Uncertainty remains about U.S. landmine policy: alternative technologies not yet ready to replace landmines, U.S. claims.

• Author: Stanton, John
• Position: Analysis

The Bush administration is expected not to meet a 2006 deadline to commit the United States to the terms of the 1997 Ottawa landmine ban treaty. Meanwhile, there is mounting criticism from arms-control advocates about the U.S. failure to ratify the treaty, which already has been signed by 150 nations.

The impetus behind the Mine Ban Treaty is the danger posed by persistent landmines--those that remain a hazard long after their intended use during hostilities. There has been a significant reduction worldwide in the numbers of these persistent landmines since the treaty was signed.

Despite not having signed the treaty, the United States remains a world leader in humanitarian efforts to reduce the risks to civilians posed by the indiscriminate use of landmines.

In 1998, President Bill Clinton issued a directive whereby the United States would sign the agreement by 2006 if suitable alternatives to antipersonnel landmine (APL) technology could be developed and fielded.

But according to a 2001 National Academy of Sciences study, "only well after 2006 will accelerated advancements in technology lead to truly innovative alternatives to antipersonnel landmines. As sensor technologies nature into reliable systems of systems, multidimensional sensor networks will become available, which will dramatically improve situational awareness on the battlefield."

Shortly thereafter, in early 2002, the Pentagon declared it could not meet the deadline due in part to the findings of the National Academy's report and the stringent 1997 treaty requirements.

The Defense Department awarded a $53.8 million development contract to a joint venture between ATK Integrated Defense and Textron Systems to complete development of a hand-emplaced munitions system to serve as an alternative to or replacement for current non-self-destructing anti-personnel landmines. But experts claim that this man-in-the-loop system does not meet the requirements of the treaty.

A so-called self-healing minefield system is still under development by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Non-lethal APLs, such as those proposed by the makers of the Taser Gun, were highly recommended by a National Academy of Sciences report. Taser and General Dynamics in late 2003 were set to kick off a teaming arrangement to develop and field the Taser Anti-Personnel Munition.

Pending a review of landmine policies by the Bush administration, the Defense Department is continuing to develop alternative technologies, in the expectation that if suitable alternatives are developed, the United States could be in a position to ratify the treaty.

The Defense Department views antipersonnel landmines as an "essential capability" that must be maintained and be readily available for use in military operations, said the Pentagon spokesman. "Should an...