Ukraine’s defense ministry recalls a staggering 100,000 120mm artillery shells after a series of troubling failures raises a red flag on current quality control mechanisms.
At a Glance
- Ukraine recalls 120mm artillery shells due to defects in a domestically produced batch.
- Defects include failure to detonate, short-range firing, and wet powder charges.
- The defense ministry investigates potential causes including low-quality components and storage issues.
- Replacement ammunition will be sourced internationally, highlighting procurement challenges.
Defects and Malfunctions Identified
Ukraine’s defense ministry has issued a recall on 100,000 shells after widespread defects were uncovered. The artillery is produced by Ukroboronprom, a state-owned manufacturer. Soldiers reported malfunctions as shells often did not explode on command or became lodged in mortar barrels.
Issues extend beyond the fundamental “abnormal activation,” as addressed by the ministry. Investigations are underway to target the causes, with focus on storage conditions and low-quality powder charges. These faults underscore serious gaps in the defense supply chain.
Ukraine had to recall 100,000 artillery shells amid complaints they'd get stuck in launchers and weren't exploding https://t.co/yKHtrpI7dU
— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) November 27, 2024
Implications and Measures
The recall of the batch, resulting from manufacturing defects, has prompted measures to ensure operational readiness. As a stopgap, Ukraine plans to import artillery replacements, signaling challenges in maintaining a reliable ammunition pipeline.
“low-quality powder charges or violations of the storage conditions of ammunition.” – Ukraine’s defense ministry Source
With weather conditions like humidity potentially playing roles in shell efficacy, full operational capacities hinge on resolving these issues. This incident, already dubbed a “scandal,” highlights the critical need to address failings rapidly and effectively.
Future of Ukrainian Defense Production
Amidst this upheaval, Ukraine remains focused on comprehensive artillery autonomization, echoed in President Zelenskyy’s commitment to producing millions of rounds in the coming years. Despite this setback, Ukraine presses forward, underscoring the strategic importance of domestic manufacturing angles for defense autonomy.
While the recall incident underscores deficiencies, measures indicate a proactive stance towards addressing these failures to ensure future security and defense capabilities remain uncompromised.
