This landmine can hit enemy vehicles from above

No, that’s not a typo. The XM204 Top Attack Munition can strike enemy vehicles from above, an angle of attack that provides a huge advantage when trying to penetrate enemy armor. On July 21, 2022, U.S. Army Contracting Command awarded Textron Systems Corp. a $353,980,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and delivery of the XM204.

Two soldiers in camouflage uniforms and helmets are handling beige military equipment cases on a metal platform. Several other soldiers are standing or walking nearby, also in camouflage uniforms and helmets. In the background, there is a tan armored vehicle and a military truck with large tires. The scene appears to be outdoors on a gravel surface. — *Two soldiers carry an XM204 during testing at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri (U.S. Army)*

The XM204 was developed from a need identified by U.S. Army Europe. Part of a new generation of terrain-shaping obstacles, the XM204 is designed to target and deter near-peer enemy vehicles in open terrain. About the size of a suitcase, the XM204 can be emplaced by a small group of soldiers to hold off an advancing enemy mechanized force.

A soldier in camouflage uniform and tan boots is bending down on a dirt surface, touching a white sandbag with one hand and holding a small water bottle in the other. In front of the soldier is a military device with multiple circular components and an antenna. Nearby, there is a black hard case with cables connected to the device. Several other people are standing in the background, some wearing casual clothing and others in military attire. White sandbags are arranged in a curved line on the ground around the area. — *A soldier emplaces an XM204 during testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona (U.S. Army)*

The XM204’s launcher module is armed with four top attack munitions. Using advanced sensors, the XM204 detects approaching vehicles and tracks them. When they close within a certain distance, the XM204 shoots a submunition into the air to fire down onto the target. Top attack munitions, like the FGM-148 Javelin missile, can be more effective than front or even bottom attack munitions against armored targets. That said, the Army is also developing a next-generation bottom attack munition to complement the XM204.

Diagram illustrating a networked bottom attack and top attack system for Common Anti-Vehicle Munitions (CAVM). A satellite communicates with a Multi-TSO Controller, which connects through a secure SIPRNet to a Command Post. The system coordinates Bottom Attack CAVMs, shown as green dispenser launcher modules (DLMs) on the ground targeting tanks, and Top Attack CAVMs, beige dispenser launcher modules targeting vehicles from above. The Close Terrain Shaping Obstacle (TSO) legend identifies the symbols for Top Attack CAVM (red) and Bottom Attack CAVM (brown). The image shows tanks being targeted and destroyed by both attack types. — *A conceptual image depicting the integration of next-generation terrain-shaping obstacles (U.S. Army)*

So far, the Army has ordered 117 XM204s, 38 trainer units, and associated spare parts. Textron noted in a news release that delivery is scheduled for fiscal year 2023 in support of an Initial Operational Capability. Subsequent orders could range anywhere from 20 to over 400 units. USACC estimates a contract completion date of July 20, 2027.