Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites (UEMS)

The Small Arms Survey defines UEMS as the accidental explosion of abandoned, damaged, improperly stored, or properly stored stockpiles of ammunition and explosives at munitions sites (a detailed definition and classification of UEMS is available here). A single UEMS incident often results in dozens of casualties and millions of dollars' worth of damage to nearby buildings, infrastructure, and homes.

Research conducted by the Survey reveals that these incidents are widespread and increasingly common: in its database, the Survey has recorded 700 incidents between 1979 and June 2026.

The Small Arms Survey continues to maintain its UEMS database on an ongoing basis. To receive the full database of UEMS incidents in Excel format, please contact: media@smallarmssurvey.org.

Check out our latest infographic and Factsheet below for a snapshot of the key findings, and the links between our UEMS database and the Global Framework on Ammunition. And scroll down to our interactive visualization tool below for a quick overview of the whole dataset:


Quick facts on UEMS—November 2026 update

Infographic     |     November 2026

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Interactive Map (November 2026 update)

 

The Small Arms Survey takes no position regarding the status or name of countries or territories mentioned in its publications and outputs.

For more on UEMS, check out our other related outputs below and visit our Resource Library.