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Country or territory where the image was reported

Reported Location (48)

Year the image is reported to have been taken

Year (20)

Classification groups of key explosive munitions used in conflicts

Munition Category (8)

The impact or effect the munition is intended to have

Functional use (10)

Rely on the rapid expansion of gases released by a detonating high explosive compound inside the munition to generate explosive power
Blast Munition
The specific model of munition pictured

Tentative Model (364)

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The external organisation that documented the munition

Research Organisation (6)

Colour of the munition pictured

Base Colour (12)

Colour of all, or some, of the markings on the munition

Marking Colour (10)

Language or script of the marking on a munition

Marking Script (9)

Condition of the munition pictured

Condition (6)

Key features defining the operation mechanisms of a projectile

Mechanical Feature (10)

Whether a munition is guided or unguided

Guidance (2)

Where the munition is launched from and what it targets

Domain (7)

The type of fins visible on the munition

Fins Characteristic (5)

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.

Calibre (72)

Weight class of the aerial bomb pictured

Weight Class (14)

201–300 of 1,385

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Blast Munition
Use the rapid expansion of gases released by a detonating high explosive compound inside the munition to generate explosive power. Blast munitions are often considered general-purpose munitions and large examples can have powerful and widespread effects on targets such as structures and personnel.
OSMP1792
Analyst Note:
This image shows 122 mm high explosive (HE) artillery gun projectiles manufactured in three different states, L–R: Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Whilst these examples are distinct from one another—particularly in coloration, as well as the presence or absence of paint over the driving band and bourrelet—this is not always the case, and a combination of physical features and markings should be assessed before identification is made. (ARES)
OSMP1801
Analyst Note:
Pictured here are a pair of 106 mm M344A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) projectiles fitted with M509A1 point-initiating, base-detonating (PIBD) fuzes. These are designed to be fired from M40-series 106 mm recoilless rifles. Note that, despite the nominal 106 mm designations, the M40 has a bore diameter of 105 mm. (ARES)
OSMP1816
Analyst Note:
This PG-7VR recoilless gun projectile is painted in a tan colour often associated with Iranian production, but also used by other manufacturers. Iranian munitions have been seen and reported in Sudan with regularity. (ARES)
OSMP1803
Analyst Note:
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)
OSMP1802
Analyst Note:
This image shows an FN-6-series man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS) being fired. In Sudan, this weapon is referred to as the ‘Nayzak’. The Nayzak is most likely a Chinese FN-6 re-marked for domestic use. (ARES)
OSMP1848
Analyst Note:
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)
OSMP1838
Analyst Note:
The munition indicated is a one-way-attack (OWA) UAV fitted with a PG-7-series high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. Not enough of the warhead is visible to provide a positive ID on which model of PG-7-series projectile it was harvested from. (ARES)
OSMP1828
Analyst Note:
This image shows a North Korean 170 mm artillery projectile, as fired by the M-1978 Koksan self-propelled artillery gun. Very little is known of the M-1978 Koksan due to the secretive nature of North Korean arms development, but both high explosive and rocket-assisted high explosive projectiles are believed to be available. The designations ‘M-1978’ and ‘Koksan’ were applied by American military analysts identified the system in Koksan, North Korea, in 1978. (ARES)
OSMP1883
Analyst Note:
This image appears to show a remnant from either a 9M38- or 9M317-series surface-to-air missile. Positive identification of this munition cannot be made based on the imagery in this source alone; a rear control fin is visible in image but the 9M38- and 9M317-series missiles use indistinguishable rear fins. (ARES)
OSMP1882
Analyst Note:
This image appears to shows the remnants of either a 9M38- or 9M317-series missile, however positive identification of this surface-to-air missile cannot be made based solely on the imagery in this source. The 9M38- and 9M317-series missiles are close in design and function, and are predominantly fired from the Buk family of surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The Buk-M2E SAM system is known to be in service in Venezuela, having been delivered under a Russian contract beginning in 2015. The source video for this entry shows the destroyed remains of a Buk-M2E launch vehicle, known as the 9A316E. (ARES)
