OVERVIEW: The Dummy Mine is an inert naval training device designed to replicate the size, shape, and deployment characteristics of live sea mines. It is used for training, calibration, and test exercises without any explosive content.

DETAILS: Dummy mines are manufactured to simulate real mine bodies in appearance, weight distribution, and mooring hardware, allowing realistic deployment and recovery training. They are used by naval forces to rehearse mine laying, mine countermeasures (MCM), and EOD procedures under safe conditions. Variants may be surface-laid, moored, or bottom-type depending on the exercise. These devices are also used in sonar signature development and classification training, supporting ASW and minehunting systems. Color-coding and markings distinguish them from live ordnance.

FUNCTION: Dummy mines are deployed during naval exercises to simulate mine threats without risk. They are tracked, recovered, and reused to train crews in real-world mine warfare procedures and detection techniques.

NOTE:
IOC: 1950s (initial widespread naval adoption; varies by navy and type)
Operators: United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, France, Italy, others
Platforms: Mine warfare ships, submarines, helicopters, UAVs, and exercise vessels
Conflict used in: None (training use only)

SOURCE: U.S. Navy Ordnance Pamphlet OP 5 ; NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence ; US Navy EOD Training Manual ; Naval Mine Warfare: Politics to Practicalities (NWC, 2009) ; https://www.navy.mil ; https://www.nato.int