January 4, 2001. Copyright 2001. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

BRITAIN DEVELOPING ÒINDISCRIMINATEÓ BOMB

LONDON, January 4, Graphic News: BRITAIN is developing its own version of a controversial fuel-air bomb which the Russian army used -- killing both Chechen rebels and civilians -- in Grozny, it was reported today.

Deployment of the thermobaric munition in Chechnya sparked protests from human rights campaigners.

The weapon utilizes an electronic time delay fuze to ÒatomizesÓ highly-flammable fuel which then mixes with air in the same way that an aerosol creates a mist.

A bursting charge then ignites the fuel-air mist, generating massive shockwaves and firestorms to destroy buildings and kill humans over a large area.

The weapon -- the effect of which has been compared to that of a battlefield nuclear bomb -- has caused concern among the military because it renders conventional body armour useless.

According to the BBC, prototype devices are believed to be in development at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) in Kent. The weapon could be in service with the Royal Air Force by 2005.

However, the Ministry of Defence suggested in a statement that Britain's plans may be less well-advanced.

ÒWe are currently investigating the possibility. It is possible that this might involve a thermobaric solution. We would, of course, ensure that this is fully in accordance with international law.Ó

Major Ian Orr, commander of the Army Urban Warfare Training Team, told the BBC that development was already under way at DERA.

Iraq, which has rebuilt much of its weapons production capability damaged during the Gulf War, is also believed to have two factories manufacturing fuel-air explosives.

Human rights campaigners claim that it is disproportionate and indiscriminate in its effects, causing massive internal injuries to anyone -- including innocent civilians -- within range of its blast.

/ENDS
Sources: BBC, JaneÕs Air Launched Weapons