OSMP1880
Analyst Note:
The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) is a guided air-delivered ‘glide bomb’ that allows for long-range strikes using an unpowered munition. The AGM-154C and AGM-154C-1 variants (a remnant of the latter pictured here) carry a Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge (BROACH) multi-stage warhead which uses a WDU-44 shaped-charge warhead as its first stage, to help penetrate hardened targets, whilst the WDU-45 second stage comprises a conventional high explosive penetrator warhead (also called a ‘follow-through’ warhead). The AGM-154C-1 is described by the U.S. Navy as their “first air-to-ground Network-Enabled Weapon (NEW) capable of attacking stationary land and moving maritime targets. It includes GPS/INS guidance, terminal IR seeker and a Link 16 weapon data link. Integration of the Link-16 weapon data link and updated seeker software algorithms provide a capability against at-sea moving/relocatable targets.” (ARES)
OSMP1866
Analyst Note:
This image shows a WDU-36 series warhead as used in the RGM-/UGM-109 Tomahawk series of cruise missiles. The warhead design suggests this is likely a WDU-36/B from an RGM-/UGM-109E missile. The RGM-/UGM-109E Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (also known as TLAM Block IV) is an improved version of the BGM-109C TLAM-C. In cases where the missile strikes a building but does not function as intended, the dense, comparatively heavy warhead is often projected forwards of the point of impact. (ARES)
OSMP1690
Analyst Note:
This image shows a one-way-attack (‘sacrificial’) UAV with the apparent warhead broken off. It is believed to have been attached to the grey mechanism located at the rear of the UAV, likely separating when the UAV was downed. (ARES)
OSMP671
Analyst Note:
Markings on the forward section of this small, air-delivered bomb suggest that the designation is ‘BK-3OF’ (“БК-3ОФ”). The physical features of the munition suggest that it is laser-guided and likely carries a high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) payload. This image shows the only known example, which was allegedly captured by Russian forces in conjunction with a Ukrainian UAV. (ARES)
OSMP1799
Analyst Note:
This image shows a one-way attack (OWA) UAV fitted with a high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead adapted from a PG-7 series recoilless gun projectile. (ARES)
OSMP1850
Analyst Note:
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)
OSMP1708
Analyst Note:
This image shows a Hydra-70 rocket fitted with an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kit, converting it into a guided missile. In this case, the missile features an M151 high explosive (HE) warhead fitted with either an M427 or M423 point-detonating (PD) fuze. The rocket motor model cannot be determined from this source alone, but it is most likely to be a MK 66-series motor. The launcher appears to be a LAND-LGR4 model produced by Arnold Defense. (ARES)
OSMP1606
Analyst Note:
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)
OSMP1812
Analyst Note:
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)
OSMP1687
Analyst Note:
This guided munition is built around a sacrificial DJI Avata-series UAV that has been fitted with an improvised explosive device (IED). From front to back, it consists of an impact switch made from a syringe, the main charge (yellow/white material in a plastic bag), and a battery that acts as the power source. While crudely made, it is probably still functional. (ARES)
OSMP1681
Analyst Note:
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)
OSMP1683
Analyst Note:
The munition depicted in this image is a type of aerodynamically optimised artillery projectile, in this case 155 mm in calibre, known as an ‘Extended Range Full-Bore (ERFB)’ design. This example is a cargo projectile fitted with a base-bleed (BB) base unit to further extend its range. This configuration is designated NR269, and reportedly contains 56 M46 dual-purpose (anti-personnel/anti-armour) submunitions. (ARES)
OSMP1678
Analyst Note:
In this case, the tentative identification of this munition is possible based on an analysis of its silhouette, particularly the distinctive detachable warhead compartment that can be seen hanging from the base of the munition's body. In many cases, such an identification technique would not be possible to apply with confidence. (ARES)
OSMP1818
Analyst Note:
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)