Cluster munitions: what is it, why are they dangerous and their use in wars

History of the development of cluster munitions

The use of cluster munitions. AFP video

The history of the development of cluster munitions begins during the Second World War, but the most significant breakthroughs in this area were made during the Cold War. Cluster munitions are weapons that consist of a container and many small munitions that are scattered over a certain area. Such weapons have become a significant element of warfare tactics, since they can cause damage to a large number of targets in a common area.

M28/M29 cluster bomb

During World War II, British aircraft used cluster munitions loaded with anti-tank mines in operations against German tank columns. At the same time, similar systems were being developed in the United States, in particular, the M28 / M29 cluster bomb.

M28/M29 cluster bomb

During the Cold War, cluster munitions were greatly improved. The development of electronics and precision technology has made it possible to create ammunition capable of independently finding and hitting targets. In the 1960s, the US developed the CBU-58 bomb, which could scatter up to 650 individual bombs on the battlefield.

CBU-58 cluster bomb

The Soviet Union was also actively involved in the development of cluster munitions. Known examples are the RBK-500 aviation cluster bomb and the 9M55K Smerch missile with a cluster warhead. They contained a large number of submunitions for various purposes, from anti-tank to thermobaric, and were used to destroy various types of targets.

cluster bomb RBC-500

By the end of the 2008th century, cluster munitions became the subject of criticism from the international community. The main problem is that after their use, a large number of unexploded submunitions remain on the battlefield, which pose a threat to the civilian population. As a result, the Cluster Munitions Convention was signed in 100, prohibiting the use, production, storage and transfer of cluster munitions. More than XNUMX countries have signed this convention, although some countries, including Russia and the United States, have refused to do so.

The use of the RBC-500 cluster bomb

Today, research and development in the field of cluster munitions continues. Increasing attention is being paid to the creation of such systems that minimize the risk to the civilian population. Manufacturers are trying to make ammunition "smart", that is, capable of recognizing and hitting only military targets, as well as self-destruct after a certain time if they have not found a target.

Technical details of different types of cluster munitions

Cluster munitions, also known as cluster munitions, provide a high degree of destruction over a wide area. They are containers filled with a variety of small ammunition or submunitions. Inside these containers can be different types of ammunition, each with its own characteristics and technical details. Let's consider some of them in more detail.

1. Anti-tank cluster munitions: Used to destroy armored targets. For example, the Soviet RBC-500U air bomb contains 14 PTAB-1M anti-tank submunitions, each of which is equipped with a HEAT warhead capable of penetrating up to 60 mm of armor. Such ammunition is usually used against columns of enemy vehicles or for ambushes.

Cluster bomb air bomb RBK-500U

2. Anti-personnel cluster munitions: These contain a large amount of explosive or fragmentation submunitions. For example, the American CBU-87 cluster bomb contains 202 BLU-97 / B bomblets, which fly apart when they explode, hitting infantry and lightly armored vehicles.

Bomblet BLU-97/B

3. Thermobaric cluster munitions: They contain submunitions with a thermobaric charge that creates a powerful shock wave and high temperature when detonated. They are effective against manpower and light structures. An example is the Russian RBC-500 TB.

4. Cluster munitions with autonomous submunitions: In some cases, cluster munitions may contain intelligent submunitions that are capable of independently identifying and engaging targets. For example, the American AGM-154 JSOW missile contains 24 BLU-108 submunitions, each of which is equipped with an infrared sensor system to detect targets and a shaped charge to destroy them.

Submunition BLU-108

Each type of cluster munition is designed for specific missions and use cases, and its entire design - from the type of submunition used to the deployment system and fuze system - is designed to maximize its effectiveness.

However, the use of cluster munitions raises huge ethical issues due to the large amount of unexploded submunitions that remain after their use and can threaten civilians. This has led to the development and use of so-called "smart" cluster munitions, which can self-destruct or deactivate after a certain amount of time, reducing this threat. However, this problem still remains relevant and requires further research and development.

