Minister Smetanin speaks out on defective mortar shells: 24,000 rounds recalled

Source: Herman Smetanin/Telegram

Ukraine’s strategic industries minister Herman Smetanin admitted that Ukrainian officials had to recall  24,000 mortar shells after complaints from the military they were faulty and misfiring.  The shells that drew ire were part of just one batch of 54,000 shells, which, according to Smetannin,  in total amounts to less than 1% of all ammunition produced in 2024.

A probe launched earlier this November found some “issues” in the shells components. On November 20, the Logistics Command red-flagged the quality of some 120-mm mortar rounds that came from an undisclosed Ukrainian ammunition producer. Smetanin assured his ministry promptly responded the situation, ordering additionalquality checks by its directive of  November 8.

The minister praised Ukraine’s defense industry that has delivered millions of artillery and mortar shells to the Armed Forces since the start of 2024. Production is rapidly scaling up, bolstered by the integration of advanced technologies, which will help provide frontline troops with the high-quality munitions.