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data-sveltekit-preload-data="hover"> <div style="display: contents"> <main class="svelte-6sazei no-chrome"> <header class="page-header svelte-45fad"><div class="header-block svelte-45fad"><div class="video-container svelte-45fad"><video class="header-video svelte-45fad" autoplay muted playsinline loop><source src="/military-terms-a-to-z/video/a-z-mil.mp4"></video></div> <div class="header-text svelte-45fad"><h1 class="svelte-45fad">The A to Z of military terms</h1> <h2 class="svelte-45fad"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Modern warfare, from “ambush” to “zapad”, explained to you in plain English </body-text></h2></div></div> </header> <div class="container"> <nav class="letter-nav svelte-15jtgp8"><a href="#A" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="A">A </a><a href="#B" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="B">B </a><a href="#C" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="C">C </a><a href="#D" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="D">D </a><a href="#E" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="E">E </a><a href="#F" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="F">F </a><a href="#G" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="G">G </a><a href="#H" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="H">H </a><a href="#I" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="I">I </a><a href="#J" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="J">J </a><a href="#K" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="K">K </a><a href="#L" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="L">L </a><a href="#M" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="M">M </a><a href="#N" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="N">N </a><a href="#O" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="O">O </a><a href="#P" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="P">P </a><a href="#Q" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="Q">Q </a><a href="#R" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="R">R </a><a href="#S" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="S">S </a><a href="#T" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="T">T </a><a href="#U" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="U">U </a><a href="#V" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="V">V </a><a href="#W" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="W">W </a><a href="#Y" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="Y">Y </a><a href="#Z" class="letter svelte-15jtgp8" data-letter="Z">Z </a> </nav> <h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="A"> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="active-electronically-scanned-array" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="aesa" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Active electronically scanned array (<small>AESA</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Advanced <a class="internal-link" href="#radars">radars</a> that have been developed to upgrade the capabilities of fourth-generation fighter jets. A computer can steer the radio beam without physically moving the antenna. Among their advantages is that they are harder for enemies to jam and are also more difficult for a hostile radar to intercept and thus pinpoint the position of its target. They can also perform a wide variety of tasks, such as monitoring objects in the air, on land and on water, which is known as multimode capability. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="ambush" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="ambushes" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Ambush </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A surprise attack conducted by an enemy lying in wait. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Anti-personnel landmine </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#landmines">Landmines</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="anti-tank-weapons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="anti-tank" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Anti-tank weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Portable rocket launchers that can penetrate the thick armour of tanks. America’s <a class="internal-link" href="#javelin">Javelin</a>, one high-tech model, has infrared seekers which can lock onto and pursue a moving target up to 2.5km away. Troops can “fire-and-forget”, meaning they can take cover quickly after launching. The 8.4kg warhead dives on its target, allowing it to penetrate the thinner armour on top of a tank’s turret. Other models include the British-Swedish Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (<small>NLAW</small>). For more, read our Explainers on Ukraine’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/04/24/what-are-flechettes-a-brutal-weapon-used-in-ukraine" target="_blank">anti-tank missiles</a> and its <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/08/23/why-ukraines-supply-of-anti-tank-weapons-may-tail-off" target="_blank">supply from the West</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="armoured-personnel-carriers" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="apc" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Armoured personnel carriers (<small>APC</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Vehicles used to transport small groups of troops (usually around 12 including the vehicle’s crew) in combat. They are armoured to offer protection against enemy fire, <a class="internal-link" href="#improvised-explosive-devices">improvised explosive devices</a> and <a class="internal-link" href="#mines">mines</a>. Some models move on tracks, though modern versions commonly have eight untracked wheels. Most are armed with a machinegun or a small cannon. