The military complains about defective mines: Defense Ministry and SBI investigate case, batch of ammunition seized

An interagency commission is investigating the causes of the abnormal triggering of the 120-mm mines. As of now, the use of  the ammunition has been suspended, and the defective batch of mines has been seized. According to the preliminary results of the investigation, the mines do not work due to possible causes of defects, including poor quality powder charges or violation of storage conditions. The State Bureau of Investigation initiated criminal proceedings over this fact. This is stated in a statement of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, reports UNN. 

The Ministry of Defense has been actively investigating the causes of the abnormal triggering of 120-mm mines for 3 weeks.  The absence of comments in the public space does not mean that the Ministry of Defense is inactive or does not respond to information coming from the military or appearing, in particular, in the media

At the same time, the Ministry of Defense said that the agency is working in a closed mode to ensure maximum efficiency and security. 

Currently , the Ministry of Defense has suspended the use of these batches of ammunition in the Defense Forces, as well as their delivery to combat units, until the causes of the malfunction are determined. 

It is noted that the batch of supplied ammunition has been seized for further investigation. Instead, imported mines will be delivered. 

The preliminary results of the interagency commission's investigation into the supply of defective 120-mm mortar shells indicate possible causes of the defects, including poor quality powder charges or violations of ammunition storage conditions that led to their damage

The State Bureau of Investigation has initiated criminal proceedings over this fact. Based on the results of the work of the interagency commission, appropriate personnel decisions will be made regarding the responsible officials. 

The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that it is the customer of this type of weapon for the Defense Forces. At the same time, the Ministry of Strategic Industries is the executor of the state order.  Currently, the Ministry of Defense   has identified measures to improve the quality control process. This includes strengthening the monitoring of storage conditions and improving inspection procedures at all stages: from production and storage to delivery to the front line

The interagency commission will also inspect mortar shells of other calibers to ensure compliance with production standards, component quality and storage conditions.

Context

Earlier, the media reported  that Ukrainian soldiers are using defective mortar shells produced by Ukroboronprom. The military at the front complain that the ammunition  is of poor quality.