POM-3 “Medallion” Anti-Personnel Scatter Mine
Ordnance Overview
The POM-3 (ПОМ-3), designated “Medallion,” represents one of the most sophisticated anti-personnel mines in the modern Russian arsenal. This scatterable mine employs advanced seismic sensor technology to detect approaching personnel and deploys a bounding fragmentation warhead that detonates at an optimal height to maximize casualties. The POM-3 marks a significant technological advancement over its predecessors, incorporating electronic targeting systems and self-destruct mechanisms that make it a formidable weapon in remote minelaying operations. The mine’s ability to be dispersed from standoff ranges of 5-15 kilometers makes it particularly dangerous in modern conflict zones.
Country/Bloc of Origin
Country: Russian Federation
Development Period: Late 2000s to early 2010s
Manufacturer: JSC NPK Tekhmash (Scientific Production Complex Techmash)
The POM-3 was developed as part of Russia’s modernization program for scatterable munitions, representing a new generation of “smart” anti-personnel mines designed to reduce collateral damage through selective targeting and timed self-destruct features. Initial deliveries to the Russian military began in early 2019, with the mine entering operational service shortly thereafter.
Ordnance Class
Primary Classification: Anti-Personnel (AP) Fragmentation Mine
Delivery Method: Scatterable/Remote-Delivered
- Rocket artillery (ISDM Zemledelie mine-laying system)
- Truck-mounted launchers
- Aerial deployment systems
- Ground-based dispenser systems
Functional Type: Bounding Fragmentation Mine with Seismic Sensor Activation
Tactical Role: Area denial, defensive perimeter establishment, harassment of enemy movement
Ordnance Family/Nomenclature
Official Designation: ПОМ-3 (POM-3)
- Acronym stands for: Protivopekhotnaya Oskolochnaya Mina-3 (Противопехотная Осколочная Мина-3)
- Translation: “Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Mine-3”
Common Names:
- “Medallion” (NATO reporting name)
- POM-3 Medallion
Delivery Container: KPOM-3 cassette (КБ ПОМ-3)
- Each cassette contains 4 individual POM-3 mines
Related Family Members:
- POM-1 (predecessor, used seismic sensor but different configuration)
- POM-2/POM-2S (predecessor, tripwire-activated)
- PTM-4 (anti-tank counterpart in the same modernization program)
Deployment Systems:
- ISDM Zemledelie (ИСДМ “Земледелие”) – Primary long-range delivery system
- UMZ series minelayers
- Impulse-KPTM unmanned ground vehicle
Hazards
The POM-3 presents multiple severe hazards that make it exceptionally dangerous:
Primary Hazards
Fragmentation:
- Approximately 1,850 pre-formed triangular metal fragments
- Fragments are created by pre-shaped toothed rings within the warhead
- Lethal radius: 8 meters (without protective equipment)
- Wounding radius: 13 meters (fragments can cause injury)
- Fragments project in a 360-degree pattern from elevated detonation point
Blast Overpressure:
- Detonation occurs at 1.0 to 1.5 meters above ground
- Bounding fragmentation design maximizes anti-personnel effectiveness
- Explosive charge optimized for fragmentation dispersion
Activation Sensitivity
Seismic Detection System:
- Mine embeds a probe into the ground to detect vibrations
- Highly sensitive to footsteps and human movement patterns
- Detection range: approximately 16 meters radius
- Electronic discrimination system analyzes vibration signatures
- Can potentially distinguish between different types of ground disturbances
Arming Sequence:
- Mine arms automatically after deployment and stabilization
- No visual indicator when armed
- Once armed, the mine is extremely dangerous to approach
Environmental Hazards
Explosive Stability:
- Operating temperature range: -40°C to +50°C
- Designed for harsh environmental conditions
- Shelf life: 11 years when properly stored
- Weather-resistant housing protects electronics
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Considerations
Failure Modes:
- Mines that fail to properly deploy remain extremely dangerous
- Damaged seismic probes may create unpredictable activation
- Self-destruct failures leave permanently armed mines
- Cassettes that fail to disperse mines create concentrated hazard areas
Self-Destruct Mechanism:
- The mine is equipped with electronic self-destruct
- Typical self-destruct timer: 8 hours or 24 hours after deployment (mission-configurable)
- Self-destruct is not 100% reliable
- Failed self-destruct results in indefinite hazard
Special Warnings
- ⚠️ CRITICAL: The POM-3 cannot be safely manually disarmed once armed. Any attempt to handle, move, or neutralize the mine carries extreme risk of detonation.