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="artillery" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Artillery </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Artillery weapons employ <a class="internal-link" href="#indirect-fire">indirect fire</a>, meaning their targets can be out of sight—even tens of miles away. Artillery spans everything from compact <a class="internal-link" href="#mortars">mortars</a> to 30-tonne guns on tracks capable of raining devastating fire onto large areas. This firepower can pin down enemy forces or destroy them, often to allow <a class="internal-link" href="#infantry">infantry</a> and armoured vehicles to advance. Artillery can also be used to counter other artillery (see <a class="internal-link" href="#counter-battery-fire">counter-battery fire</a>). For more, read our <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/05/02/artillery-is-playing-a-vital-role-in-ukraine" target="_blank">article</a> about the vital role of artillery in Ukraine. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="asymmetric-warfare" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="asymmetrical-warfare" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Asymmetric warfare </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A conflict in which the sides are unequal in terms of military strength and capability. This could involve a large military power’s army versus that of a smaller one (think Ukraine versus Russia), or when a conventional military force faces an <a class="internal-link" href="#insurgency">insurgency</a> that uses unconventional methods and equipment, such as terrorist attacks or <a class="internal-link" href="#improvised-explosive-devices">improvised explosive devices</a>, to exploit their more powerful opponent’s weaknesses. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="attritional-warfare" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Attritional warfare </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A military strategy that aims to wear down an enemy force by systematically destroying its troops, weaponry and other equipment using <a class="internal-link" href="#firepower">firepower</a>. It is often portrayed as the opposite of <a class="internal-link" href="#manoeuvre-warfare">manoeuvre warfare</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="autonomous-weapons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Autonomous weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The definition of an autonomous weapon is highly contested. Many consider it to be any weapon capable of unleashing lethal force without direct human command. That can range from thinking machines capable of deciding when and how to fight, to a missile that can select among several targets in a defined area after being fired. Countries have not agreed on when a weapon becomes fully autonomous. For the implications of military robotics on the laws of war, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2019/01/19/autonomous-weapons-and-the-new-laws-of-war" target="_blank">our Briefing</a> or our <a href="https://www.economist.com/special-report/2018/01/25/autonomous-weapons-are-a-game-changer" target="_blank">Special Report</a> on the future of war. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="B"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 61.42 85.77" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-b" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-b">B</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.38 48.07 20.54 46.43 20.58 67.62 13.43 69.26 13.38 48.07"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.32 17.4 20.47 15.77 20.51 33.29 13.36 34.92 13.32 17.4"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m36.47,69.57l-15.89-1.95-7.15,1.64,15.89,1.95c2.06.25,3.78.22,5.18-.1l7.15-1.64c-1.4.32-3.12.35-5.18.1Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m36.4,35.24l-15.89-1.95-7.15,1.64,15.89,1.95c1.67.2,3.15.16,4.45-.14l7.15-1.64c-1.3.3-2.79.34-4.45.14Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m58.5,50.45c-1.69-3.4-4.2-6.04-7.5-7.92l-7.15,1.64c3.31,1.88,5.81,4.52,7.5,7.92,1.68,3.41,2.54,7.4,2.55,11.96.01,4.71-.95,8.81-2.87,12.31-1.22,2.32-2.76,4.22-4.6,5.69-1.69,1.37-3.63,2.31-5.81,2.81l7.15-1.64c2.18-.5,4.12-1.43,5.81-2.81,1.84-1.47,3.37-3.36,4.6-5.69,1.92-3.5,2.88-7.6,2.87-12.31,0-4.56-.86-8.55-2.55-11.96Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m55.85,14.77c-3.32-5.9-8.94-9.41-16.88-10.53L7.53.38.38,2.01l31.44,3.86c7.94,1.13,13.56,4.64,16.88,10.53,2,3.63,3,7.79,3.01,12.5.01,4.84-.97,8.63-2.96,11.33-1.11,1.51-2.75,2.83-4.9,3.93l7.15-1.64c2.16-1.1,3.8-2.42,4.9-3.93,1.99-2.7,2.97-6.48,2.96-11.33-.01-4.71-1.01-8.88-3.01-12.5Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m51.35,52.08c-1.69-3.4-4.2-6.04-7.5-7.92,2.16-1.1,3.8-2.42,4.9-3.93,1.99-2.7,2.97-6.48,2.96-11.33-.01-4.71-1.01-8.88-3.01-12.5-3.32-5.9-8.94-9.41-16.88-10.53L.38,2.01l.17,79.46,29.33,3.6c3.31.41,6.37.43,9.2.05,2.82-.37,5.27-1.39,7.35-3.08,1.84-1.47,3.37-3.36,4.6-5.69,1.92-3.5,2.88-7.6,2.87-12.31,0-4.56-.86-8.55-2.55-11.96ZM13.32,17.4l14.22,1.75c3.14.39,5.71,1.12,7.74,2.19,2.34,1.47,3.52,4.06,3.53,7.76,0,3.34-.87,5.55-2.62,6.63-1.78,1.11-4.09,1.49-6.93,1.14l-15.89-1.95-.04-17.52Zm22.63,53.22c-1.58.75-3.79.94-6.63.59l-15.89-1.95-.04-21.19,16.12,1.98c2.8.38,4.99,1.1,6.54,2.15,2.79,1.89,4.18,4.9,4.19,9.03.01,4.89-1.41,8.02-4.28,9.39Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="ballistic-missile" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="ballistic-missiles" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Ballistic missile </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A missile propelled by a rocket for only the first stage of their flight, before it descends unpowered towards its target. Their trajectory has a characteristic arch shape that contrasts with the straight-line flight of a <a class="internal-link" href="#cruise-missile">cruise missile</a>. Ranges vary. <a class="internal-link" href="#intercontinental-ballistic-missiles-icbm">Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (<small>ICBM</small>)</a>, the class with the farthest reach, have a range of more than 5,500km, according to arms-control treaties. