M58 MICLIC systems have become a priority target for the enemy
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are actively using M58 MICLIC systems in counteroffensive operations. They make it possible to create passages for vehicles in minefields. For the occupiers, American demining complexes are one of the priority targets. Earlier, the Ukrainian army used to demine the territories with Soviet UR-77 rocket launchers.
Radio Liberty journalists talked to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They said that tanks with trawls are the first to go to the minefields. After the first mine is detected, the tank returns to its original position as the MICLIC comes into play.
The complex consists of a trailer with a container and a 45-degree boom. The container contains a hose with one ton of TNT. After the rocket is launched, the linear charge flies forward. Its length is 100 meters. The operator blows up the hose and creates an eight-meter-wide passage in the minefield.
The main problem is that the MICLIC complex needs to be driven close to the minefield, i.e. to the front line. If an enemy shell hits a container with a linear charge, the explosion of one ton of TNT will kill everyone who was nearby over a large area. Since MICLIC systems enable the assault units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to advance, they are a priority target for the occupiers.