- ⚠️ Sensor Technology: The sophisticated seismic sensor makes this mine particularly unpredictable. It may remain dormant for extended periods before detecting suitable targets.
- ⚠️ No Visual Warning: Unlike tripwire mines, there are no visible wires or indicators that a POM-3 is present in an area.
Key Identification Features
Physical Dimensions
Size:
- Height: Approximately 200 mm (7.9 inches)
- Body Diameter: 60-70 mm (2.4-2.8 inches)
- Total Weight: ~1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)
Deployed Configuration
Body Structure:
- Roughly cylindrical main body
- Smooth metallic surface
- Contains internal fragmentation rings and explosive charge
Stabilization System:
- Six spring-loaded folding metal legs/feet
- Legs deploy automatically upon landing to stabilize mine in vertical position
- Each leg is articulated and extends outward from the base
- Total diameter with legs extended: approximately 200-250 mm
Seismic Sensor Assembly:
- Tubular housing extends from mine body
- Contains retractable spring-loaded probe
- Probe penetrates into ground (typical depth: 50-100 mm)
- Probe housing is cylindrical and distinct from main body
Parachute Assembly (During Descent):
- Small stabilization parachute attached to top
- Four fabric streamers (ribbons) help orient mine during descent
- Parachute typically detaches or collapses after landing
Color and Markings
Standard Colors:
- Olive green, dark green, or brown painted finish
- May have weathered or discolored appearance
- Metal components may show rust or corrosion
Markings:
- Cyrillic text: ПОМ-3
- Production date codes
- Manufacturer markings
- Warning symbols
Transport/Pre-Deployment Configuration
KPOM-3 Cassette:
- Tubular metal container
- Contains 4 POM-3 mines in transport configuration
- Mine is packaged with legs folded against body
- Parachute assembly folded within capsule
- Distinctive white puff of smoke upon cassette opening/mine ejection
Distinctive Features for Field Identification
- Six-legged stabilization base – Highly distinctive spider-like appearance when deployed
- Seismic sensor probe extending into ground – Key differentiator from other mines
- No visible tripwires – Unlike POM-2S, this mine has no external wires
- Cylindrical body with smooth finish
- Compact size – Smaller than many traditional mines
- Parachute remnants may be present near recently deployed mines
Material Composition
- Body: Steel or aluminum alloy
- Legs: Spring steel
- Sensor probe: Metal with possible plastic housing
- Internal components: Electronic circuit boards, battery pack, sensors
Fuzing Mechanisms
Primary Fuzing System: Seismic Sensor
The POM-3 employs one of the most sophisticated fuzing systems in any current anti-personnel mine:
Sensor Operation:
- Upon landing, the mine’s six legs deploy and stabilize the body
- Spring-loaded seismic probe extends from housing and penetrates ground
- Probe acts as sensitive vibration detector
- Electronic processor analyzes vibration patterns in real-time
- When signature matches human footsteps, firing sequence initiates
Sensor Characteristics:
- Detection radius: approximately 16 meters
- Can detect footsteps through various soil types
- Vibration analysis discriminates between targets
- Electronic filtering reduces false positives from environmental vibrations
Claimed “Smart” Capabilities:
- Russian sources claim the mine uses artificial intelligence (AI) for target discrimination
- Purportedly can differentiate between soldiers and civilians
- May incorporate magnetic influence sensors (unconfirmed)
- These claims remain largely unverified by independent sources
- Practical field effectiveness of discrimination features is questionable
Firing Sequence
When Target Detected:
- Electronic processor determines valid target within range
- Firing circuit activates
- Small ejection charge fires at base of mine
- Warhead is propelled upward to height of 1.0-1.5 meters
- Time-delay detonator (milliseconds) allows warhead to reach optimal height
- Main charge detonates, dispersing ~1,850 fragments
Bounding Mechanism:
- The upward propulsion ensures fragments project horizontally
- Optimal detonation height maximizes casualties against standing/moving personnel
- Fragmentation pattern is designed for 360-degree coverage
Arming Sequence and Safety Features
Arming Timeline:
- Mine is ejected from KPOM-3 cassette during deployment
- Parachute deploys, stabilizing and slowing descent
- Upon ground impact, pyrotechnic sensors detect landing
- Legs deploy and probe extends into ground
