Lithuania exits cluster munition ban: Bolstering defence against Russia
The Lithuanian parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to withdraw Lithuania from the convention, banning the use of cluster munitions. This is a highly controversial weapon, but it is argued to be the most effective means of combat against superior enemy forces. Here are the defence opportunities Lithuania gains by withdrawing from the convention.
As reported by Reuters, 103 out of 141 members of the Lithuanian parliament voted in favour of withdrawing from the convention banning the use of cluster munitions. The vote was preceded by a speech in which Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said, "Conventions are important if all countries adhere to them, and the problem is that Russia does not follow it in its aggression against Ukraine."
He also added that, "It would be a mistake for a country preparing for self-defence to indicate which capabilities it will not use." Cluster munitions have proven their effectiveness in Ukraine, so it is not surprising that Lithuania, exposed to a potential Russian attack, decided to revise its past decision and withdraw from the convention.
Convention on the prohibition of the use of cluster munitions
The 2008 Oslo Convention, signed by 124 countries (with 112 ratifying it, which Lithuania did in 2011), prohibits the production, possession, use, and transfer of cluster munitions weighing 4 kilograms or less by the signatory states.
Only systems containing up to 10 submunitions weighing 4-20 kilograms, which can self-guide to targets and self-destruct after a specified time, are permitted. This category includes, among others, Bonus artillery shells, SMArt 155 and AT2 scatterable mines.
Traditional cluster munitions with warheads containing items such as DPICM (Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition) bomblets are prohibited. These contain dozens or hundreds of 300-gram M85 bomblets, capable of fragmenting over a few metres or penetrating approximately 10 centimetres of armour plate.
Bomblets are dispersed from high altitude, covering an area of several thousand square metres. Notably, simple bomblets equipped with uncomplicated impact fuses can be unreliable. If they fall on concrete, they will function as intended, but falling on muddy ground may not cause an explosion.
The Americans experienced this problem, as their data indicates that in such unfavourable conditions, up to 15% of the bomblets became dangerous unexploded ordnance. These pose a significant threat to people, even decades after the conflict ends.
This is the weaponry Lithuania gains by withdrawing from the convention banning the use of cluster munitions
Lithuania likely aims to acquire MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles with cluster warheads, which have been highly effective in Ukraine at eliminating Russian personnel and anti-aircraft systems. These will be key weapons for the recently purchased M142 HIMARS systems.
It is most likely that Lithuania will seek to obtain the M39A1 variant of the missile, which has a range of 300 kilometres and is guided by satellite and inertial navigation. Its combat capabilities are ensured by a payload containing 300 M74 APAM bomblets.
These bomblets, in the form of 6-centimetre diameter balls weighing 600 grams, have an effective fragmentation radius of several metres. The interior contains a mix of explosive and incendiary material designed to cause fires, while the fragments come from a tungsten casing. They have enough energy to penetrate bulletproof vests.
