Ukraine Halts Use of 100,000 Defective Mortar Shells After Frontline Failures

Investigations reveal potential issues with low-quality propellant and storage violations, prompting criminal inquiries and quality control reforms.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has withdrawn over 100,000 domestically produced 120mm mortar shells from the frontline due to widespread malfunctions, including failure to detonate and misfires.
Preliminary findings suggest the defects may stem from low-quality powder charges or improper storage conditions, leading to damage to the ammunition.
An interagency commission and the State Bureau of Investigation have launched criminal probes into the issue, with potential personnel consequences for those deemed responsible.
To address the shortfall, imported mortar shells are being supplied to Ukrainian forces, and measures are being implemented to improve quality control and monitoring across production and storage processes.
The defective shells were critical for countering Russian infantry assaults, highlighting the challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining reliable ammunition supplies during the ongoing conflict.