Caltrop: An Ancient Weapon in Modern Warfare

Date

2024-05-20

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Articles of War

Abstract

Recent reports indicate that Ukraine has modified drones to deliver and disperse a weapon of ancient design in its fight against Russia. The weapon, known as a caltrop, is a spiked device that can be strewn in large numbers, sometimes connected by a chain, across a roadway or other terrain to impede an enemy’s movement in an operational area. Modifying drones to deploy caltrops is not a new idea, but Ukraine’s use of drones in this way represents the first significant example in armed conflict. This post explores some legal issues associated with drone deployment of caltrops in armed conflict.

Description

https://lieber.westpoint.edu/caltrop-ancient-weapon-modern-warfare/

Keywords

law of armed conflict, LOAC, international humanitarian law, IHL, weapons law, caltrop, non-lethal weapon, precautions

Citation

Ronald Alcala, Caltrop: An Ancient Weapon in Modern Warfare, Articles of War, May 20, 2024

DOI