Cluster Bombs and Cluster Munitions: The Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

Rajesh Uppal August 30, 2024 Threats, Unmanned, Weapons Comments Off on Cluster Bombs and Cluster Munitions: The Escalating Humanitarian Crisis 1,842 Views

Introduction:

Cluster munitions, known for their devastating impact on civilian populations, have long been a subject of international concern due to their indiscriminate nature and widespread harm. These weapons, dispersed from aircraft or ground systems, release smaller submunitions over a wide area, posing significant risks to civilian populations and infrastructure. While advancements in technology have made cluster munitions more accurate and lethal, they have also intensified the humanitarian crisis they cause. In this article, we explore the evolution of cluster munitions, their impact on civilian populations, and the urgent need for global action to address this growing crisis.

The Evolution of Cluster Munitions:

Cluster munitions, including cluster bombs, rockets, and artillery shells, are weapons that disperse explosive submunitions over a wide area. Historically, these weapons were notorious for their indiscriminate nature, causing extensive civilian casualties and leaving behind hazardous unexploded ordnance (UXO). However, technological advancements have led to the development of more sophisticated cluster munitions, equipped with precision-guidance systems that enhance accuracy and lethality.

Cluster bombs were first used in World War II, and inclusive of their debut, cluster munitions have been used in at least 21 states by at least 13 different countries. The traditional cluster bomb is still in widespread use with thousands of the munitions being used since the invasion of Iraq began in 2003. They continue to be a favorite among those tasked with destruction of enemy air defenses (DEAD) along with battlefield interdiction against formations of vehicles and troops. Even some close air support missions, especially those where the exact target’s location is unknown, benefit heavily from cluster munitions.

On February 21, the Egyptian military shared a video on its official Twitter account purporting to show improvised explosive devices planted by “terrorist elements.” However, upon analysis by Amnesty International, it was confirmed that the video depicted an unexploded US-made Mk 118 cluster munition, suggesting its origin from the Egyptian air force.

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the use of cluster munitions has been distressingly prevalent. Russian armed forces have deployed at least six types of cluster munitions in attacks, resulting in the loss of hundreds of civilian lives and extensive damage to homes, hospitals, and schools. For instance, in Mykolaiv, Russian forces launched cluster munition rockets into populated areas on multiple occasions, leading to civilian casualties and widespread destruction. In one tragic incident on March 13, nine people were killed while waiting in line at a cash machine, as reported by local media. Despite these actions, Russia has not officially acknowledged its use of cluster munitions, instead alleging that Ukrainian forces deployed similar weapons in Donetsk on March 14, though this claim remains unconfirmed by independent sources.

The New York Times reported Ukrainian forces’ apparent use of Uragan cluster munition rockets in an attack on Husarivka in Kharkiv oblast on March 6 or 7, while the village was under Russian control. Although Ukraine has not denied the use of cluster munitions in the current conflict, it asserts that its Armed Forces strictly adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law.

The cluster munitions employed in Ukraine are primarily ground-launched rockets and missiles, with the exception of the RBK-series cluster bomb, which is delivered by aircraft. Notably, these munitions have all been manufactured in Russia, some as recently as 2021, or in its predecessor state, the Soviet Union.

Cluster Bombs

A basic cluster bomb consists of a hollow shell and then two to more than 2,000 submunitions or bomblets contained within it. Some types are dispensers that are designed to be retained by the aircraft after releasing their munitions. The submunitions themselves may be fitted with small parachute retarders or streamers to slow their descent (allowing the aircraft to escape the blast area in low-altitude attacks).

Two technical characteristics of submunitions—failure rate and lack of a self-destruct capability—have received a great deal of attention. There appear to be significant discrepancies among failure rate estimates. Some manufacturers claim a submunition failure rate of 2% to 5%, whereas mine clearance specialists have frequently reported failure rates of 10% to 30%. %.

A number of factors influence submunition reliability. These include delivery technique, age of the submunition, air temperature, landing in soft or muddy ground, getting caught in trees and vegetation, and submunitions being damaged after dispersal, or landing in such a manner that their impact fuzes fail to initiate.

