Ukraine's faulty mortar shells: A dangerous ammunition crisis

Up to 100,000 120mm calibre mortar shells produced in Ukraine are unusable. The influential Ukrainian weekly "Dzerkalo Tyzhnia" published the results of an investigation conducted by the editorial team regarding this large-scale issue.

The mortar ammunition supply, which - according to Ukrainian sources - would allow for half a year of warfare, is more dangerous to its own soldiers than to the enemy. Tests revealed that out of 17 fired shells, only one exploded near the target. In another test, only one out of ten shots was executed correctly.

The effect of the shelling conducted with ammunition produced by one of the factories of the Ukrainian concern Ukroboronprom resembles a lottery. Some shells land even 600 metres from the aiming point, others do not leave the barrel at all or fall dozens of metres from the mortar, and still others - upon falling in the target area - do not explode.

As the editorial team noted - when the ammunition was changed to shells of the same type but produced by another manufacturer, only four shells were needed to destroy the target, two of which hit it directly.

The problem highlighted by the magazine "Dzerkalo Tyzhnia" may be the result of using inappropriate detonators designed for tank shells in mortar ammunition.

Ukrainian authorities have already reacted to the media-exposed scandal. Simultaneously with the ongoing investigation, thousands of faulty ammunition are to be withdrawn, and foreign shells should reach the fighting units.

120mm calibre mortars, commonly classified as heavy, are popular support weapons - not only in Ukraine. Examples include the M120 Rak self-propelled mortars provided by Poland, the French MO-120 RT, or the German Panzermörser on the M113 transporter chassis.

Towed mortars are also widely used, such as the versions of the Soviet mortar model 1943 that are common in the Ukrainian armed forces (and worldwide), including the 2S12 Sani.