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="battalion" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Battalion </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A military unit containing up to 1,000 soldiers. Battalions are made up of several <a class="internal-link" href="#companies">companies </a>and are generally led by a <a class="internal-link" href="#lieutenant-colonel">lieutenant colonel</a>. A battalion with other capabilities attached is sometimes called a battlegroup. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="biological-weapons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Biological weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">These munitions involve the use of living organisms, or the toxins such organisms produce, to do harm. Examples include the weaponisation of infectious pathogens, such as anthrax or smallpox. Even small amounts can be very dangerous. For instance, models suggest a kilogram of anthrax, dropped on a city, could kill 100,000 people. The <small>UN</small>’s Biological Weapons Convention bans the weapons’ development and use, but international oversight is weak. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/03/24/what-makes-biological-weapons-so-dangerous-and-does-russia-have-them" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="brigade" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Brigade </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A military unit that comprises up to 5,000 soldiers, depending on the army. Brigades are made up of several battalions, generally of different types, be they infantry, artillery or support. In the American military they can be led by a <a class="internal-link" href="#colonel">colonel</a>, but in the British military a <a class="internal-link" href="#major-general">major-general</a> or <a class="internal-link" href="#brigadier">brigadier</a> takes command. Brigades were the main combat unit in America’s army in the 2000s and 2010s. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="brigadier" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Brigadier </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A senior army-officer rank that sits above a <a class="internal-link" href="#colonel">colonel </a>but below a <a class="internal-link" href="#major-general">major-general</a>. The rank is referred to as a brigadier-general in America. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="C"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 65.44 86.1" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-c" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-c">C</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m25.8,16.64l7.15-1.64c-2.96.68-5.41,2.58-7.37,5.71-2.83,4.52-4.24,11.23-4.22,20.15s1.54,15.77,4.54,20.58c3.01,4.81,6.83,7.5,11.45,8.07,1.72.21,3.29.15,4.71-.17l-7.15,1.64c-1.42.32-2.99.38-4.71.17-4.63-.57-8.45-3.25-11.45-8.07-3.01-4.8-4.53-11.66-4.54-20.58s1.39-15.63,4.22-20.15c1.96-3.13,4.41-5.03,7.37-5.71Z"></path><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="44.45 57.96 51.6 56.33 64.99 57.97 57.84 59.61 44.45 57.96"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m46.23,83.53l-7.15,1.64c3.75-.86,7.03-2.7,9.85-5.52,4.79-4.84,7.76-11.52,8.91-20.03l7.15-1.64c-1.15,8.52-4.12,15.19-8.91,20.03-2.82,2.82-6.11,4.67-9.85,5.52Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m29.49,2.23c10.89,1.34,18.86,6.7,23.92,16.09,2.79,5.26,4.29,10.39,4.5,15.37l-13.52-1.66c-.89-3.91-2.02-6.94-3.4-9.04-2.46-3.75-6.12-5.93-10.95-6.52s-8.79,1.36-11.62,5.88c-2.83,4.52-4.24,11.23-4.22,20.15s1.54,15.77,4.54,20.58c3.01,4.81,6.83,7.5,11.45,8.07s8.36-.88,10.84-4.38c1.37-1.88,2.5-4.82,3.41-8.8l13.39,1.64c-1.15,8.52-4.12,15.19-8.91,20.03-4.82,4.83-11,6.78-18.52,5.86-9.31-1.14-16.64-5.71-21.98-13.69C3.09,63.79.4,53.36.38,40.53c-.03-13.88,2.98-24.19,9.02-30.96C14.65,3.68,21.35,1.23,29.49,2.23Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m60.56,16.68C55.51,7.29,47.53,1.93,36.64.59c-3.08-.38-5.96-.26-8.62.35l-7.15,1.64c2.67-.61,5.54-.73,8.62-.35,10.89,1.34,18.86,6.7,23.92,16.09,2.79,5.26,4.29,10.39,4.5,15.37l7.15-1.64c-.21-4.98-1.72-10.11-4.5-15.37Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="captain" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Captain </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">In the American and British armies captain is a commissioned-officer rank, above a lieutenant and below a <a class="internal-link" href="#major">major</a>. A captain would normally lead a <a class="internal-link" href="#company">company</a>. In these countries’ navies, however, captain is a higher rank, equivalent to an army <a class="internal-link" href="#colonel">colonel</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="chemical-weapons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Chemical weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">These munitions use toxic chemicals to harm an enemy. Examples include Novichok, a <a