The Theory of NATO Involvement in Coating Explosive Powders for Ukraine

Introduction

The recent Tempi train crash has raised a number of important questions surrounding the true nature of the cargo being transported. Among the most intriguing pieces of evidence was the discovery of approximately 3 tons of silicone oil in the soil, an amount far exceeding what would typically be necessary for locomotive transformers. This anomaly has led to speculation regarding the true contents of the cargo — a theory suggesting that NATO might have been responsible for shipping xylene and silicone oil, which were potentially used for the coating of explosive powders. The destination of these materials, in my opinion, might be Ukraine, in support of the ongoing conflict and military efforts. This article aims to explore this theory, detailing the possible uses of xylene and silicone oil in coating explosives, the types of munitions that would likely be involved, and why NATO’s involvement in such a process is plausible, though speculative.

The Coating Process: Xylene and Silicone Oil

Coating explosive powders with materials like silicone oils and xylene is a standard procedure in the manufacturing of military explosives. The main goal of this process is to enhance the stability of explosive materials, reduce their sensitivity to shock and heat, and improve their overall safety during handling and transport.

Silicone Oils and Xylene in Explosive Coating

Silicone oils are widely used in military applications because of their thermally stable and non-reactive properties. These oils form an effective barrier around sensitive explosive materials, like RDX and HMX, to prevent accidental detonation due to friction, shock, or extreme temperatures. The Baysilone Fluids, for example, are known for their use in military applications and are valued for their durability and reliability under harsh conditions. Xylene, a common solvent, is often used in coating processes because of its quick evaporation rate, which allows it to efficiently dissolve and spread silicone oils across explosive particles. Once the xylene evaporates, it leaves behind a solid layer of silicone oil. This process ensures the stabilization and uniform coating of explosives, providing a protective layer that enhances the reliability and safety of explosive materials.

Why NATO Would Use Such Technology

Dual-Use Materials

One of the reasons this theory is plausible is that both xylene and silicone oils are dual-use materials. This means they are widely used in both civilian industries (like in the automotive, chemical, and electronics sectors) and in military applications (such as explosives). This dual-use nature of these substances makes them easy to misdeclare in logistics or shipping manifests, allowing military-grade explosives and their associated materials to be transported without attracting attention. NATO, like other military organizations, often uses civilian freight routes to ship sensitive materials under civilian labels, such as “transformer coolant” or “industrial solvent.” In my opinion, this is a common practice to avoid scrutiny and bypass restrictions that would otherwise apply to military shipments.

Military Manufacturing and Explosives Stability

The use of coatings for explosive powders, like RDX, HMX, and PBX, is a well-documented practice in the manufacture of military munitions. These coatings are designed to reduce the sensitivity of the explosive, ensuring that it does not accidentally detonate during transportation, storage, or use. This is particularly important for high-performance explosives used in artillery shells, bombs, missiles, and tank ammunition. While the specifics of NATO’s munitions production are not publicly disclosed due to national security concerns, it is logically consistent that NATO forces, through contractors such as BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin, would employ similar coating technologies to ensure the safety, handling, and reliability of their munitions. Coating explosives with materials like silicone oil enhances storage stability, allowing explosives to maintain their performance over time.

Military Logistics and Covert Operations

NATO’s logistical operations are often characterized by the use of civilian channels for transporting military goods. This is an established practice that has been used in various operations across the globe. The mislabeling of cargo is a common tactic to avoid detection and ensure that critical military supplies reach their intended destination without being intercepted. In my opinion, the shipment of xylene and silicone oil — under civilian labels like “coolant” or “industrial oil” — to destinations like Ukraine, where military conflict is ongoing, would make sense. NATO would be able to safely ship these dual-use chemicals while ensuring they are used for explosive coating and other sensitive applications without attracting attention.

Potential Military Applications of Coated Explosives

If NATO were indeed involved in such a shipment, the materials would most likely be used in high-performance munitions that require explosive powders to be stabilized with coatings. Some possible applications include:

1. Artillery Shells and Mortar Rounds: These munitions use explosive powders like RDX and HMX. Coatings are essential for stabilizing these explosive powders, reducing their sensitivity to accidental detonation during handling and ensuring their effectiveness when deployed in artillery operations.
2. Guided Munitions (Missiles and Warheads): Warheads for missiles, such as anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-ground missiles, typically use HMX or PBX for their explosive payloads. These materials are coated with stabilizers to ensure reliable detonation while withstanding the extreme conditions encountered during flight and impact.
3. Tank Ammunition: Anti-tank munitions, such as armor-piercing shells, require the use of explosives like RDX and PBX, which benefit from the same stabilization coatings to reduce their sensitivity and ensure their reliability when penetrating armored targets.
4. Conventional Bombs: Bunker-busting bombs or cluster munitions rely on coated explosives to prevent premature detonation during storage or handling. Coatings ensure the explosives perform correctly when deployed on target.
5. Demolition Charges: Explosives like C-4, which contain RDX and plasticizers, are widely used in military demolition operations. The addition of silicone coatings helps reduce the risk of accidental detonation, making handling safer.

How Likely Is This Theory?

Lack of Direct Evidence

There is no direct, publicly available evidence linking xylene and silicone oil shipments to NATO munitions for Ukraine. As of now, there are no shipping manifests, logistical records, or other clear documentation proving that NATO was involved in shipping these materials to Ukraine for explosive coating purposes.

Availability of Materials

The materials involved—xylene and silicone oils—are not exclusive to military applications. They are widely used in civilian industries, making it difficult to definitively associate their presence with military operations without further evidence.

Public Skepticism

Public skepticism remains a significant barrier to fully accepting this theory. Claims about NATO’s involvement in the shipment of sensitive materials like explosives need to be supported by hard evidence, such as chemical analyses, shipping records, or declassified military documents.

Conclusion

The theory that NATO was involved in shipping xylene and silicone oil as part of a coating process for explosive powders bound for Ukraine is not only technically feasible but also strategically plausible. The use of silicone oil coatings in military explosives is well-documented in the defense industry, and the combination of xylene and silicone oil for such applications is common in military manufacturing. While direct evidence is lacking, the presence of large quantities of silicone oil in the aftermath of the Tempi crash, combined with the plausible logistics of NATO shipments, suggests that this theory deserves further investigation. However, to fully confirm it, additional documented proof or technical analysis would be required.