Northrop Grumman has received an $18.8-million contract from the US Army to produce M136 Volcano vehicle-launched anti-tank scatterable ammunition canisters.
The program, financed through FY 2024 Building Partner Capacity funds, is expected to conclude by September 2027.
This contract underscores the Army’s renewed commitment to strengthening its mine-laying and terrain-denial capabilities, vital for countering modern near-peer threats.
The Volcano system, once a key tool during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, has seen limited deployment in recent years. A 2020 service life extension initiative has since extended its operational relevance by up to two decades, signaling a revived focus on scatterable mine warfare.
Highly adaptable, Volcano can be integrated on helicopters or ground vehicles, allowing troops to deploy minefields quickly for protection and area control. Its four launch racks can scatter a combination of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in as little as 20 seconds, automating much of the process.
After dispersal, each mine automatically arms and positions itself, featuring built-in self-destruct timers and safety systems to reduce long-term hazards.
Compatible with a variety of platforms—such as Humvees, Bradley fighting vehicles, and Black Hawk helicopters—the Volcano system has also been supplied to Taiwan and Ukraine, reinforcing its global utility and enduring battlefield relevance.