class="internal-link" href="#nerve-agent">nerve agent</a> used by Russia in 2018 to poison Sergei Skripal, a former <small>GRU</small> officer who spied for Britain. Unpredictable in their effects, they are not terribly effective as military instruments. They are also illegal under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Not to be confused with <a class="internal-link" href="#biological-weapons">biological weapons</a>. For more read, <a href="https://www.economist.com/news/2022/03/11/could-russia-use-chemical-weapons-in-ukraine" target="_blank">our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="close-air-support-aircraft" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="cas-aircraft" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Close-air support aircraft (<small>CAS</small> aircraft) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Aircraft that support ground troops and fire upon battlefield targets as they appear, rather than carrying out pre-planned bombing raids. Russia’s Su-25 Frogfoot is an example: it is designed to fly low and slow, striking ground targets with cannons, rockets and missiles. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/11/01/has-the-ukraine-war-killed-off-the-ground-attack-aircraft" target="_blank">our Explainer</a> on how badly these old-fashioned, ground-attack aircraft have fared in Ukraine where air-defences are thick. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="cluster-munitions" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Cluster munitions </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Warheads that scatter grenade-sized “bomblets” over a large area, cancelling out aiming errors. They can be devastating against massed infantry. Human-rights organisations say that their use in populated areas is a violation of international law, because bomblets often fail to detonate, leaving a deadly trail of unexploded munitions. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/07/07/why-are-cluster-munitions-so-dangerous" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="colonel" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Colonel </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A rank of <a class="internal-link" href="#commissioned-officer">commissioned officer</a> in the army that sits above a <a class="internal-link" href="#lieutenant-colonel">lieutenant colonel</a> but below a <a class="internal-link" href="#brigadier">brigadier</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="combined-arms" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Combined arms </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An exercise or operation that brings together different military branches, be it infantry, artillery, engineers, or other specialists. Each branch compensates for the weaknesses of the other: tanks are well armed and protected, for instance, but need dismounted infantry and artillery to suppress enemy anti-tank teams nearby. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="command-and-control" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Command and control </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The structures and principles through which senior officers exercise authority over their forces and approach decision making. Modern armed forces tend to favour <a class="internal-link" href="#mission-command">mission command</a>, in which soldiers on the ground are empowered to follow their initiative in line with the commander’s intent. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="command-control-communications-computers-intelligence-surveillance-and-reconnaissance" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="c-4-isr" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (<small>C</small>4<small>ISR</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The combination of capabilities that provide commanders with the ability to see through the “<a class="internal-link" href="#fog-of-war">fog of war</a>”, providing situational awareness, an understanding of what the enemy is doing or planning to do, and shortening the “<a class="internal-link" href="#kill-chain">kill chain</a>” (the process required to locate and then attack a target). A <small>C</small>4<small>ISR</small> system gathers information from all parts of the battlefield using information from satellites to aircraft and intelligence gathered by soldiers on the ground. It then uses computing power to process the information and display it, and secure communications to issue commands and get relevant information to forces in the field. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="commissioned-officer" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Commissioned officer </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Senior officers within the armed forces, who have received their rank by a “commission” from the head of the military, i.e. the monarch in Britain or the president in America. In practice, that means they have been specially trained for leadership. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="company" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="companies" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Company </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A military unit made up of at least three <a class="internal-link" href="#platoons">platoons </a>and generally led by a <a class="internal-link" href="#captain">captain</a> or a <a class="internal-link" href="#major">major</a>. The size and structure of a company can differ between armies, but they tend to contain no more than 250 soldiers. