Accurate management of a country’s weapons stockpile is essential for both security and operational effectiveness.
Safeguarding military equipment ensures that arms are used responsibly and remain accounted for at all times.
Lapses in this responsibility can lead to serious consequences, from endangering public safety to eroding trust in the institutions tasked with national defense.
A recent incident in Poland has brought these concerns into sharp focus.
Found in Ikea
On January 9, 2025, Poland’s Ministry of Defense announced the dismissal of Major General Artur Kępczyński, who was responsible for overseeing the military’s logistical operations as head of the Inspectorate for Support.
While the official statement did not detail the reasons for his removal, reports from Polish media have linked it to an incident involving missing antitank mines.
The situation originated in June 2024 when a train carrying over 1,000 tons of explosives, including antitank mines, arrived at its destination.
Soldiers reportedly failed to unload part of the shipment, allowing the mines to remain on the train and eventually go unaccounted for.
False documentation about the number of mines further delayed efforts to address the issue.
The mines were only discovered months later in an IKEA warehouse, according to Digi24.
The incident became public when someone contacted the military to inquire about retrieving the items. This led to a formal investigation, which is still ongoing.
General Kępczyński, as the officer in charge of the Inspectorate for Support, held responsibility for ensuring the secure and accurate management of military equipment.
His dismissal reflects the severity of the mishap and the need for accountability within Poland’s defense system.
