What is a naval mine?
Q: What is a naval mine?
A: A naval mine is a bomb placed in water to destroy ships or submarines.
Q: How are naval mines used offensively?
A: Naval mines can be used offensively to make it harder for enemy ships to sail easily or trap them into a harbour.
Q: How can naval mines be used defensively?
A: Naval mines can be used defensively to protect friendly ships and create "safe" zones.
Q: How are mines laid?
A: Mines can be laid by specially built minelayers, refitted ships, submarines, aircraft, or even by dropping them into a harbour by hand.
Q: What is the cost of a basic naval mine?
A: A basic mine can cost as little as US$1000.
Q: What is the cost of advanced naval mines?
A: Advanced mines can cost millions and have several kinds of sensors and deliver a warhead by rocket or torpedo.
Q: What does international law say about nations putting mines in an area?
A: International law says that nations have to say when they put mines in an area to make it easier for civil shipping to avoid the mines. The warnings do not have to be specific.