Examples of use in past and present conflicts

Cluster munitions have had a significant impact on the course of many armed conflicts of the XNUMXth and XNUMXst centuries. With their unique ability to deliver large-scale strikes, they were used for a variety of tasks, from suppressing enemy infantry to destroying armored targets. However, at the same time, their use entails a number of ethical and legal problems.

In World War II and during the Korean War, early forms of cluster munitions were used. They were relatively simple and were mainly used to suppress enemy infantry or anti-tank defenses.

The use of the BLU-96 bomb

The introduction of more sophisticated and effective cluster munitions occurred during the Vietnam War. American troops actively used them to destroy transport infrastructure, suppress Vietnamese troops and fight partisans. In particular, BLU-26 / B cluster munitions were used as part of Operation Commando Vault, the purpose of which was to create landing sites for helicopters.

At the end of the 2003th century and the beginning of the XNUMXst century, the use of cluster munitions became widespread in conflicts such as the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq and armed conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. For example, during the XNUMX Iraq War, US troops and their allies actively used cluster munitions to hit Iraqi military targets. Cluster munitions were especially widely used during the hostilities in the city of Nasiriyah.

The use of cluster bombs in Iraq

In modern conflicts, such as the civil war in Syria, cluster munitions have also been used extensively. They were used to strike military and semi-civilian targets, causing massive civilian casualties and international condemnation.

The use of cluster bombs in Yugoslavia

Despite their military effectiveness, the use of cluster munitions remains a matter of considerable controversy due to their potential impact on civilians. A large amount of unexploded ordnance remains on the battlefield after the conflict, posing a constant threat to the civilian population. This has led to international efforts to ban the use of cluster munitions, as reflected in the 2008 Cluster Munitions Convention.

The use of cluster munitions in past and present conflicts is an important topic for study. It highlights the complex balance between military necessity and humanitarian considerations that is key in any military conflict.

Detailed analysis of humanitarian issues related to cluster munitions

Cluster munitions, or cluster bombs, were first deployed in World War II and have remained an important part of many countries' military arsenals ever since. Despite their effectiveness in military operations, they have been the subject of considerable humanitarian criticism and public attention due to the effects they leave after their use.

One of the main problems is that a large number of submunitions that are contained in cluster munitions often do not explode on initial contact with the ground. These unexploded ordnance, in fact, become mortgaged land, posing a serious threat to civilians and reconstruction efforts long after the end of the conflict.

This problem has been especially noticeable in recent decades. In Laos, for example, where more than 270 million cluster bombs were dropped during the Vietnam War, there are still cases of unexploded ordnance explosions. These explosions often result in the death or injury of civilians, including children, who may accidentally stumble upon them while playing in the fields or even inside their homes. In Laos, it is estimated that up to 80 million of these munitions have yet to be cleared.

Devastating effects of cluster bombs

This problem is compounded by the fact that the clearance of cluster munitions is a complex, costly and potentially hazardous process. It can take many years and sometimes decades to complete, depending on the scale of the conflict and the amount of ammunition used.

Moreover, the use of cluster munitions often results in widespread destruction of infrastructure, making humanitarian operations and post-conflict reconstruction difficult. Destroyed roads, bridges, buildings and other facilities can leave civilians without access to vital services such as health care, education and food supplies.

In response to these challenges, the international community has taken a number of measures. In 2008, the Cluster Munitions Convention was signed, which prohibits the use, production, transfer and storage of cluster munitions. Unfortunately, many key countries, including the US, Russia and China, have not signed the Convention.

Despite all these problems, cluster munitions are still used in military conflicts. This highlights the importance of continuing the dialogue on the humanitarian consequences of their use, the need for stricter rules for their use, and the importance of research and development in the field of their neutralization and cleanup.

Disputes and debates around international law and cluster munitions

Cluster munitions, known for their ability to deliver large-scale strikes, are the subject of important controversy and debate in international law. This debate focuses heavily on two key issues: first, the humanitarian consequences of the use of cluster munitions; secondly, on the balance between military necessity and humanitarian principles.

At the heart of this debate is the 2008 Cluster Munitions Convention, which bans the use, production, transfer and possession of cluster munitions. It has been signed by more than 100 countries and has become a key tool in the fight against the use of this type of weapon.