The Nature of Cluster Munitions

Cluster munitions come in various forms, including bombs, rockets, and artillery shells. These weapons disperse explosive submunitions, ranging from a few dozen to hundreds, over a designated area upon detonation. The submunitions can be explosive, chemical, or biological in nature, designed for diverse purposes such as personnel elimination, vehicle destruction, runway or infrastructure damage, or dissemination of non-lethal materials like leaflets.

It can be explosive, chemical or biological in nature. They can be delivered by aircraft or from ground systems such as artillery, rockets, and missiles. Commonly, cluster bomb that ejects explosive bomblets are designed to kill personnel and destroy vehicles. Other cluster munitions are designed to destroy runways or electric power transmission lines, disperse chemical or biological weapons, or to scatter land mines. Some submunition-based weapons can disperse non-munitions, such as leaflets.

Military Value vs. Civilian Risk

Cluster munitions offer military advantages, allowing one munition to engage multiple targets within its impact area. They are considered cost-effective and enable smaller forces to engage larger adversaries. However, the indiscriminate nature of these weapons poses a high risk to civilian populations.

The indiscriminate nature of these weapons means that they often strike populated areas, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children. Furthermore, the widespread dispersal of submunitions increases the risk of collateral damage and leaves behind hazardous UXO, posing a long-term threat to civilian safety and livelihoods.

Even when used against military targets with precision, civilian infrastructure nearby often sustains damage. Furthermore, unexploded submunitions pose a long-term threat to civilian safety, causing casualties even after a conflict has ended.

Mary Wareham, arms advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, condemned the repeated use of cluster munitions by Russian forces in populated neighborhoods in Ukraine, citing the immediate and long-term harm inflicted on civilians. She called for an immediate cessation of their use by both Russian and Ukrainian forces to prevent further civilian casualties and suffering.

Escalating Precision and Lethality:

Advancements in technology have made modern cluster munitions more accurate and lethal than ever before. Some nations are investing in precision-guided cluster bombs equipped with advanced guidance systems to enhance accuracy and reduce collateral damage. Precision-guidance systems enable these weapons to target specific areas with unprecedented accuracy, reducing the likelihood of missing their intended targets. However, this increased precision also means that cluster munitions can be effectively employed in urban environments, further amplifying the risk to civilian populations.

The development of newer, safer, and more accurate cluster bombs reflects ongoing efforts by the Pentagon to enhance the effectiveness of munitions while minimizing collateral damage. One notable advancement is the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD), a guided tail-kit attached to existing cluster bombs. Although it doesn’t transform these bombs into precision-guided munitions, the WCMD improves accuracy by compensating for wind during descent, reducing the risk of civilian casualties, particularly in densely populated areas.

Traditionally, cluster munitions relied on mechanical fuzes to arm submunitions, often resulting in a significant number of unexploded bomblets. To address this issue, a new generation of sensor-fuzed submunitions is emerging, designed to enhance accuracy and reduce the risk of unexploded ordnance. One such example is the Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW), which features guided submunitions equipped with infrared sensors to target armored vehicles. By incorporating self-destruct mechanisms, the SFW aims to minimize the number of duds, thus reducing the civilian impact of cluster munitions.

An alternative approach involves replacing traditional explosive submunitions with non-explosive kinetic projectiles. These projectiles, such as high-speed hot cast iron shrapnel, are designed to inflict damage on enemy targets without creating residual hazards. Unlike conventional cluster bombs, which scatter bomblets indiscriminately, this method mitigates the risk of unexploded ordnance and reduces collateral damage. While advancements in bomb guidance systems can enhance the effectiveness of these kinetic projectiles, further research and development are needed to optimize their performance and reliability.

However, concerns persist regarding the reliability and humanitarian impact of these weapons. International efforts, such as the Convention on Cluster Munitions, aim to regulate and prohibit their use, but challenges remain in achieving universal compliance.

Global Use and Impact

Cluster munitions have been utilized in conflicts worldwide, causing significant civilian harm and infrastructure damage. In recent years, reports of their use in conflicts such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have raised international concern. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have been accused of deploying cluster munitions, resulting in civilian casualties and extensive property damage. Despite international efforts to regulate their use, cluster munitions continue to pose a grave threat to civilian populations.

