The manufacturer will replace defective mortar shells at their own expense, according to Smetanin.

Nearly half of the recent batches of mines are defective. Out of 54,000 mortar shells, approximately 24,000 need to be replaced.

This was reported by the Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin.

According to him, the issue of defective mines was discussed in the Verkhovna Rada on December 6. "As of now, the military has recorded 417 cases of irregular detonation of 120 mm mines. This is outlined in the reports received from military units," Smetanin stated.

The manufacturing plant will replace the defective shells at its own expense, the minister announced. Currently, two criminal proceedings have been opened, with investigations and internal checks ongoing. Smetanin added that quality control has been intensified at all production facilities: for both imported and domestically produced items.

It is worth noting that earlier, journalists revealed that the Ministry of Defense had contracted at least 100,000 low-quality 120-mm mines of Ukrainian production. According to military personnel, the munitions either fail to detonate or do not reach their targets. The Ministry of Defense responded that they have been investigating the causes of the irregular detonation of mines for several weeks. They also stated that they are the customer for this type of weaponry for the Defense Forces, with the Ministry for Strategic Industries being the contractor for the state order.

Following the scandal, a draft resolution was submitted to the Rada regarding the dismissal of Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

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