Caltrop: An Ancient Weapon in Modern Warfare
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/
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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