Reports have emerged of Ukrainian tank crews receiving shells from as far away as India.
A Notable Supplier
These explosive ordnance items, primarily high-explosive fragmentation rounds, are crucial in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the global network of ammunition supplies that Ukraine is tapping into, according to WP.
Recent images shared from the frontlines show ammunition with markings indicating it originated from India's state-run Munitions India Limited (MIL).
This marks a significant development, as the country has become a notable supplier of 125 mm shells, which are essential for Ukraine's tanks.
These shells have appeared in conjunction with statements from Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who confirmed that the first shipment of ammunition to Ukraine has been delivered.
Simple but Significant
The 125 mm high-explosive fragmentation shells from India weigh a total of 33 kg, with the explosive payload alone weighing 23 kg.
Each shell is designed with an impact fuse and a steel casing filled with approximately three kilograms of TNT, which can generate around 2,000 deadly shrapnel pieces upon detonation.
While these munitions are simple in design, they pose a significant threat when multiple rounds are fired at once, especially in open terrain.
Ukraine has been using its tanks in a dual capacity, functioning both as artillery within a range of 10 to 12 kilometers and in tactical raids against Russian positions.
However, Ukraine's stock of Soviet-era ammunition has been depleted, prompting the need to source munitions globally. NATO countries, except for a few like Bulgaria, Poland, and the Czech Republic, face limitations in producing 125 mm shells, making India a valuable ally in supplying necessary armaments.
With this new influx of ammunition, Ukraine is better equipped to continue its defense against ongoing Russian aggression, utilizing every available resource to strengthen its military capabilities.
