The US Army has awarded Northrop Grumman an $18.8-million contract to manufacture M136 vehicle-launched anti-tank scatterable ammunition canisters.
Funded under fiscal year 2024 Building Partner Capacity (BPC) resources, the project is slated for completion by September 26, 2027.
The deal marks a renewed US Army effort to revitalize its mine-laying and terrain-shaping capabilities, viewed as critical in deterring near-peer adversaries in future conflicts.
The system, known as Volcano, was last deployed extensively during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars but has seen limited use in recent years. In 2020, the Army initiated a service life extension program, adding 15–20 years to the system’s operational life and reaffirming its strategic relevance.
Volcano can be mounted on ground vehicles or helicopters, enabling the rapid creation of defensive barriers to protect personnel and shape the battlefield. Its four launcher racks can deploy both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines across wide areas in under 20 seconds, requiring minimal crew.
Once dispersed, the mines self-orient and arm automatically, each equipped with self-destruct timers and safety mechanisms to minimize post-conflict risks.
The system is compatible with multiple platforms, including Humvees, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and Black Hawk helicopters, and has also been exported to Taiwan and Ukraine.
