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Ukraine Launches a Plan to Utilize Unexploded Munitions to Meet Its Explosive Needs.
On October 15, 2024, the Ukrainian government approved a plan to process unexploded munitions directly at demining sites, addressing the approximately 20% of munitions in conflict zones that fail to detonate. This new approach aims not only to safely neutralize these dangerous remnants but also to convert them into valuable resources for Ukraine's defense industry.
500-kg bomb removed by State Emergency Service sappers in Kharkiv region (Picture source: SESU)
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized the significance of the initiative, which utilizes mobile processing units directly on-site. These units will allow the extraction of essential materials, particularly explosives, which are increasingly scarce both domestically and globally due to heightened defense demands worldwide.
Since the conflict began, Ukrainian experts have developed methods to recover explosives from undetonated Russian munitions, such as downed cruise missiles and unexploded aerial bombs. For instance, the frequently encountered FAB-500 M62 bomb contains 213 kilograms of TGAF-5, an explosive with a TNT equivalence of 300 kilograms. This resource has proven valuable, as engineering units repurpose these materials to manufacture devices for military operations.
Ukraine has also engaged private manufacturers to produce "cold munitions" that require only filling with explosives. This approach enables rapid, large-scale production while circumventing certain legal restrictions. Notably, the engineering division of the 414th Regiment, known as “Ptakhi Madyara,” has recently manufactured replicas of PTM-3 anti-tank mines. These locally produced mines, complete with casings and explosive charges, facilitate swift deployment against adversary forces.
The scale of unexploded ordnance in Ukraine, now the most heavily mined country in the world, presents a significant challenge. The Ukrainian Humanitarian Demining Association estimates that it could take up to 30 years to clear roughly 156,000 square kilometers of potentially hazardous areas, equivalent to a third of the country's territory. According to Yakiv Hanul, head of the pyrotechnic department in Irpin, every day of conflict creates approximately 30 days of demining work, underscoring the vast scale of this undertaking.
The GCS-200 mine-clearing vehicle was transferred to Ukraine by the United States. June 2024, Ukraine (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
Demining operations are classified into three main categories: military, operational, and humanitarian. Military demining, conducted by armed forces, clears pathways essential for strategic movement. Humanitarian demining, on the other hand, prioritizes civilian areas to ensure safe return and routine activities for local populations.
However, the costs remain high; the World Bank estimates that the full scope of demining will require around 34 billion euros and more than 10,000 specialists. Presently, Ukraine has approximately 3,000 qualified deminers, though the government has expanded training initiatives, including programs open to women.
This government initiative aligns with broader legislative reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy surrounding explosives and detonators, facilitating the supply of vital materials for the Defense Forces. By repurposing unexploded munitions, Ukraine is bolstering its resources for military use while improving safety in conflict-affected regions. This approach reflects Ukraine’s adaptability amid the ongoing challenges of prolonged conflict.