MoD assesses new urban weapon

The weapons emit a massive wave of blast pressure

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is developing a new weapon which could have a highly destructive effect when used in built up areas, according to a senior Army officer.

The thermobaric, or fuel-air, weapon works by emitting a massive wave of blast pressure.

The Army's Urban Warfare Training Team commander Major Ian Orr, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) is developing the weapon with a view to having it ready by 2005.

We are very concerned that these weapons would pose a very serious threat to innocent civilians

Joost Hilterman, Human Rights Watch

But the MoD suggested in a statement that the plans were less well-advanced.

"We are currently investigating the possibility of a future purchase of an anti-structure weapon," the statement said.

"It is possible that might involve a thermobaric solution, however, no funding exists in the defence budget.

"We would, of course, ensure that this was fully in accordance with international law."

'Effect of nuclear weapon'

The statement added that it would be "irresponsible" not to keep developments in the field under review.

Major Orr told Today: "We are looking at two areas, offensive and defensive. These things are out there, we've got to acknowledge that".

Thermobaric weapons use a massive wave of heat and pressure to destroy buildings and kill people over a large area.

Anyone in the target area is crushed to death.

Conventional body armour, helmets and perhaps even some kinds of armoured vehicle are no protection.

The weapons are most effective when used in confined spaces as the shockwave is amplified.

Legality questioned

Major Orr said: "The lethality gradient is very abrupt. It is much more effective against structures than conventional high explosive. It can have serious effects on people."

Raises question as to in what circumstances might British forces be expected to use a weapon that has such barbaric and severe consequences

Menzies Campbell

Joost Hilterman, of the international campaign group Human Rights Watch, questions whether thermobaric weapons are legal.

"These are wide area weapons, and under international human rights law there are clear limits on the use of weapons whose use cannot be limited to strict military objects," he told Today.

"We are very concerned that these weapons would be used near population centres, thereby posing a very serious threat to innocent civilians."

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell told the programme: "A lot of people in the United Kingdom will be surprised to learn that the Ministry of Defence is taking such an interest in a weapon which is designed for urban warfare.

"It must raise questions as to when and in what circumstances British forces might be expected to use a weapon that has such barbaric and severe consequences.

"Under the Geneva conventions, countries using weapons of any kind are obliged only to use proportionate force and to ensure that civilians are not subject to the indiscriminate consequences of use of that force."