This was stated by the Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, during a press conference on January 13, as reported by a correspondent from hromadske.
According to him, one of the cases involves 15 batches of 120 mm caliber mines, totaling 54,000 units.
“There are preliminary results regarding the causes. It is known how the commissions worked, what the results are, when the [substandard mines] will be replaced, etc.”, Smetanin noted.
He mentioned that the main issue with the mines from these batches was a “somewhat smaller” diameter. Smetanin emphasized that the ministry is currently conducting “100% control” over the order fulfillers.
“All enterprises are checking 100% of the geometric parameters of each mine. Our inspector is present to verify whether the mine meets the criteria”, the head of Minstrategprom explained.
Smetanin also acknowledged that the gunpowder contained in the mines had, in some cases, changed its properties, particularly in terms of moisture levels. According to the minister, this was due to substandard packaging.
“We have now made a hermetic packaging for the main charge. It is tested along with the charge by submerging it in water for 10 hours. The packaging must ensure 10 years of storage”, Smetanin stressed.
After unpacking, the shells can be stored outdoors for 12 hours.
Additionally, the minister noted that some mines had a failure in the detonator. This component is necessary for the main charge to be fired. The detonators have now been replaced with European ones.
In December 2024, Minstrategprom enterprises delivered 1,400 replaced mines to the military. The military units inspected and deemed the mines suitable for use. Currently, around 32,000 more mines are being produced for replacement.
In November 2024, journalists from several publications received videos of faulty detonations from the military. It was noted that the problem affected various sections of the front and involved thousands of mines. The first complaints began to surface in early November.
The editor-in-chief of the publication “Censor.NET”, Yuriy Butusov reported that 100,000 shells of 120 mm caliber are being recalled from the front. According to him, after he reported the issue with the shells, “commissions, inspections, official investigations began, and significant bureaucratic work commenced.”
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that they recalled the 120 mm mines, and the State Bureau of Investigation initiated a criminal case. They promise to take “appropriate personnel decisions” regarding the responsible officials. Additionally, the quality of mortar mines of other calibers will be checked.