Chinese military suggests using thermobaric weapons for unmanned robots: Guaranteed destruction

The recent exercises of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) in conducting combat operations in urban areas have demonstrated an important tactical gap: unmanned platforms armed exclusively with light small arms face serious difficulties in destroying opponents who are located in fortified buildings or underground bunkers. In response to this problem, Chinese military experts proposed a radical solution — equipping ground-based robots with thermobaric warheads, which would ensure the "comprehensive destruction" of the enemy.

During the exercises, it was found that the use of unmanned robots and drones to perform tasks in urban areas has a number of limitations. Light small arms, which are usually equipped with such systems, are effective against undisguised targets, but are practically useless against opponents hiding behind walls, in basements or bunkers. This is especially true in modern megacities, where dense buildings and multi-storey buildings create a complex three-dimensional environment for conducting military operations.

The tactics of using unmanned systems in such conditions require more powerful weapons capable of hitting hidden targets. This is where the need for more disruptive technologies arises.

Thermobaric warheads are a type of explosives that work in two stages: the initial explosion creates high temperature and pressure, and the subsequent stage spreads a combustible mixture that detonates inside a room or structure. This type of weapon is effective against targets located in enclosed spaces, as it not only destroys structures, but also causes a catastrophic drop in oxygen, which leads to mass deaths inside.

According to Chinese military scientists, equipping ground-based robots with thermobaric warheads will solve the problem of hiding the enemy in buildings and underground structures. Due to its ability to produce large-scale destruction and impact on the interior, thermobaric weapons can be an ideal tool for achieving "guaranteed destruction."

However, the proposal to introduce thermobaric weapons raises many ethical and legal issues. Thermobaric warheads, although not formally considered weapons of mass destruction, have destructive power comparable to some low-power nuclear charges. Their use can lead to significant human casualties among the civilian population, especially in densely populated cities.

The international community has long been concerned about the use of this type of weapon. Many countries consider thermobaric warheads to be excessively violent and indiscriminate. Including them in the arsenal of unmanned robots could trigger a new arms race, where other states will begin to develop similar technologies for their military vehicles.

If the Chinese military actually proceeds to implement this proposal, it could be a turning point in the development of unmanned technologies. Equipping robots with thermobaric warheads will increase their autonomy and effectiveness in urban warfare, but at the same time increase the risk of unintentional harm to civil infrastructure.

On the other hand, this development may stimulate the creation of new protective technologies, such as systems for countering unmanned robots or means of protecting civilians from thermobaric attacks.

The proposal by Chinese military scientists to use thermobaric warheads for ground-based robots demonstrates the desire for maximum efficiency in modern warfare. However, this step also raises important questions about arms control and compliance with international law. If such weapons are introduced, they can change the rules of the game in the field of robotic combat systems, but at the same time create new risks for global security.

The future use of such technologies will depend on whether the international community can find a balance between the need to protect national interests and avoid humanitarian disasters.