- Electronic timer initiates (typically 30-120 seconds)
- After arming delay, mine becomes fully active
- Seismic sensor begins monitoring for targets
Safety Mechanisms:
- Transport safe: Electronics inactive until deployment
- Arming delay prevents premature activation
- Environmental sensors confirm proper deployment
- Battery-powered electronics provide system power
Self-Destruct/Self-Neutralization
Self-Destruct Function:
- Electronic timer programmed for 8 hours or 24 hours (mission-configurable)
- Timer starts upon arming
- At end of timer, small explosive charge destroys mine
- Self-destruct rate is not 100% reliable
- Failed self-destruct results in indefinitely armed mine
Purpose of Self-Destruct:
- Allows creation of temporary minefields
- Reduces long-term UXO hazard
- Prevents mines from affecting friendly forces during advances
- Compliance consideration (though Russia has not signed Mine Ban Treaty)
Power Source
Battery System:
- Internal battery pack powers electronic systems
- Battery life supports self-destruct timer duration
- Typical operational life: 8-24 hours before self-destruct
- Extended battery life for longer mission configurations possible
- Low-power sensor operation extends battery endurance
Anti-Handling Features
Limited Anti-Handling Protection:
- Some variants may include tilt or disturbance sensors
- Moving or tampering with deployed mine likely to cause detonation
- Anti-handling features are not well-documented in open sources
- Mine is designed to be non-recoverable once armed
History of Development and Use
Development Context (Late 2000s – Early 2010s)
The POM-3 emerged from Russia’s efforts to modernize its mine warfare capabilities following lessons learned from conflicts in Afghanistan (1979-1989) and Chechnya (1994-1996, 1999-2009). These conflicts demonstrated the tactical value of remotely delivered anti-personnel mines but also revealed limitations in earlier designs like the POM-1 and POM-2 series.
Development Objectives:
- Create a more reliable seismic-triggered mine (improving on POM-1)
- Incorporate modern electronics and sensors
- Reduce long-term UXO hazard through reliable self-destruct
- Enable standoff deployment at extended ranges
- Improve lethality through optimized fragmentation design
Design Evolution: The POM-3 represented a fusion of concepts from the POM-1 (seismic sensor) and POM-2 (scatterable deployment) while incorporating new technologies:
- Advanced signal processing for target discrimination
- Improved mechanical reliability
- Integration with modern delivery systems
- Enhanced fragmentation warhead design
Production and Deployment
Timeline:
- Late 2000s: Initial development by JSC NPK Tekhmash
- 2010-2015: Testing and refinement phase
- 2016-2018: Final acceptance trials
- Early 2019: Initial deliveries to Russian Armed Forces
- 2021: ISDM Zemledelie deployment system enters service
- 2022-Present: Combat use in Ukraine
Production Status:
- Currently in production
- Manufactured by JSC NPK Tekhmash in Russian Federation
- Production quantities are classified
- Mine is not exported (as of available information)
Deployment Systems Development
ISDM Zemledelie (ИСДМ “Земледелие”):
- Dedicated mine-laying rocket launcher
- First publicly displayed in 2021 during Russian military exercises
- 50-tube launcher system mounted on military truck chassis
- Range: 5-15 kilometers
- Can deploy both POM-3 and PTM-4 (anti-tank) mines
- Full salvo creates extensive minefields rapidly
Combat History
Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present):
The POM-3 saw its first documented combat use during the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
March 2022 – Kharkiv Oblast:
- Human Rights Watch documented POM-3 mines in eastern Kharkiv region
- Mines were located by Ukrainian EOD technicians on March 28, 2022
- Evidence suggested deployment via ISDM Zemledelie rocket system
- Video footage showed ISDM launchers firing full salvos (50 rockets per vehicle)
- This marked the first confirmed use of POM-3 in combat
Notable Aspects of Ukraine Deployment:
- Mines were apparently delivered by rockets from 5-15 km ranges
- Some mines failed to properly deploy (recovered intact by Ukrainian forces)
- Use on territory of an Ottawa Treaty signatory state (Ukraine)
- Russia is not a signatory to the Mine Ban Treaty
- International humanitarian law concerns regarding indiscriminate weapons
Significance:
- First combat use of Russia’s newest scatterable mine technology
