Russian Naval Mines

Russian naval mines are underwater explosive devices designed to deter or damage ships and submarines. They are often anchored to the seabed or designed to drift with currents, and they activate when a ship's proximity, pressure, or contact triggers their sensors—such as a ship's hull or propeller—detonating to create a damaging explosion. Russia has a significant history of developing various types of mines, including contact, influence, and remotely controlled, to protect strategically important waterways and deny access to adversaries. Mines are a cost-effective and persistent form of naval defense, but their use carries risks for all maritime traffic and the environment.