation system tailored for the rapid marking and fencing of minefields (Image courtesy: X.com/@adgpi)
Upgrading its systems is a constant job for the Indian Army and taking another step in the direction, it recently inducted Minefield Marker Mk-II, made indigenously by BEML. This DRDO-designed mechanical minefield marking equipment aims to enhance the army’s operational effectiveness.
Indian Army on Monday (August 11) shared an update about the same on X, saying, “Strengthening combat readiness through indigenous innovation in a step towards enhancing operational effectiveness, the Indian Army has inducted the Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-II.”
The Minefield Marker Mk-II has been designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by leading public sector undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). “The system embodies the spirit of Atmanirbharta and significantly strengthening the combat capabilities of the Corps of Engineers,” the Army wrote.
What is Minefield Marking Equipment?
While the name itself drops a hint at what the device is, the MMME system is designed to mark and fence minefields quickly, with minimal human involvement. Now inducted by the Indian Army, the MMME Mk-II is a semi-automatic system that would help the Army mark minefields more quickly and safely.
DRDO explained that the platform is capable of operating in both Punjab’s plains and the deserts of Rajasthan, in temperatures ranging from zero to 45 degrees Celsius.
This system could help a 4-member crew to deploy up to 500 pickets in just one go, fencing about 1.2 km per hour depending on the terrain. MMME Mk-II system has mechanical, electrical, electronic, and pneumatic components integrated into a container mounted on the vehicle.
How MMME Mk-II would help Indian Army?
Minimalising human intervention in marking minefields, the MMME Mk-II system is capable of operating efficiently across desert, semi-desert, and plain terrains, and significantly enhances the Army’s operational efficiency and troop safety. It has been designed to operate cross country with complete load of stores.
“The equipment is based on an in-service High Mobility Vehicle having advanced mechanical and electrical systems which will reduce the timings for minefield marking during operations and will enhance the operational capability of Indian Army,” DRDO said.