- Demonstrated capability for rapid, long-range minefield establishment
- Raised concerns about civilian casualties in affected areas
- Provided tactical intelligence on mine’s actual performance
International Legal Context
Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty):
- Signed 1997, entered force 1999
- Prohibits use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines
- Ukraine: State party (ratified June 1, 2006)
- Russia: Non-signatory (has not joined treaty)
- POM-3 use in Ukraine represents rare case of non-signatory using mines on signatory’s territory
Russian Position:
- Russia stated in 2020 it “shares the goals of the treaty”
- Russia maintains anti-personnel mines are necessary for border security
- Self-destruct feature presented as humanitarian consideration
- Continues development and deployment of AP mines
Tactical Impact
Doctrine and Employment: The POM-3, deployed via systems like ISDM Zemledelie, enables:
- Rapid establishment of defensive minefields
- Long-range area denial without direct troop involvement
- Harassment of enemy logistics and movement
- Creation of temporary obstacles during withdrawals
- Integration with other obstacles (AT mines, barriers)
Advantages Over Predecessor Mines:
- No manual emplacement required
- Standoff deployment reduces risk to mine-laying forces
- Self-destruct reduces friendly-fire risk during advances
- Seismic sensor more reliable than tripwires
- Bounding fragmentation more lethal than ground-level detonation
Current Status (2025)
- In Active Service: Russian Armed Forces
- Combat Proven: Ukraine (2022-present)
- Production Status: Ongoing
- Export Status: Not known to be exported
- Future Development: Likely improvements in sensor discrimination and reliability
The POM-3 represents the current state-of-the-art in Russian anti-personnel mine technology and is expected to remain in service for the foreseeable future as Russia’s primary scatterable AP mine.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Designation | POM-3 (ПОМ-3) “Medallion” |
| Type | Scatterable Anti-Personnel Bounding Fragmentation Mine |
| Weight | ~1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) |
| Height | ~200 mm (7.9 inches) |
| Body Diameter | 60-70 mm (2.4-2.8 inches) |
| Explosive Fill | High Explosive (type not publicly specified) |
| Fragmentation | ~1,850 pre-formed triangular metal fragments |
| Lethal Radius | 8 meters (without body armor) |
| Injury Radius | 13 meters |
| Sensor Type | Seismic/Vibration detector |
| Detection Range | ~16 meters |
| Bounding Height | 1.0-1.5 meters |
| Self-Destruct Timer | 8 or 24 hours (configurable) |
| Operating Temp Range | -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to 122°F) |
| Shelf Life | 11 years |
| Deployment System | KPOM-3 cassette (4 mines per cassette) |
| Primary Delivery | ISDM Zemledelie (5-15 km range) |
| Alternative Delivery | UMZ minelayers, aerial systems, UGVs |
| Power Source | Internal battery |
| Arming Delay | ~30-120 seconds after landing |
| Manufacturer | JSC NPK Tekhmash (Russian Federation) |
| Year Introduced | 2019 |
Deployment Patterns
ISDM Zemledelie Full Salvo:
- 50 rockets per launcher vehicle
- Each rocket carries multiple KPOM-3 cassettes
- Each cassette contains 4 POM-3 mines
- Single vehicle can establish extensive minefield in minutes
- Minefield density and pattern controlled by firing sequence
Effective Coverage:
- Range from launcher: 5-15 kilometers
- Minefield width: Variable based on rocket dispersion
- Minefield depth: Variable based on firing sequence
- Mine spacing: Semi-random based on cassette ejection timing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the POM-3 differ from the older POM-2S mine?
A: The POM-3 represents a significant technological advancement over the POM-2S. The key differences are: (1) Activation method – POM-3 uses an electronic seismic sensor to detect footsteps, while POM-2S uses mechanical tripwires; (2) Deployment method – POM-3 is primarily deployed via long-range rocket systems (5-15 km), while POM-2S was designed for shorter-range scattering; (3) Warhead design – POM-3 has ~1,850 pre-formed fragments vs. POM-2S’s cast steel body fragmentation; (4) Lethality – POM-3’s bounding detonation at 1.0-1.5 meters with optimized fragmentation is more lethal; (5) Targeting – POM-3 claims “smart” target discrimination (though unverified), while POM-2S is purely mechanical. The POM-3 represents Russian efforts to create a more sophisticated, longer-range, and potentially less indiscriminate mine.
