Previously we've written alot on demining activities (1,2,3,4). As you might guess we are not a big fan of anything whose aim is to maim and kill and have highlighted many ways to eradicate the world of these anonymous terrorists.

I was a little dismayed when Human Rights Watch released a briefing paper this morning after it was announced that the administration will decide to fund and restart US landmine production.

Since 2000 the US army has spent $135 Million to hire Textron Systems Corporation and Alliant Techsystems (developers of NASA's solar sail and the sole supplier of bullets to the US Army) to research and develop a 'friendly' antipersonnel mine system codenamed Spider. The system is a control unit that monitors and controls 84 mines connected by a web of tripwires. If given the greenlight a further $400M of tax dollars will be spent on producing 1,620 Spider syatems and 186,000 munitions.

Additionally the Pentagon has requested a total of $1.3 billion for development and production activities for another new antipersonnel mine called the Intelligent Munitions System (by General Dynamics), with a decision on production expected in 2008.

This movement towards reintroducing 'smart mine' weaponry is alarming to say the least and that I can only hope that those 'on the hill' will take the high road and reject any bill to continue the contries legacy of landmine use.