Ukraine's SBU Exposes $637 Million Defense Scam: Decades-Old Grenade Launchers Supplied as New.

Investigation into Grenade Launcher Procurement Contract

According to Espreso.tv: Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) have launched a criminal probe into a contract worth 637 million Ukrainian hryvnias for the delivery of 6,000 RPG-75M grenade launchers. The investigation uncovered that instead of newly manufactured weapons, the supplied units were outdated models originally produced in the 1980s. Authorities suspect the parties involved deliberately concealed the actual year of manufacture and the condition of the equipment, causing state losses estimated at 318.5 million hryvnias. This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in Ukraine's defense sector during wartime.

Case Details

The contract stipulated an advance payment of 318.5 million hryvnias, with the first batch of 3,024 grenade launchers delivered in May 2026. Under the agreement, all weapons were supposed to be newly manufactured between 2024 and 2026. Evidence now shows the supplier failed to meet these terms, providing obsolete equipment instead. Investigators are examining possible collusion between officials from the state enterprise 'Defense Procurement Agency' and the supplying company.

Authorities conducted searches at the offices of both the Defense Procurement Agency and the supplier, underscoring the severity of the case and the commitment to uncovering the full scope of the scheme. The criminal proceedings are being handled under Article 114-1, Part 1 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. The case has sparked public concern, as it directly involves defense acquisitions and national security amid an ongoing war.

This investigation is critical for ensuring transparency and accountability in defense procurement, especially during wartime when every piece of military equipment can impact the country's security. The detected violations may lead to further probes and reforms in the state procurement system to prevent similar abuses in the future.