The Russian military has found an unexploded American Mk.82 aerial bomb in a forested area of unidentified location, according to Military News UA on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Malfunctioning Weaponry
This marks the first time such a bomb, not of Soviet or Russian origin, has been found on the front lines, according to Tech.
Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces have frequently encountered unexploded ordnance of various types. This often results from issues with Russian weaponry, where malfunctioning munitions fail to reach their intended targets and end up within the aggressor's territory.
Recent incidents include the crash of an Iranian Mohajer-6 drone in Russia and the discovery of a Ukrainian "Black Beaver" drone near Astrakhan. The latter, notable for its distinctive paint, was unexpectedly found by Russian forces.
First Find of American Equipment
The discovery of the Mk.82 bomb is particularly noteworthy as it is the first such find of American-made equipment on Russian soil. The Mk.82, also known as the Mark 82, is a general-purpose, free-fall bomb weighing approximately 227 kg (500 lbs). It is one of the smallest yet most commonly used bombs in the U.S. arsenal.
The bomb, measuring just over 2.2 meters in length and 27 cm in width, contains an explosive charge of 87 kg. Its steel casing houses a mixture of 80% TNT and 20% aluminum powder, known as Tritonal, enhancing its explosive efficiency.
Designed for versatility in combat, the Mk.82 can be equipped with various fin sets, fuses, and retardation systems, making it adaptable to different battlefield conditions.
