The Algerian military showcased a heavy mine-clearing vehicle based on the Soviet T-62 tank. Instead of the standard turret, a launch platform with two elongated mine-clearing charges, designed to create passages in minefields, was installed on the vehicle.
The project became another example of deep modernization of old tanks to solve modern engineering problems.
The designers retained the ability to install standard tank mine trawls, allowing the equipment to work with both reactive charges and mechanical mine-clearing devices.
Despite the vulnerability of such systems in conditions of active drone use, the vehicle also has an unusual feature. After launching the charges, the massive launchers remain on the hull and effectively turn into additional screens, partially protecting the equipment from damage. This does not make the vehicle invulnerable, but it increases its chances of maintaining mobility and crew after completing the task.
Engineering vehicles based on old tanks remain in demand in many armies around the world. Such platforms have good protection, high cross-country ability, and a large margin of safety, and modernization is significantly cheaper than creating new equipment from scratch.
