Remotely deployed non-explosive obstacles

[shin_getter]

With the problems with scatterable mines in general and the landmine ban, it appears that some less lethal kind of system would be needed to take up the role.

So has there been designs and developments in remotely deployable obstacles like rockets that deploys barbed wire or aerial deployment of road blocks? Such systems may enable deployment of obstacles out of direct contact of friendly forces, which can observed in this era of persistent armed drones. One can also logically combine it with offensive action to trap opponents.

 

[riggerrob]

Laying barbed wire - from the air - sounds quick and simple, but you still need to follow up with sensors to direct machine guns , artillery, etc. to prevent advancing enemy from simply cutting wire and continuing their advance.

Back in the old days scattering caltrops was enough to slow down horse cavalry. Caltrops also deflated pneumatic tires until run-flat fires were invented.

 

[jsport]

UGVs lying miles (at speed) concertina w/ modern concertina lying trailers/vehicles will not stop tanks but in multi-layers can make things difficult especially if one uses GIS systems to determine where to lay the wire for maximum effect, potentially behind the lines.

 

[DWG]

Barbed wire, indeed most obstacles, only work as obstacles if they are covered with defensive fire, anything else is at best a temporary delay.

 

[jsport]

Cheap to deploy in high numbers in an likely Avenue of Approach if perfected for uGVs. Even tanks have to stop and breech and when they do UAV cues artillery.

 

[Grey Havoc]

The landmine treaty is all but defunct these days, but such alternate systems would still have their uses.

 

[Rickshaw]

The landmine treaty is all but defunct these days, but such alternate systems would still have their uses.

For the US perhaps. The rest of the world? I think not.

 

[Grey Havoc]

We will see.