The U.S. Never Fielded an Instant Foxhole Bomb, But Russia Did

• The U.S. Army has repeatedly tried and failed to develop an explosive device capable of making a ready-made foxhole.
• Russia has reportedly fielded such a device: the OZ-1 high-explosive entrenching tool.
• Recent advances in warfare, including drones and small-caliber proximity fuses, may have made foxholes obsolete.

During the Cold War, the U.S. Army tried repeatedly to develop a foxhole bomb, an explosive device meant to instantly dig out a hole in the ground large enough for a soldier to shelter in. While the U.S. never successfully fielded such a device, the Russians did—and the device might make an appearance this winter in Ukraine. In the meantime, the foxhole is looking less attractive than ever thanks to advances in weapons technology, including drones and smart munitions.

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Still, the foxhole is one of the most ubiquitous fighting positions on the modern battlefield….