The civilian toll of cluster bombs is profound and enduring. These weapons scatter numerous small bomblets over a wide area, posing risks to civilians both during attacks and long after conflicts have ceased. Unexploded bomblets present a persistent danger, capable of causing death or injury to unsuspecting civilians or unintended targets for years following their deployment. Removing these unexploded munitions is a costly and challenging endeavor. Consequently, cluster munitions have faced significant international condemnation for their role in causing civilian casualties, prompting efforts to prohibit and regulate their use.

Of particular concern are submunitions lacking a self-destruct capability, often referred to as “dumb” munitions. These pose a heightened risk as they can remain active hazards for decades, amplifying the potential for civilian harm. To address this issue, some nations are developing “smart” or sensor-fuzed weapons equipped with enhanced reliability and various self-destruct mechanisms, aiming to mitigate the lingering threat posed by unexploded submunitions. Amnesty International’s analysis of the Mk 118 cluster submunition, showcased in a recent video, underscores the pressing need for improved safeguards. Despite its age, the submunition appeared untampered with and in good condition, suggesting recent deployment in operations.

In response to the humanitarian concerns surrounding cluster munitions, the Convention on Cluster Munitions was adopted in Dublin, Ireland in May 2008. This landmark treaty prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions, aiming to prevent further civilian harm. As of April 1, 2018, a total of 120 states, including 103 States parties and 17 Signatories, have ratified the Convention, signaling widespread international commitment to its objectives.

Despite these global efforts, the United States has recently deviated from its longstanding policy regarding cluster munitions, sparking criticism from human rights organizations. A Department of Defense policy memo signed in November 2017 indefinitely postponed the implementation of a ban on using unreliable types of cluster munitions, which was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2019. Furthermore, the new policy permits US military commanders to authorize the use of existing cluster munitions until more advanced and reliable alternatives are developed and deployed. This shift disregards the internationally recognized ban on cluster munitions, raising concerns about the United States’ commitment to humanitarian principles.

For some nations, replacing outdated and high-failure-rate cluster munitions with “smart” alternatives may not be feasible due to financial constraints. Countries like China, Russia, and the Republic of Korea have cited affordability issues, highlighting the complexities of transitioning to more advanced munitions. However, these challenges underscore the urgent need for continued international cooperation and innovation to address the humanitarian impacts of cluster munitions and uphold the principles of civilian protection in armed conflicts.

The development of lethal cluster munitions marks a significant advancement in military capabilities, particularly exemplified by the U.S. Army’s Cluster UAS Smart Munition for Missile Deployment.

This initiative, akin to the Armed, Fully-Autonomous Drone Swarm (AFADS), aims to deploy small drones equipped with explosively formed penetrators (EFPs) to locate and destroy vehicles. Unlike conventional munitions, these drones offer precision targeting and the ability to cover vast areas, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The Cluster Swarm project involves integrating drones into existing GMLRS rockets or ATACMS missiles, leveraging their range and payload capacity. While initial designs envisioned quadcopter drones dispersed mid-air, logistical challenges prompted a shift in approach. The Phase II development, recently concluded, demonstrated successful deployment, flight, target acquisition, and navigation, paving the way for potential deployment in Phase III.

Compared to traditional munitions like the CBU-105, the Cluster Swarm presents distinct advantages in range, coverage, and target selection. Each MLRS missile could potentially release numerous drones, enabling the delivery of a formidable force over vast territories. This capability holds significant implications for modern warfare, potentially disrupting entire armored divisions and redefining battlefield dynamics.

Beyond the United States, other nations like Turkey, China, and Russia are also venturing into drone swarm technologies. Turkey has deployed tactical kamikaze drones with autonomous swarming capabilities, while China conducted tests involving loitering munitions deployed from various platforms. These developments underscore the growing prominence of drone swarms as a formidable military asset, presenting complex challenges for global security.

