Conventional weapon facts for kids
Conventional weapons are the usual tools used in wars and conflicts. They are different from weapons of mass destruction (like nuclear bombs) because they don't cause widespread, long-term damage to huge areas or populations.
Think of conventional weapons as the everyday equipment armies use. This includes things like tanks, armed helicopters, combat aircraft, artillery (big guns), and warships. Smaller items like small arms (rifles, pistols), ammunition, cluster munitions (bombs that release smaller bombs), and land mines are also conventional weapons. There isn't one strict definition, but they are the main types of weapons used in most modern conflicts.
What Are Conventional Weapons?
Conventional weapons are designed to be used in specific battles or areas. They aim to defeat an enemy's military forces or control a certain territory. They are not meant to destroy entire cities or cause harm to everyone in a large region.
These weapons are often built for different purposes:
- Offensive weapons: Used to attack and advance. Examples include tanks and fighter jets.
- Defensive weapons: Used to protect soldiers or areas. Examples include anti-aircraft guns or fortified positions.
- Support weapons: Used to help other forces, like artillery providing cover fire.
The UN Register of Conventional Arms
After the Cold War, many countries wanted more openness about weapons. In 1991, the United Nations created the UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA). This register helps track the international trade of major conventional weapons.
Each year, countries that are members of the UN can report their imports (weapons they buy from other countries) and exports (weapons they sell to other countries). This helps build trust and makes it harder for countries to secretly build up large weapon stockpiles.
The UNROCA tracks seven main types, or categories, of conventional weapons:
- Category I – Battle tanks: Heavy armored vehicles with powerful guns.
- Category II – Armored combat vehicles: Vehicles that protect soldiers and can fight.
- Category III – Large-calibre artillery systems: Big guns that fire shells over long distances.
- Category IV – Combat aircraft: Airplanes designed for fighting, like fighter jets.
- Category V – Attack helicopters: Helicopters armed with weapons for attacking ground targets.
- Category VI – Warships: Military ships used in naval battles.
- Category VII – Missiles and missile launchers: Rockets that can be launched to hit targets.
This register is important because it promotes transparency. It helps countries see what weapons are being traded globally. This can help prevent conflicts and build a more stable world.
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