Organization for Security and Co-operation in EuropeOSCE Mission to Moldova
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Moldovan army destroys surplus bombs with OSCE expertise
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The destruction of surplus ammunition is crucial for non-proliferation, regional stability, and the safety of civilians. The OSCE Mission to Moldova has been working with the Moldovan Ministry of Defence on ammunition disposal projects since 2007. The disposal of air bombs in July 2011 was the latest in a series of projects.
The disposal operations are part of the Mission’s efforts on arms control and disarmament, which also aim to promote military transparency and increase trust between the parties to the Transdniestrian conflict.
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Photo 1 of 9The disposal operations take place in deep pits at a purpose built demolition site at the Bulboaca Training Area, in the Anenii Noi district of Moldova. The pits are dug about four meters deep as a safety measure to contain the explosions. (OSCE/Maurice Dunand) -
Photo 2 of 9The air bombs are disposed of using special thermal devices to split the bomb casing and burn off the explosives. Instruction in this destruction method was provided by John Paul Grimsley, an OSCE expert on explosive ordnance disposal. (OSCE/Liubomir Ţurcanu) -
Photo 3 of 9Grimsley gives practical on-site training on safe disposal operations. The OSCE-supported capacity building projects will also help any future national and international disposal projects of a similar nature. (OSCE/Liubomir Ţurcanu) -
Photo 4 of 9Kenneth Pickles (r), Politico-Military Officer at the OSCE Mission to Moldova, and Major Andrei Camerzan, Moldovan Army Chief of Arms and Ammunition Section, closely observe every stage of the disposal operations. (OSCE/Liubomir Ţurcanu) -
Photo 5 of 9The thermal shock induced deflagrator and low temperature thermite devices are safely positioned on top of the bomb, now ready for disposal. (OSCE/Liubomir Ţurcanu) -
Photo 6 of 9The OSCE Mission members and Moldovan army engineers observe the bomb-burning process from a bunker overlooking the site. (OSCE/Liubomir Ţurcanu) -
Photo 7 of 9The burning process can sometimes result in an explosion, which is why safety procedures are so important. (OSCE/Liubomir Ţurcanu) -
Photo 8 of 9Deflagration leaves pieces of the bomb in the pit. Once all the explosives have been burned off, the remaining metal can be disposed of as scrap (OSCE/Mihail Tcaciuc) -
Photo 9 of 9The OSCE-trained Moldovan officers continue their work, placing another bomb into the pit for the next series of disposal operations. (OSCE/Liubomir Ţurcanu)
