Ukraine is stuck with 100,000 bad mortar shells
Ukraine has withdrawn 100,000 defective 120 mm mortar shells from the front: they did not explode or jammed in the launchers.
These shells are essential for the Ukrainian army to repel Russian infantry attacks and gain ground. Investigations are now under way into what could have caused the problem: errors in production, poor storage at the front, or sabotage. Early signs point to poor powder charges and inadequate compliance with storage requirements.
The loss is a major setback for Ukraine, which has recently started producing more of its own ammunition to be less dependent on foreign aid. However, the incident also highlights broader challenges, such as limited ammunition stocks in the West and the importance of proper maintenance and testing of ammunition. This task is often neglected due to staff shortages, a problem that is even more acute in wartime.
(HL/Source: Politico, Guardian, BI/Illustration picture: picture alliance / Anadolu | Ignacio Marin)