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="corporal" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Corporal </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A rank of <a class="internal-link" href="#non-commissioned-officer">non-commissioned officer </a>in the army. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="corps" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Corps </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A military unit usually comprising around three <a class="internal-link" href="#divisions">divisions</a>, though they can be larger—in America’s military corps can contain up to 45,000 soldiers. They are normally commanded by a <a class="internal-link" href="#lieutenant-general">lieutenant general</a>, and are the largest unit of organisation employed in combat. A corps typically fights the <a class="internal-link" href="#deep-battle">deep battle</a>, such as delivering cyber effects well behind the front lines, as opposed to the close battle, at the front lines. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="counter-battery-fire" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Counter-battery fire </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A way of using <a class="internal-link" href="#artillery">artillery</a> to counter artillery. <a class="internal-link" href="#radar">Radar</a> works out the trajectory and thus the likely origin of incoming shells. The coordinates are immediately sent to friendly guns, which fire back at the source. See also <a class="internal-link" href="#counter-battery-radar">counter-battery radar</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="counter-battery-radar" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Counter-battery radar </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Trailer-mounted systems that work out where incoming <a class="internal-link" href="#artillery">artillery</a> shells were fired from. One such system that Russia is using against Ukraine, the Zoopark-1m, can simultaneously pinpoint the origins of a dozen incoming 155mm shells from at least 12km away. <small>COBRA</small>, a European-made counter-battery radar, can do likewise for as many as 40 artillery pieces roughly 100km away. The <a class="internal-link" href="#radars">radars</a> help direct retaliatory attacks against enemy artillery, known as <a class="internal-link" href="#counter-battery-fire">counter-battery fire</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="counterinsurgency" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Counterinsurgency </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The measures a government takes to defeat an <a class="internal-link" href="#insurgency">insurgency</a>. As well as military means, effective counterinsurgency, or <small>COIN</small>, also relies on softer social and political tools to stop insurgent groups gaining popular support. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="cruise-missile" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="cruise-missiles" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Cruise missile </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Missiles propelled by jet engines, allowing them to fly within the atmosphere at relatively low altitudes. They often navigate using positioning and navigation systems such as America’s <a class="internal-link" href="#gps"><small>GPS</small></a> to find their way to their targets. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="cyberwarfare" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Cyberwarfare </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The targeting of computer networks, computer information systems and other electronic infrastructure in order to cause harm to another country. Experts often distinguish computer network exploitation (essentially, hacking) from computer network attack (such as the deletion of data). But cyberwarfare is often intended to have a <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/04/04/cyberwarfare-is-all-in-the-mind-says-britain" target="_blank">psychological effect</a>. We considered the <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/04/05/what-is-a-responsible-cyber-power" target="_blank">rules for responsible cyber warfare</a> (in 2023). </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="D"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 62.74 85.48" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-d" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-d">D</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.53 17.43 20.68 15.79 20.79 67.65 13.64 69.28 13.53 17.43"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m33.26,69.18l-12.47-1.53-7.15,1.64,12.47,1.53c1.58.19,3.03.14,4.37-.17l7.15-1.64c-1.34.31-2.8.36-4.37.17Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m53.96,33.22c.83,4.7,1.25,9.14,1.26,13.31.02,10.57-1.69,19.31-5.12,26.21-4.66,9.31-11.89,13.36-21.66,12.16l-27.88-3.42L.38,2.01l27.88,3.42c4.01.57,7.35,1.55,10.01,2.96,4.54,2.38,8.23,6.2,11.05,11.43,2.26,4.23,3.8,8.7,4.64,13.39Zm-14.52,27.65c1.37-4.07,2.05-9.03,2.03-14.89-.02-8.09-1.06-14.44-3.11-19.03-2.09-4.57-6.21-7.23-12.36-7.98l-12.47-1.53.11,51.86,12.47,1.53c6.38.78,10.82-2.53,13.32-9.95"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m61.11,31.58c-.83-4.7-2.37-9.16-4.64-13.39-2.82-5.23-6.51-9.05-11.05-11.43-2.66-1.41-6-2.39-10.01-2.96L7.53.38.38,2.01l27.88,3.42c4.01.57,7.35,1.55,10.01,2.96,4.54,2.38,8.23,6.2,11.05,11.43,2.26,4.23,3.8,8.7,4.64,13.39.83,4.7,1.25,9.14,1.26,13.31.02,10.57-1.69,19.31-5.12,26.21-3.29,6.57-7.86,10.52-13.69,11.86l7.15-1.64c5.84-1.34,10.4-5.29,13.69-11.86,3.44-6.9,5.15-15.64,5.12-26.21,0-4.17-.43-8.6-1.26-13.31Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="deep-battle" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Deep