Germany, Latvia, and Norway have signed a significant agreement for the joint purchase of DM 22 guided anti-tank mines, marking a notable step in international military cooperation. The agreement, spearheaded by Germany, aims to enhance the capabilities of armed forces in Europe by streamlining the procurement process for essential military equipment. Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, the National Armaments Director in the German Ministry of Defence, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "The agreement demonstrates how, through close international cooperation, we can equip our armed forces with urgently needed capabilities more quickly and efficiently. Together with our partners, we are strengthening European defense — in a concrete and future-oriented way."
This agreement is not limited to the three signing countries; other nations are invited to participate in this joint procurement initiative. Additionally, partner countries have the option to independently procure DM 22 anti-tank mines by joining the existing framework agreement with the manufacturer, TDW GmbH, through a special agreement.
Currently, the manufacturer is establishing a new production line to ramp up production of these advanced munitions. Deliveries of the guided anti-tank mines to the German army and two NATO members are slated to commence in 2027. This development follows Germany's earlier transfer of anti-tank mines from the Bundeswehr to Ukraine, which led to a framework agreement signed on November 14, 2023, with TDW GmbH to purchase up to 10,000 DM 22 mines. Of these, 2,600 anti-tank mines were ordered immediately, amounting to a contract worth €67.8 million.
However, the DM 22 mines require technical modifications to initiate new production, as the components previously used are no longer available after a prolonged production pause. A demonstration batch of the mines is expected to be produced in 2025, with deliveries starting in 2026.
The DM 22 anti-tank mine is designed as a directed-energy munition, weighing around 10 kg, with approximately 1.5 kg allocated to its tandem warhead. This design allows it to effectively target tanks that are protected by dynamic armor at a distance of 40 to 60 meters. Once installed, the mine remains in standby mode for 40 days before switching to a "safe" mode. It is activated when a vehicle drives over an optical fiber cable that is strategically placed along the road.
In a related development, TDW is also set to introduce a new generation of the DM 22 known as PARM NextGen in the summer of 2024. This upgraded mine will feature an enhanced initiation system incorporating vibration, acoustic, and infrared sensors, replacing the traditional fiber optic cable. This advancement enables the smart mine to verify detected targets and assess the distance to them, allowing for optimal charge initiation — capabilities that the previous system lacked. Additionally, a new radio control system will enable operators to remotely activate or deactivate a network of several mines from hundreds of meters away.
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally significant development, Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-to-be, has announced his intention to approve the controversial delivery of long-range Taurus KEPD-350 missiles to Ukraine. This decision has been met with widespread approval from allies, particularly after the incumbent chancellor, Olaf Scholz, had previously blocked the missile delivery, citing concerns that it could escalate Germany's involvement in Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
During a television interview on April 13, 2025, Merz stated he would facilitate the export of these missiles to Ukraine, contingent upon agreement from European partners. His comments were well-received during the monthly meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on April 14, 2025. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp remarked that this move would serve as a crucial signal regarding Europe's stance in the conflict. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski echoed this sentiment, calling Merz's offer "very good," while the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the need for greater support to ensure Ukraine’s defense and protect civilians.
The Taurus KEPD-350 missiles, produced in Germany and Sweden, boast a range exceeding 500 kilometers, enabling Ukraine to target military installations deep behind enemy lines. Merz suggested that the missiles could potentially be used to strike the Crimea Bridge, a critical link between the Russian-occupied peninsula and the mainland, which has been a point of contention since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
However, Merz's comments have not gone without backlash. Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin and current deputy head of Russia's National Security Council, responded sharply to Merz's remarks, stating, "Think twice, Nazi!" This heated exchange underscores the tensions surrounding military support for Ukraine and the delicate balance of international relations in the region.
As these developments unfold, the implications for European security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remain significant. The collaborative efforts in military procurement and the potential increase in military aid to Ukraine reflect a shifting landscape in defense strategies and international alliances, highlighting the urgent need for nations to adapt to the evolving threats posed by ongoing conflicts.