The U.S. Army is revitalizing a key Cold War-era capability by awarding Northrop Grumman an $18.8-million contract to produce M136 Volcano anti-tank scatterable ammunition canisters. Funded through fiscal 2024 Building Partner Capacity funds, the contract signals a renewed strategic focus on mine-laying as a critical deterrent against advanced adversaries. Work under this agreement is estimated to be completed by September 2027.
This effort centers on the Volcano system, a versatile platform that saw extensive use in Iraq and Afghanistan but had since been largely dormant. In 2020, the Army initiated a service life extension program for Volcano, adding 15 to 20 years to its operational viability. The system can be rapidly mounted on ground vehicles like Humvees and Bradleys or on Black Hawk helicopters, allowing for the swift creation of protective minefields.
The Volcano system is designed for speed and efficiency in shaping the battlefield. Its four launcher racks can saturate a wide area with a mix of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in as little as 20 seconds from the air. Once dispersed, the mines self-orient and arm within seconds, providing an immediate barrier to enemy movement.
To address safety and environmental concerns, each munition is equipped with an embedded self-destruct timer and other safety features, limiting the long-term hazard of unexploded ordnance. The system’s effectiveness and compatibility have made it an export item, with previous sales to allied nations including Taiwan and Ukraine.
