cluster munition
Also known as cluster bomb
munition containing multiple submunitions meant to disperse effects of the munitions
AI overview
A cluster munition is a weapon that scatters many smaller bombs over a wide area instead of detonating in one place. These weapons are controversial because the submunitions often fail to explode on impact, leaving behind unexploded ordnance that can injure or kill civilians long after a conflict ends.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
US Honest John missile warhead cutaway around 1960, showing M134 bomblets filled with sarin Half of a surface-to-air missile site in North Vietnam blanketed in exploding bomblets dispersed by a US cluster munition, Vietnam War A cluster bomb is dropped at the Nightmare Range in South Korea
A cluster munition is a form of air-dropped or ground-launched explosive weapon that releases or ejects smaller submunitions. Cluster munitions are air-dropped or ground-launched weapons. They release a number of smaller submunitions with the intention to kill enemy personnel or destroy vehicles. Commonly, this is a cluster bomb that ejects explosive bomblets designed to kill personnel and destroy vehicles. Other cluster munitions are designed to destroy runways or electric power transmission lines. The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) completely prohibits the use, development, production, acquisition, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions. In addition, the assistance or encouragement of anyone to engage in prohibited activities is prohibited.