The nominal diameter of a projectile. For most modern munitions, this is expressed in millimetres (e.g. 82 mm mortar projectile), but older artillery gun projectiles may be described in inches.
This image shows the remnants of a PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) missile. The PAC-3 family of missiles are hit-to-kill interceptors that defend against incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and other targets primarily by using kinetic impact. However, it is important to note that these missiles contain a high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) “lethality enhancer” warhead. These warheads are much smaller than what would normally be expected on a surface-to-air missile of this size, but still present a hazard if it fails to function as designed. (ARES)
The Iranian 358 surface-to-air missile is reportedly a ‘loitering munition’, designed for engaging drones and rotary-wing aircraft. It employs a combination of ground-based and onboard thermal cameras to scan a designated area, and then uses an infrared imaging seeker in the nose to locate and lock onto targets. The missile carries a 10 kg fragmentation warhead, which is functioned by a 360-degree laser proximity sensor. (ARES)
Shown is the Russian Kh-69 (marked in Cyrillic: “Х-69”) cruise missile which was debuted at a Russian arms show in August 2022, and entered into active military service the following year. The Kh-69 was reportedly first used in combat in February 2024, engaging Ukrainian targets. The more compact design when compared with previous Russian missiles results in a smaller radar signature, which is further reduced by the trapezoidal form factor. The Kh-69 is classed by the Russian military as a ‘stealth cruise missile’ and carries either a penetrator or cluster (submunitions) warhead. (ARES)
This munition, despite being adapated from the design of a 120 mm mortar projectile and closely resembling such, is actually a small air-delivered bomb intended to be dropped by UAV. The manufacturer clearly states that the munition should not be fired from a mortar. Additional data from the manufacturer states that it uses a UT M18 “special impact fuze”. (ARES)
The UMPK guidance package is a ‘bolt-on’ kit that can be fitted to unguided air-delivered bombs to convert them to guided munitions. The UMPK kit also greatly extends the range of the munition to which it is fitted, allowing aircraft to strike from beyond the range of many air-defence systems. Currently only Russia manufacturers and uses these kits. (ARES)
This image shows a russian air-delivered bomb fitted with a UMPK guidance kit. Not enough of the bomb is visible to positively identify the model, but it is most likely an OFAB-250-270 based on what can be seen of the tail section. (ARES)
This image shows a Mk 104 Dual Thrust Rocket Motor (DTRM), the second-stage rocket motor for the SM-2, SM-3 Blk I, and SM-6 missiles. Based on the strakes or fins attached to this Mk 104, it can be determined that it was part of an SM-3 Blk I series missile. (ARES)
This Russian air-delivered cluster bomb is marked with a threatening message directed at the French people: «Français! Changer la politique du président dans le pays, sinon ces bombes vont changer le lieu d'atterrissage!» (“French people! Change the president’s policy in the country, otherwise these bombs will change their landing site!”). (ARES)
Positive identification of this surface-to-air missile cannot be made based on the imagery in the source. The items highlighted in this image are most likely the remains of either a 9M38- or 9M317-series missile, based on fin construction and their size relative to the individual posing in the foreground. These two missiles are close in design and function, and are predominantly fired from the Buk series of SAM systems. (ARES)
This image shows a ‘120mm TB’ air-delivered bomb that has been adapted from a 120 mm mortar projectile. It is claimed by the manufacturer that this thermobaric munition offers improved fragmentation and blast effects when compared with standard (high explosive) 120 mm mortar projectiles. The “with special FUZE” marking refers to the use of the UT M18 impact fuze. Note that this munition cannot be fired from a mortar, despite the munition body showing features consistent with this use (e.g., gas-check bands). Instead of a standard mortar projectile tailboom which would contain an ignition cartridge and be perforated by flash holes, this munition is fitted with a simplified, plastic tailfin assembly that is designed to stabilise the munition as it falls after being released by a UAV. (ARES)
Although the source claims that this image shows a Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system, this imagery is not sufficient to determine whether the remnants highlighted are from a 9M38-or 9M317-series guided missile. (ARES)
The physical features of this munition indicate that it is most likely an Iranian 60 mm ‘high explosive, long-range’ (“H.E. L.R.”) mortar projectile fitted with an AZ111A2 impact fuze. However, positive identification cannot be made based on the source imagery. (ARES)
This image represents the first documented instance of a Shahed-series UAV carrying an R-60 air-to-air missile. This appears to add a new capability to the Shahed, enabling it to target enemy aircraft. Arming UAVs to counter interception and engage alternative targets is an emergent trend. Previously, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) employed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been observed carrying R-73 air-to-air missiles, for example. (ARES)
This image shows the rear section of a Hydra-70 rocket. The Hydra-70 uses the MK 66 series of rocket motors, visible here, but can be fitted with at least 11 different warheads. They can also be fitted with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) ‘bolt-on’ guidance kit, converting an unguided rocket into a guided missile. From the available imagery, it is not clear with which warhead or guidance section this munition may have been fitted. (ARES)
A Gerbera-series UAV is pictured here being carried by just two Ukrainian soldiers. This highlights the Gerbera’s lightweight design—the airframe is mostly constructed from Styrofoam and wood, which saves on both weight and cost. This particular example does not bear signs of significant damage, suggesting that it either malfunctioned or was brought down by EW and crashed. (ARES)
This image shows parts from at least three fin-stabilised tank gun projectiles, including the tail assemblies and several folding fins. These are components that often survive relatively intact following the functioning of such munitions. The specific morphology of the remnants pictured is consistent with Israeli 120 mm tank gun projectiles. Contextual information suggests that the remnants are most likely to be from M339 high explosive ‘multi-purpose’ projectiles. (ARES)
This image shows a GBU-12 series guided bomb being loaded onto a F-35B belonging to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211. Two of the control fins have not yet been installed in the Paveway’s guidance control section. (ARES)
This image shows a BLU-111 500-pound-class bomb paired with a Paveway II guidance kit, and an MXU-650 series airfoil group, or tail kit. This combination is designated the GBU-12 series in U.S. service. (ARES)
