Dealing with land mines and/or IEDs

The landmine/IED threat is significant for operations. Some of the methods to mitigate the dangers are as follows

1. foot patrols with sniffer dogs
2. transport long distances using airlift (e.g. heli-insertion) instead of convoys
3. avoid known IED routes

However, there are disadvantages when adopting the above

1. slower movement to contact
   
2. insufficient firepower of dismounted troops (less organic heavy weapons)
   
3. insufficient airlift capability to deal with required missions
4. reduced choice of routes to target location
   

A DTI article highlights some further technological solutions

1. spectroscopic imaging to detect nitrogen plume from explosives
2. x-ray backscattering can reveal the outline of bombs under clothing or in vehicles
3. imaging in the terahertz region

There are also several ongoing projects that utilise IED detection devices on UAVs, allowing commanders to "scan" a route before deploying a convoy.

• sentinel hawk
• warrior alpha
• green dart
• copperhead sensor on tiger shark
• yellow jacket

Interestingly, several ASEAN countries have not ratified the Mine Ban Treaty. (List below accurate as of 1 Sep 2008)

• Laos
• Myanmar
• Singapore
• Vietnam