Expert perspectives, such as those of Kallenborn, highlight the potential ramifications of fully autonomous drone swarms. Described as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), these swarms have the capacity to inflict substantial harm indiscriminately, blurring the lines between civilian and military targets. The proliferation of such technologies raises concerns regarding international arms control laws and necessitates concerted efforts to address their implications on global security.

Russia’s forthcoming mass production of the PKB-500U Drel glide bomb heralds a substantial advancement in their air-to-ground arsenal, breathing new life into older, unguided bombs by converting them into precision-guided munitions.

This weapon’s transformative capabilities bring several key advantages, reshaping the landscape of modern warfare.

The Drel’s utilization of a guidance kit to convert unguided gravity bombs into precision weapons marks a paradigm shift in military technology. The benefits it offers are manifold: Firstly, it vastly enhances accuracy, ensuring that targets are struck with pinpoint precision, thereby minimizing collateral damage. Additionally, by enabling aircraft to engage targets from a safer standoff range, the Drel enhances operational safety by reducing vulnerability to enemy air defenses. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of retrofitting existing munitions presents a pragmatic alternative to developing entirely new guided weapons systems, maximizing resource utilization in defense budgets.

Reports indicating the Drel’s limited deployment in the Ukraine conflict suggest real-world testing, providing valuable insights for further refinement and production. This empirical data likely contributed to Russia’s decision to proceed with mass production, signaling confidence in the weapon’s efficacy and its potential to play a pivotal role in future conflicts.

However, the Drel’s precision-guided capabilities and extended standoff range also raise legitimate concerns regarding its potential impact on the battlefield. Of particular concern is its reported anti-tank capabilities, with submunitions designed to target armored vehicles. This could tilt the balance of power in favor of Russia in conflicts against adversaries with substantial tank deployments.

Furthermore, the proliferation of such weapons in regional conflicts has the potential to escalate tensions and increase the risk of unintended consequences. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the Drel’s classification as a cluster munition, with possible implications for civilian safety due to the dispersal of bomblets over a wide area.

Looking ahead, the mass production of the Drel underscores broader trends in aerial warfare, characterized by the development of increasingly sophisticated and precise munitions. This necessitates a paradigm shift in military strategy, with a renewed focus on adapting tactics to counter the growing threat posed by precision-guided weapons.

Moreover, investments in advanced air defense systems are likely to surge as nations seek to mitigate the risks associated with these formidable weapons. Furthermore, the potential use of cluster munitions raises pertinent questions about adherence to international norms and regulations governing the use of such weapons in armed conflicts.

In conclusion, while the PKB-500U Drel represents a significant leap forward in air-to-ground weaponry for Russia, its deployment underscores the evolving nature of aerial warfare. As nations navigate the complexities of modern military technology, responsible development and deployment of such sophisticated weapons are imperative to ensure global stability and security.

Future Challenges and Considerations

As cluster munitions evolve, so do the challenges they pose to global security and humanitarian efforts. The development of sensor-fuzed submunitions and autonomous drone swarms equipped with lethal payloads raises concerns about their potential for indiscriminate harm. Addressing these challenges requires concerted international action, including adherence to existing conventions, investment in safer alternatives, and robust arms control measures.

The Urgent Need for Global Action:

The escalating humanitarian crisis caused by cluster munitions demands urgent global action. While international efforts, such as the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), aim to prohibit the use, production, and transfer of these weapons, significant challenges remain. Non-state actors and countries that have not ratified the convention continue to use cluster munitions with impunity, exacerbating the suffering of civilian populations.

Furthermore, addressing the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions requires comprehensive risk education, clearance of UXO, and support for affected communities. International cooperation and assistance are essential to providing humanitarian aid, promoting victim assistance, and fostering peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.

Conclusion:

Cluster munitions represent a grave threat to civilian populations, causing indiscriminate harm and suffering. Despite technological advancements that have increased precision and lethality, these weapons continue to exact a heavy toll on innocent lives. Urgent global action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis caused by cluster munitions, including strict adherence to international norms and conventions, comprehensive risk education and clearance efforts, and robust support for affected communities. Only through concerted efforts can we mitigate the devastating impact of cluster munitions and uphold the principles of humanity and dignity in armed conflict.