The Czech armaments company STV GROUP has concluded a seven-year framework agreement with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic for the supply of a comprehensive SENTRY smart anti-tank mine system. The agreement has a total value of up to CZK 4.08 billion, including VAT.

With this acquisition, the Czech Army will join several NATO countries using state-of-the-art systems to prevent access by hostile armed forces. STV GROUP will collaborate with Forcit Defence, a Finnish specialist in explosives and engineering ammunition, to deliver the system. This strategic cooperation between STV GROUP and Forcit Defence is not new; in previous years, they supplied the Ministry of Defence with more than 1,500 Hailstorm shrapnel charges. The partnership also reflects broader collaboration between STV GROUP and the Finnish defense industry, which is renowned for its high capabilities and capacities.

"By supplying the SENTRY anti-tank mine system, Czech engineers will acquire groundbreaking capabilities, not only for destroying enemy armor but also for safe and sophisticated minefield management. This system includes not only highly advanced anti-tank mines but also an entire smart weapon system, complete with communication and linking systems for remote and near-proximity programming. We believe this project will significantly contribute to modernizing the Czech Armed Forces and enhancing our country's defense capabilities," said Ivo Strejček, Director for International Cooperation at STV GROUP, in a statement to CZ DEFENCE.

Smart Anti-Tank Mine System: SENTRY

The SENTRY anti-tank mine system is the first of its kind, combining advanced networking and the ability to control and program minefields at the individual mine level. It offers exceptional directional charge effectiveness, superior armor-piercing performance, and a powerful primary bursting charge.

The system's core component is a multi-sensor anti-tank mine weighing approximately 10.5 kg. This mine contains insensitive explosive charges and embedded electronic blocks that control its functions and communications. Communication between the mines and other system components is secure and encrypted. The mine is designed to operate reliably under extreme climatic conditions and can target specific enemy armored vehicles or convoys while allowing safe passage for friendly forces. Mine deployment and programming can be managed by a single operator.

The SENTRY mine can operate autonomously even under electronic warfare conditions that disrupt communication channels. A significant feature is its ease of deployment, whether embedded beneath the surface or placed on top. If tampered with, the mine employs an "anti-handling" mechanism, detonating to prevent enemy interference. Activation, neutralization, and deactivation of the mines can also be controlled remotely, ensuring the safety of friendly forces during deployment, programming, and retrieval. Mines that are not used to stop enemy forces can be retrieved and reused.

Additional features include advanced minefield control and communication systems, enabling direct and remote operation over distances of several kilometers. Each mine is precisely geolocated, and its settings can be adjusted in real time. The delivery will also include personnel training for the Czech Army and training tools for users. The SENTRY system complies fully with the Ottawa Convention.