Conventional weapons orconventional arms areweapons whose damaging impact comes fromkinetic,incendiary, orexplosive energy. They stand in contrast toweapons of mass destruction (e.g.,nuclear,biological,radiological, andchemical weapons[1]).
Conventional weapons includesmall arms, defensive shields, light weapons,booby trap,sea andland mines, as well asbombs,shells,rockets,missiles, andcluster munitions.[2] These weapons useexplosive material based onchemical energy, as opposed tonuclear energy innuclear weapons.[2][3] Conventional weapons are also contrasted withweapons of mass destruction andimprovised weapons.
TheGeneva Conventions govern the acceptable use of conventional weapons inwar. Certain of the weapons are regulated or prohibited under theUnited NationsConvention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Others are prohibited under theConvention on Cluster Munitions, theOttawa Treaty (also known as the Mine Ban Treaty), andArms Trade Treaty.
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