Nato forces in Afghanistan are equipping themselves with more mine detectors amid fears that the Taliban are laying mines as a tactic to demoralise troops.

The FT has learnt that the British ministry of defence has placed orders in recent weeks with SDS Group, a UK company specialising in security training and equipment, while British officers warn that the Taliban are planning a variety of tactics aimed at maximising casualties to put new pressure on the UK-led Nato forces.