Ministry of Defence is investigating supply of low-quality mines to AFU: SBI launches investigation
For three weeks now, the Ministry of Defence has been actively investigating the causes of the abnormal triggering of 120mm mines.
This was reported by the press service of the ministry, Censor.NET informs.
"The absence of comments in the public space does not mean that the Ministry of Defence is inactive or does not respond to information coming from the military or appearing in the media.
At the same time, the Ministry of Defence is working within a closed perimeter to ensure maximum efficiency and security. Because of the ongoing Russian aggression, information about the progress of the work is sensitive, so it remains with limited access," the statement said.
The Ministry of Defence noted that it has suspended the use of these batches of ammunition in the Defence Forces, as well as their delivery to combat units, until the causes of the malfunction are determined.
A batch of the supplied ammunition was seized for further investigation. At the same time, imported mines will be delivered.
"The preliminary results of the interagency commission's investigation into the supply of defective 120mm mortar shells indicate possible causes of the defects, including poor quality powder charges or violations of ammunition storage conditions, which led to their damage. The State Bureau of Investigation initiated criminal proceedings over the incident. Based on the results of the interagency commission's work, appropriate personnel decisions will be made regarding the responsible officials," the ministry explained.
The Ministry of Defence also stressed that the Ministry is the customer of this type of weapon for the Defence Forces, and the Ministry of Strategic Industries is the executor of the state order.
"Currently, the Ministry of Defence 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 interdepartmental commission will also inspect mortar shells of other calibres to ensure compliance with production standards, component quality and storage conditions," they concluded.
Defective mines supplied to the AFU
As a reminder, on 6 November 2024, it was reported that the servicemen of AFU received a low-quality batch of 120 mm mines manufactured by Ukroboronprom.
On 20 November, a video of mines manufactured by "Ukroboronprom" malfunctioning was released.
