What are conventional weapons?

What are Conventional Weapons?

Conventional weapons are weapons that are not nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) weapons. They are typically designed to cause physical damage or harm to people or property, and are used in a wide range of conflicts, from small-scale skirmishes to large-scale wars. In this article, we will explore the definition, types, and characteristics of conventional weapons, as well as their uses and limitations.

Definition of Conventional Weapons

Conventional weapons are typically defined as weapons that use conventional means of propulsion, such as gunpowder, explosives, or mechanical energy, to deliver their payload. They can be further categorized into several subtypes, including:

• Small arms: Handguns, rifles, and machine guns that are designed to be carried and used by individuals.
• Light weapons: Weapons that are designed to be used by small groups of people, such as machine guns, grenade launchers, and recoilless rifles.
• Heavy weapons: Large-caliber weapons that are designed to be used by larger groups of people, such as artillery, tanks, and anti-aircraft guns.
• Air-delivered weapons: Weapons that are delivered by aircraft, such as bombs, rockets, and missiles.
• Naval weapons: Weapons that are used by naval vessels, such as torpedoes, mines, and naval artillery.

Characteristics of Conventional Weapons

Conventional weapons have several characteristics that distinguish them from other types of weapons. These include:

• Repeatability: Conventional weapons can be fired multiple times, making them more versatile than single-shot weapons.
• Accuracy: Conventional weapons are designed to be accurate, allowing them to hit specific targets.
• Range: Conventional weapons have a range of several kilometers, making them effective over long distances.
• Payload: Conventional weapons can carry a variety of payloads, including bullets, shells, and explosives.
• Propulsion: Conventional weapons use conventional means of propulsion, such as gunpowder or explosives, to deliver their payload.

Types of Conventional Weapons

There are many different types of conventional weapons, including:

• Small arms: Handguns, rifles, and machine guns that are designed to be carried and used by individuals.
• Light weapons: Weapons that are designed to be used by small groups of people, such as machine guns, grenade launchers, and recoilless rifles.
• Heavy weapons: Large-caliber weapons that are designed to be used by larger groups of people, such as artillery, tanks, and anti-aircraft guns.
• Air-delivered weapons: Weapons that are delivered by aircraft, such as bombs, rockets, and missiles.
• Naval weapons: Weapons that are used by naval vessels, such as torpedoes, mines, and naval artillery.
• Missiles: Guided missiles that are designed to deliver a payload to a specific target.
• Artillery: Large-caliber weapons that are designed to deliver a payload to a specific target.

Uses of Conventional Weapons

Conventional weapons are used in a wide range of conflicts, including:

• Warfare: Conventional weapons are used in traditional warfare, including battles between armies and military campaigns.
• Insurgency: Conventional weapons are used by insurgents and guerrilla fighters to attack government forces and other targets.
• Counter-terrorism: Conventional weapons are used by law enforcement and military forces to respond to terrorist attacks and prevent future attacks.
• Peacekeeping: Conventional weapons are used by peacekeeping forces to maintain peace and stability in conflict zones.

Limitations of Conventional Weapons

While conventional weapons are effective in many situations, they also have several limitations. These include:

• Precision: Conventional weapons can be inaccurate, making it difficult to hit specific targets.
• Range: Conventional weapons have a limited range, making them less effective over long distances.
• Payload: Conventional weapons can carry a limited payload, making them less effective against heavily fortified targets.
• Cost: Conventional weapons can be expensive, making them less accessible to some countries and organizations.

Conclusion

Conventional weapons are an important part of modern warfare, and are used in a wide range of conflicts. They are characterized by their repeatability, accuracy, range, payload, and propulsion, and can be used in a variety of roles, including warfare, insurgency, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping. While they have several limitations, conventional weapons remain an important tool for military forces and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Table: Conventional Weapons

References

• International Committee of the Red Cross. (2019). Conventional Weapons.
• United Nations. (2019). Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
• Military.com. (2020). Conventional Weapons.

Note: The references provided are a selection of the many sources that discuss conventional weapons. They are intended to provide a starting point for further research and should not be considered an exhaustive list.