Consequences of the use of cluster bombs

However, many large states, including the USA, Russia and China, have not signed this Convention. They argue that despite the humanitarian risks, cluster munitions play an important role in national security. They also point out that the use of cluster munitions should be governed by more traditional international military law, such as the principles of distinctness and proportionality.

The principle of distinctness states that during hostilities, the parties must do their best to distinguish between military and civilian targets, attacking only military targets. The principle of proportionality requires that the damage caused to civilians and objects should not be excessive in relation to the specific military benefit that the attack brings. Critics argue that the use of cluster munitions often violates these principles, especially in urban warfare environments.

Consequences of unexploded cluster-type ordnance

On the other hand, advocates of the use of cluster munitions argue that these weapons can be used in accordance with international humanitarian law if they are used strategically and carefully to minimize harm to civilians.

The controversy surrounding cluster munitions highlights the complex issues surrounding the balance between military necessity and humanitarian principles, and how these issues are governed by international law. This debate is part of a broader field of tension and controversy surrounding the use of modern technology for military purposes. While the Cluster Munitions Convention is an important step forward, it also highlights the need for further debate, research and international cooperation to ensure that civilians are protected in situations of armed conflict.

Detailed overview of the Convention on Cluster Munitions

The Oslo Convention on Cluster Munitions, also known as the Oslo Accord, signed in Oslo in 2008, has become a stumbling block in the debate about the balance between military necessity and humanitarian issues. The convention represents an important step in efforts to regulate the use and proliferation of cluster munitions.

Under the Convention, member states undertake "never and under no circumstances" to use cluster munitions or to develop, manufacture, otherwise acquire, store, stockpile or transfer such munitions. It also prohibits participation in any activity involving cluster munitions.

One of the most significant provisions of the Convention is the obligation of countries to destroy existing stockpiles of cluster munitions within eight years of the entry into force of the Convention. This underlines the determination of the participants not only to ban the future use of cluster munitions, but also to get rid of existing stocks.

The convention also includes obligations to assist victims, including medical assistance, rehabilitation and socio-economic integration, as well as the obligation to take all possible measures to prevent civilian deaths and injuries.

Countries that have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions (grey)

However, despite the fact that more than 100 countries have signed and ratified the Convention, many of the most powerful military states in the world, including the US, Russia and China, have not done so. These countries continue to claim that cluster munitions play an important role in their military strategy, and their refusal to sign the Convention speaks to the complexity and controversy of this issue.

Despite this, the Convention on Cluster Munitions remains an important tool in the fight against the use of these types of weapons and the reduction of their harm to civilians. It is an important example of how the international community can come together to resolve complex and contentious issues related to military conflicts and weapons.

Attempts and technologies for the disposal of failed submunitions

Missing submunitions from cluster munitions are a big problem for civilians and even entire communities after a conflict. They can pose a threat for decades after the conflict, causing occasional explosions on contact.

However, thanks to the development of technology and the efforts of the international community to dispose of submunitions, there are various methods and technologies to neutralize and eliminate this threat.

One of the first steps in the disposal of submunitions is their detection. This is usually done using metal detectors, although in some cases search dogs and even search rats trained to detect explosives are also used.

After the discovery of ammunition, it is neutralized. In most cases, this occurs by controlled explosion on the spot. But this approach can be dangerous, especially if the submunitions are close to residential areas or other critical infrastructure. For this reason, other methods of neutralization are being researched and developed.

What are cluster munitions?

One such approach is the use of robots. These vehicles can be equipped with manipulators for handling submunitions and built-in devices for their disposal, such as heaters or mechanisms for the reliable destruction of the munition.

Some research is also focused on the use of laser technology for the disposal of submunitions. Lasers can be used to affect sensitive parts of the munition, resulting in its "safe" explosion or neutralization.

Despite these technological advances, submunition disposal is still a dangerous and time-consuming job. In addition, on the scale of entire states or even regions, the task of disposing of unexploded ordnance remains enormous. This requires not only innovative technologies, but also the common efforts of the international community.

