Rodents incapacitate millions in eco-friendly military equipment in Ukraine: the unforeseen problem

Weaponry systems in Ukraine, many of which were supplied by European countries, have been rendered unworkable, not due to Russian interference, but because of damage caused by mice and other rodents. Seemingly, these creatures have developed a preference for cable insulation made of corn fiber over synthetic materials. This predilection leads to malfunctioning electrical installations, rendering the expensive equipment essentially worthless, and requiring rapid overhauling.

Mice and rats have become a bane on the frontline for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, with these rodents capable of nesting almost anywhere, even in the exhaust systems of armored vehicles.

Advanced mid-range anti-aircraft systems such as the SAMP/T battery or short-range variants like the IRIS-T in SLM and SLS versions have also found their way to Ukraine. The former are designed to combat high-altitude aircrafts at around 74.5 miles or ballistic missiles at a 18.6-mile distance. Meanwhile, the IRIS-T SLM systems are intended to tackle aircrafts or drones and manoeuvering missiles within a range of up to 24.8 miles (SLM) or roughly 6.2 miles (SLS).

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