Policy Change Pending In Munitions Disposal Operations

Moscow, Russia The Russian Defense Ministry has announced that starting in 2013, a change in policy will be implemented in the disposal of unserviceable munitions. Due to the significant number of accidents that occurred over recent years involving poor handling of munitions, open detonation will no longer be the preferred method of disposal.

The Defense Ministry announced that it will use "safer industrial technologies for the disposals". Potential new methods were not discussed, but the Ministry announced it has received several proposals from Russian defense industry firms. Russia has an estimated 3.6 million metric tons of munitions, 2.16 million tons of which they plan to destroy. The remaining 1.4 million tons will be kept in reserve.

Russian policy makers hope the change in policy will prevent future accidents and make the public safer.