Q: Can the POM-3’s “artificial intelligence” really distinguish between soldiers and civilians?
A: This is one of the most controversial and unverified claims about the POM-3. Russian sources claim the mine uses AI to discriminate targets, potentially including magnetic sensors to detect military equipment. However: (1) Independent verification is lacking; (2) The mine’s small size, power constraints, and battery life make sophisticated AI unlikely; (3) Seismic sensors detect vibrations but cannot reliably distinguish between different types of people; (4) Even if some discrimination exists, reliability in varied conditions is questionable; (5) No captured or examined POM-3 has confirmed AI capabilities. Most experts believe the “AI” claim is primarily marketing/propaganda, and the mine likely has basic signal processing to filter environmental noise and identify human-like vibration patterns, but not true discrimination between military and civilian targets. The mine should be considered an indiscriminate weapon.
Q: What is the purpose of the self-destruct mechanism, and how reliable is it?
A: The self-destruct mechanism serves several tactical and strategic purposes: (1) Tactical flexibility – Allows commanders to create temporary obstacles without creating permanent hazards to advancing friendly forces; (2) Humanitarian consideration – Reduces long-term UXO hazard to civilians (though Russia hasn’t signed the Mine Ban Treaty); (3) Operational security – Prevents enemy forces from recovering intact mines for intelligence purposes. The POM-3’s self-destruct timer can be set for 8 or 24 hours. However, reliability is a concern: Self-destruct mechanisms in mines are never 100% reliable, with typical failure rates of 2-10% depending on conditions. Battery failures, electronic malfunctions, physical damage during deployment, and environmental factors can all prevent self-destruct. This means a percentage of deployed POM-3 mines will remain armed indefinitely, creating long-term UXO hazards despite the self-destruct feature. Areas where POM-3 mines were deployed should be treated as contaminated until professionally cleared.
Q: How would someone identify that they’ve entered an area where POM-3 mines have been deployed?
A: Identifying POM-3-contaminated areas is extremely challenging because the mine has no visible indicators like tripwires. Warning signs include: (1) Deployment systems – Observation or intelligence about ISDM Zemledelie or other delivery systems firing in the area; (2) Cassette remnants – KPOM-3 cassettes may be visible on the ground (cylindrical metal containers); (3) Mine bodies – Deployed POM-3s with their distinctive six-legged configuration may be visible in vegetation; (4) Parachute debris – Small parachutes or fabric streamers near mines; (5) Craters – Self-destructed mines leave small craters; (6) Local warnings – Military or civilian authorities marking suspected areas. The most dangerous aspect is that POM-3s are specifically designed to be difficult to detect, with no visual warning system. Any area known or suspected to have been targeted by Russian minelaying systems should be considered extremely hazardous and avoided. Professional mine clearance is the only safe approach to suspected POM-3 contamination.
Q: Why is the POM-3 considered more dangerous than conventional stake-mounted mines like the POMZ-2?
A: The POM-3’s increased danger stems from several factors: (1) No visual warning – Unlike stake-mounted mines with tripwires, the POM-3 is buried sensor-only, providing no visual cue of presence; (2) Larger detection radius – The 16-meter seismic detection range means personnel can trigger the mine from significant distance, making it harder to avoid; (3) Bounding fragmentation – Detonation at 1-1.5 meters with optimized fragmentation is more lethal than ground-level explosions; (4) Rapid, remote deployment – ISDM Zemledelie can saturate large areas from 5-15 km away in minutes, without troops entering the area; (5) Harder to clear – No visible surface indicators make detection more difficult, requiring careful electronic scanning; (6) Unpredictability – Electronic sensors can malfunction or behave unpredictably compared to simple mechanical systems. These factors combine to make POM-3 minefields particularly hazardous for both military forces and civilians, especially if they remain after self-destruct failures.
Q: What happens if a POM-3 fails to properly deploy when ejected from its cassette?
A: Failed deployments create particularly dangerous scenarios: (1) Partial deployment – Mine may land but legs/sensor fail to deploy properly, leaving it in unstable position; (2) Arming uncertainty – It’s unknown whether the mine armed despite improper deployment; (3) Physical instability – Mine may be on its side or buried, making it sensitive to disturbance; (4) Damaged components – Rough landing may damage sensors, creating unpredictable trigger behavior; (5) Intact explosives – The explosive charge remains fully functional regardless of deployment failure. Ukraine has recovered several POM-3 mines that failed to properly deploy during the 2022 conflict. These items remain extremely hazardous – the 1.3 kg mine still contains its explosive charge and detonator, and any handling could cause detonation. Failed POM-3 mines should be treated with extreme caution, assumed to be armed, and only approached by qualified EOD personnel with proper equipment and procedures.
