Cluster bombs: A humanitarian crisis in the making

The recent announcement by the United States to supply all of its inventory of cluster munitions to Ukraine could potentially initiate a new and tumultuous phase in the escalating Russia-Ukraine war. Russia also possesses a significant quantity of cluster munitions. Therefore, there is a grave concern that this could create an environment where civilians will suffer even greater harm in the conflict. The Russia-Ukraine war has reached a point where it has turned into a laboratory where not only these two countries but almost all the external powers involved can test their military systems. As the war prolongs, not only sophisticated systems but also old and even less regarded tanks, missiles, and bombs are being deployed in the field. One recent example of this is the announcement of the United States supplying cluster munitions to Ukraine. It is no secret that Russia has been using cluster munitions in the war zones. The Washington administration claims that the error rate of the cluster munitions used by Russia is between 30-40%. They argue that the error rate in the munitions they will provide will not exceed 2.5%. In this context, where the potential civilian casualties are being discussed in terms of percentage ranges, we also spoke with Defense Industry Researcher Fatih Mehmet Küçük about cluster munitions, their potential impact on the field, and the involvement of Turkey in this matter. Küçük begins by explaining that when looking at a cluster munition from the outside, it appears similar in geometry to other bombs attached to an aircraft. However, he highlights that unlike regular aircraft bombs, cluster munitions contain numerous small bomblets inside them. According to Küçük, who states that 'this way, the outer geometry disperses in the air, and then the multiple bomblets inside spread around,' there are two main issues with the use of cluster munitions. Firstly, this type of bomb has a wide impact area, which increases the risk of civilian casualties significantly. The second issue, as explained by Küçük, is that the unexploded bomblets that fall to the ground act as makeshift landmines, remaining primed and ready to explode. This situation can pose a threat to civilians for years, even long after the initial conflict, and can lead to casualties. One of the most important issues regarding cluster munitions is whether they are banned or not. Contrary to popular belief, cluster munitions are not prohibited like chemical weapons. Küçük opens a parenthesis at this point and mentions that efforts are being made globally for the prohibition of cluster munitions. He notes that one of these efforts is the 'Convention on Cluster Munitions' signed in 2008 under the auspices of the United Nations. However, he emphasizes that the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey are not party to this agreement.