Strategies and methods used in wars without the use of cluster munitions

Modern military art is striving to develop more effective and humane warfare strategies that can do without the use of destructive and problematic weapons such as cluster munitions. A number of strategies and methods of modern military tactics include the use of precision weapons, cyber warfare, and asymmetric warfare.

precision weapons

Most of the developed military countries are actively investing in the development and use of precision weapons. This includes missiles and bombs guided by GPS, lasers or other means. Precision weapons allow military targets to be reached with less collateral damage, reducing civilian casualties.

Cyber ​​war

Cyber ​​warfare is becoming an increasingly important part of modern military strategies. It includes attacks on the computer systems and networks of the enemy, which can lead to serious disruption in its infrastructure and military operations. This may be a more humane way of waging war, since such attacks usually do not result in immediate physical damage or civilian casualties.

Asymmetric warfare

Asymmetric warfare is a strategy in which the weaker side uses non-standard methods to fight a stronger opponent. This may include guerrilla warfare, terrorism, information warfare, and other tactics that do not use traditional weapons, including cluster munitions.

Together, these strategies and methods show that there are alternatives to the use of cluster munitions in today's military conflicts. They make it possible to achieve military goals with less collateral damage and civilian casualties, which is an important step towards a more humane war. However, it is also worth noting that these strategies also have their own problems and challenges, and they are not a panacea for all the problems of military conflicts.

Impact of cluster munitions on the environment and ecosystems

War, regardless of the weapon used, always causes direct damage to the environment. However, cluster munitions pose a particular risk because their remnants can remain dangerous long after a conflict and cause damage to ecosystems and the environment.

Direct impact

Cluster munitions, like any other military weapon, can cause direct damage to the environment when they explode. They can destroy vegetation, damage soil, and cause air pollution from explosives and other hazardous chemicals.

Long term impact

Unexploded submunitions from cluster munitions can remain in the environment for decades after a conflict, posing a threat to humans and wildlife. Not only does this increase the risk of accidents, but it can also make it difficult for ecosystems to recover after a war.

Impact on biodiversity

Unexploded submunitions can negatively impact biodiversity, causing direct harm to wildlife. Animals can be killed or injured in accidental explosions, which can affect populations of certain species.

Water pollution

The explosion of cluster munitions and the deposition of their residues in water bodies can produce toxic substances that pollute water resources. This not only harms water ecosystems, but can also hinder access to clean drinking water for humans and wildlife.

In conclusion, cluster munitions pose a serious threat to the environment and ecosystems. Their use can cause damage long after a military conflict, making them one of the most environmentally destructive weapons. Therefore, it is important to continue international efforts to limit the use of these types of weapons and ensure their disposal after military conflicts.

Potential alternatives to cluster munitions being explored by science

Modern military art is constantly researching new methods of warfare that would minimize the impact on the environment and the civilian population. This direction is especially relevant, given the criticism that is associated with the use of cluster munitions. There are several potential alternatives that are currently being researched by scientists.

Advanced precision weapon systems

Precision weapons are generally considered to be the preferred option because they allow targeted strikes against enemy military targets while minimizing harm to the environment and civilians. Modern guided weapon systems, such as laser-guided or GPS-guided missiles and bombs, are constantly being improved to increase their accuracy and effectiveness.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly popular for military purposes. They can be used for targeted strikes against military targets with minimal environmental impact. Moreover, UAVs can carry out reconnaissance missions, which allows you to more accurately determine targets and reduce the risk of accidental casualties among civilians.

Cyber ​​war

Cyber ​​warfare is a relatively new method of warfare that involves attacks on enemy computer systems and networks. While cyberattacks can have serious consequences, they usually do not cause physical harm to people or the environment.

Armament based on energy beams

Research is also underway in the field of weapons based on energy beams, such as laser and microwave weapons. This weapon allows you to strike at a great distance, minimizing the risk of accidental damage and environmental damage.

All of these potential alternatives require further research and testing to ensure their effectiveness and safety. However, they represent promising avenues for replacing cluster munitions and other weapons that can cause serious harm to the environment and civilians.