Q: How effective is the POM-3 in achieving its intended tactical purpose?
A: From a purely military-technical standpoint, the POM-3 represents a highly effective area-denial weapon: (1) Standoff deployment – 5-15 km range allows minefield establishment without exposing personnel; (2) Rapid emplacement – ISDM system can cover large areas very quickly; (3) Lethality – Bounding fragmentation with 8-13m casualty radius is effective against personnel; (4) Psychological effect – Invisible nature creates strong deterrent effect on enemy movement; (5) Tactical flexibility – Self-destruct allows temporary obstacles. However, effectiveness must be balanced against concerns: (1) Self-destruct reliability – Failed self-destruct creates long-term problems; (2) Deployment failures – Some percentage of mines fail to properly arm; (3) Detection limitations – Electronic sensors can be fooled or malfunction; (4) Humanitarian costs – Civilian casualties undermine strategic objectives; (5) Cost – Sophisticated electronics make it expensive compared to simpler mines. Combat experience in Ukraine has been limited, but the mine has demonstrated its ability to cause casualties and restrict movement, achieving its core tactical purpose while raising significant humanitarian concerns.
Q: If someone encounters a suspected POM-3 mine, what is the proper response?
A: The proper response to a suspected POM-3 encounter is: STOP IMMEDIATELY – DO NOT MOVE – Any movement may trigger the seismic sensor; ASSESS YOUR EXACT POSITION – Note landmarks, GPS coordinates if available; SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY RETRACE YOUR EXACT STEPS – Move back the way you came, placing feet in previous footprints; ONCE AT SAFE DISTANCE (minimum 50 meters), EVACUATE AREA – Alert others to the hazard; ESTABLISH PERIMETER – Keep all personnel at least 50 meters away; REPORT TO AUTHORITIES – Contact military EOD, police, or local authorities immediately; MARK THE AREA – If safe to do so from distance, place visible markers warning others; DO NOT attempt to disarm, move, photograph up close, or investigate the mine; DO NOT throw objects at it or disturb it in any way; AWAIT PROFESSIONAL EOD RESPONSE – Only qualified personnel with proper equipment should approach suspected POM-3 mines. Remember: The POM-3 is specifically designed to be impossible to manually disarm once armed. Any handling attempt will likely result in detonation. Multiple casualties can occur if rescue attempts are made without EOD support, as the mine’s 16-meter detection radius may trigger during rescue operations.
Final Note
The POM-3 “Medallion” represents the current pinnacle of Russian anti-personnel mine technology, incorporating sophisticated electronics, sensor systems, and optimized lethality. Its deployment in Ukraine in 2022 marked the first combat use of this system and demonstrated Russia’s capability for rapid, long-range minefield establishment. The mine’s combination of seismic sensing, bounding fragmentation, and claimed “smart” targeting makes it a formidable tactical weapon.
However, the POM-3 also exemplifies ongoing concerns about anti-personnel landmines as weapons. Despite self-destruct mechanisms, reliability issues mean some percentage of deployed mines will remain armed indefinitely. The mine’s sophisticated nature does not eliminate its fundamental indiscriminate character – it cannot reliably distinguish between combatants and civilians and creates lasting hazards in conflict zones.
For military personnel, humanitarian workers, and civilians in conflict areas, awareness of the POM-3’s characteristics is crucial for survival. The mine’s invisible nature, lack of tripwires, and extended sensor range make it particularly dangerous. Professional mine clearance is essential for any area suspected of POM-3 contamination.
Safety Warning
This document is for educational and identification purposes only. All grenades and explosive ordnance are extremely dangerous and should only be handled by trained military personnel or explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) can remain lethal for decades and may be unstable. If you encounter suspected ordnance, do not touch it—mark the location, evacuate the area, and contact military or law enforcement authorities immediately.
The information presented here is intended for military professionals, historians, collectors (handling inert training replicas only), and educational purposes. Never attempt to disarm, modify, or handle live ordnance.