battle </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">If the “close battle” is the front line where troops clash directly, the deep battle—an idea developed by Russian military theorists in the 1930s—is about attacking enemy forces well to the rear, particularly targets like <a class="internal-link" href="#command-and-control">command and control</a> hubs, logistics, ammunition depots and barracks. Ukrainian attacks on Russia using <a class="internal-link" href="#himars"><small>HIMARS</small></a> and Storm Shadow cruise missiles are part of the deep battle. The deep battle is often part of <a class="internal-link" href="#shaping-operations">shaping operations</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="demilitarised-zone" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="dmz" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Demilitarised zone (<small>DMZ</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An area that opposing powers agree not to use for military purposes. Weapons and other military equipment are usually banned to allow a safe space for diplomatic negotiations or visiting civilian politicians. In practice, <small>DMZ</small>s don’t always entirely live up to their name: the zone between North and South Korea, for instance, was at one stage home to two million <a class="internal-link" href="#landmines">landmines</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="depleted-uranium-shells" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Depleted uranium shells </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Munitions made from depleted uranium, a by-product of enriching the element which is necessary for atomic energy or nuclear bombs. Depleted uranium is less radioactive, as it contains a lower proportion of the fissile uranium 235 isotope. It makes excellent ammunition because it is dense, prone to self-immolate on impact, and sharpens as it bores through armour. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="direct-fire" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Direct fire </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">When a weapon, such as a rifle or a tank’s gun, is aimed at a target in the user’s line of sight. The opposite of <a class="internal-link" href="#indirect-fire">indirect fire</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="division" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="divisions" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Division </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A large military unit that usually contains between 10,000 and 15,000 soldiers. They are generally led by a <a class="internal-link" href="#major-general">major-general</a>. Divisions can operate autonomously in the field, with self-contained <a class="internal-link" href="#logistics">logistics</a>, <a class="internal-link" href="#reconnaissance">reconnaissance</a> and <a class="internal-link" href="#artillery">artillery</a> support. America’s army is increasingly shifting its focus from the <a class="internal-link" href="#brigade">brigade</a>, which was an independent combat formation for much of the war on terror, to the division, which are needed to manage larger-scale fighting. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="doctrine" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Doctrine </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The set of core principles that underpins an armed force’s actions as it pursues its country’s strategic objectives. For instance, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2017/01/31/what-is-indias-cold-start-military-doctrine" target="_blank">our Explainer</a> from 2017 outlines the details of India’s “Cold Start” military doctrine, a limited-war strategy designed to seize Pakistani territory swiftly without, in theory, risking a nuclear conflict. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="dogfight" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Dogfight </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Close-range combat between two aerial opponents. At the start of the first world war this involved two pilots duelling with pistols. By the end of the cold war, beyond-visual-range missiles had made dogfighting a rarity. Today unmanned <a class="internal-link" href="#drones">drones </a>sometimes ram into each other in the skies above Ukraine. For more about those drone dogfights and the future of aerial warfare, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/02/07/how-drones-dogfight-above-ukraine" target="_blank">our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="drone" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="drones" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Drone </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A craft without a human pilot onboard. Drones are commonly thought of as airborne devices, but some operate on water (see <a class="internal-link" href="#naval-drone">naval drone</a>). The airborne variety are technically referred to as uncrewed aerial vehicles (<small>UAV</small>s). They are either controlled remotely from the ground or by an onboard autopilot (known as “autonomous drones”). Small commercial drones are typically used for <a class="internal-link" href="#reconnaissance">reconnaissance</a>, feeding video footage back. So-called <a class="internal-link" href="#loitering-munitions">loitering munitions</a> (or “kamikaze drones”) can hover over an area for longer periods before identifying a target and crashing into it. Meanwhile, strike drones, like America’s Reaper or the Turkish <small>TB</small>2, can carry and deliver bombs and missiles over hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. For more, read our articles on the <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/03/20/ukraine-is-betting-on-drones-to-strike-deep-into-russia" target="_blank">uses of strikes drones in Ukraine</a>, or on the ways that commercial drones have been <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2023/05/08/how-ukrainians-modify-civilian-drones-for-military-use" target="_blank">repurposed for military use</a>. You can also read our Explainers on Russia’s use of <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/10/19/will-russias-drone-attacks-change-the-war-in-ukraine" target="_blank">“kamikaze” drones</a> and on how <small>UAV</small>s <a class="internal-link" href="#dogfight">dogfight </a>over <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/02/07/how-drones-dogfight-above-ukraine" target="_blank">Ukrainian skies</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="E"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 57.12 87.87" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-E" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-E">E</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.69 48.38 20.84 46.75 20.88 67.18 13.73 68.81 13.69 48.38"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.62 17.7 20.77 16.07 20.81 32.94 13.66 34.58 13.62 17.7"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.73 68.81 20.88 67.18 56.71 71.58 49.56 73.21 13.73 68.81"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="49.56 73.21 56.71 71.58 56.74 85.86 49.59 87.5 49.56 73.21"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.66 34.58 20.81 32.94 52.25 36.8 45.1 38.44 13.66 34.58"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="45.1 38.44 52.25 36.8 52.28 50.61 45.12 52.24 45.1 38.44"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 54.99 6.2 47.84 7.84 .38 2.01"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="47.84 7.84 54.99 6.2 55.02 20.27 47.87 21.91 47.84 7.84"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="47.84 7.84 47.87 21.91 13.62 17.7 13.66 34.58 45.1 38.44 45.12 52.24 13.69 48.38 13.73 68.81 49.56 73.21 49.59 87.5 .54 81.47 .38 2.01 47.84 7.84"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="electronic-warfare" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="ew" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Electronic warfare (<small>EW</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The battle to control, influence or disrupt the electromagnetic spectrum in war. That can include locating an enemy by their radio emissions, jamming their communications or disrupting their radar. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/05/18/how-ukraine-is-winning-the-drone-jamming-war" target="_blank">our Explainer</a> (from 2022) on the battle to jam drones in Ukraine, or <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/05/21/russias-army-is-learning-on-the-battlefield" target="_blank">our article</a> (from 2023) on Russia’s evolving electronic-warfare tactics. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="expeditionary-force" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Expeditionary Force </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">In its broadest definition, a group of soldiers deployed in a foreign country to carry out a specific objective. But modern expeditionary forces generally have more precise characteristics. 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The most ubiquitous is the <small>F</small>-35, which will be the mainstay of American and allied air forces into the middle of the century. The term comes from succeeding generations of fighters. The first generation included the <small>F</small>-86 Sabre and the <small>M</small>i<small>G</small>15, which fought each other in the Korean War. Second-generation fighters included the supersonic but ill-fated <small>F</small>-104 Starfighter and the <small>M</small>i<small>G</small>21. The most successful third-generation fighter was the <small>F</small>-4 Phantom. Fourth generation fighters include the <small>F</small>-16, the <small>F</small>-15 and the <small>M</small>i<small>G</small>-29. So-called 4.5-generation fighters, such as the Typhoon, are upgraded fourth generation fighters with features such as <a class="internal-link" href="#aesa"><small>AESA</small></a> radar. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="firepower" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Firepower </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The quantity, size and type of munitions that an armed force is able to deploy against an enemy. Armed forces sometimes use the term “lethality”. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="flechettes" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Flechettes </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Small metal projectiles released from a bomb or artillery-round to indiscriminately pepper an area. Apart from fending off attacks at short range, flechettes have few advantages over similar munitions. Their footprint is that of a wide cone, not the 360 degree spread of a shell. And they cost much more to produce than fragmenting rounds. They produce disproportionately severe injuries. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/04/24/what-are-flechettes-a-brutal-weapon-used-in-ukraine" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="fog-of-war" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Fog of war </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Uncertainty derived from the fast-moving and unpredictable nature of combat. Such ambiguity can affect the situational awareness of soldiers, commanders and whole armies, limiting their understanding of what the enemy is doing or planning to do. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Four-star general </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#general">general</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="G"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68.15 87.66" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-g" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-g">G</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m27.11,16.18l7.15-1.64c-3.06.7-5.69,2.52-7.92,5.47-3.34,4.42-5,11.48-4.98,21.19s1.86,16.92,5.49,21.42c3.64,4.51,7.77,7.05,12.39,7.61,1.91.23,3.67.17,5.29-.2l-7.15,1.64c-1.62.37-3.38.44-5.29.2-4.63-.57-8.76-3.11-12.39-7.61-3.64-4.5-5.47-11.64-5.49-21.42s1.64-16.77,4.98-21.19c2.23-2.95,4.87-4.77,7.92-5.47Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m45.23,83.72l-7.15,1.64c1.89-.43,3.62-1.15,5.19-2.14,2.07-1.29,4.41-3.66,7.01-7.11l7.15-1.64c-2.59,3.45-4.94,5.82-7.01,7.11-1.57,1-3.3,1.71-5.19,2.14Z"></path><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="33.57 41.34 40.72 39.7 67.68 43.01 60.53 44.65 33.57 41.34"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="60.53 44.65 67.68 43.01 67.77 85.65 60.62 87.29 60.53 44.65"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m31.82,2.26c8.22,1.01,14.84,4.39,19.85,10.12,5,5.74,7.87,12.48,8.63,20.23l-13.3-1.63c-1.04-5.56-3.55-9.66-7.54-12.31-2.22-1.45-4.7-2.35-7.42-2.68-5.22-.64-9.49,1.25-12.83,5.67-3.34,4.42-5,11.48-4.98,21.19s1.86,16.92,5.49,21.42c3.64,4.51,7.77,7.05,12.39,7.61s8.26-.59,11.15-3.46c2.89-2.86,4.67-6.85,5.33-11.98l-14.97-1.84-.03-13.25,26.96,3.31.09,42.64-8.96-1.1-1.38-10.09c-2.59,3.45-4.94,5.82-7.01,7.11-3.56,2.26-7.96,3.07-13.17,2.43-8.58-1.05-15.61-5.56-21.1-13.54C3.28,64.08.4,53.7.38,40.98c-.03-12.86,2.83-22.83,8.58-29.88S22.33,1.09,31.82,2.26Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m58.81,10.74C53.81,5.01,47.19,1.63,38.97.62c-3.48-.43-6.71-.3-9.69.38l-7.15,1.64c2.98-.68,6.21-.81,9.69-.38,8.22,1.01,14.84,4.39,19.85,10.12,5,5.74,7.87,12.48,8.63,20.23l7.15-1.64c-.75-7.75-3.63-14.49-8.63-20.23Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="general" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">General </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Normally the highest rank of officer in an army. America’s army technically has the higher rank of “General of the Army” but it is only awarded at wartime, when the general in command needs to be of equal or higher rank to those of other nations’ armies. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>GMLRS</small> (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#mlrs"><small>MLRS</small>.</a> </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="gps" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="global-positioning-system" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>GPS</small> (Global Positioning System) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An American navigation system that uses satellite signals to accurately pinpoint locations. This is one among several types of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (<small>GNSS</small>), such as Russia’s <small>GLONASS</small> or China’s BeiDou. The receiver picks up precise time signals from several satellites and calculates its position by triangulation. <small>GPS</small>-guided munitions have almost completely replaced unguided bombs in America’s arsenal. The technology is expensive but almost guarantees a hit, assuming the target is stationary and its location is known. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/08/08/why-isnt-russia-blocking-gps-in-ukraine" target="_blank">our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="gps-jamming" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>GPS</small>-jamming </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A way of rendering an enemy’s <a class="internal-link" href="#global-positioning-system-gps">Global Positioning System (<small>GPS</small>)</a> useless. <small>GPS</small> satellites are around 20,000km from Earth, but their transmitters are no more powerful than a car’s headlight. Their weak signals can sometimes be drowned out, or “jammed”, by radio transmitters operating on the same wavelength. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/08/08/why-isnt-russia-blocking-gps-in-ukraine" target="_blank">our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="guerilla-warfare" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Guerilla warfare </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Fighting carried out by lightly armoured groups of troops, typically against more powerful militaries. Guerilla warfare is the stuff of <a class="internal-link" href="#insurgency">insurgency</a>: it involves fast-moving fighters who are skilled at operating in difficult terrain and effective at conducting operations like <a class="internal-link" href="#ambushes">ambushes</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="H"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 60.19 88.25" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-h" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-h">H</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.86 47.65 21.01 46.01 21.09 81.48 13.93 83.12 13.86 47.65"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 20.92 2.02 13.77 3.65 .38 2.01"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.77 3.65 20.92 2.02 20.98 32.32 13.83 33.95 13.77 3.65"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.83 33.95 20.98 32.32 46.28 35.42 39.12 37.06 13.83 33.95"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="52.5 8.41 52.66 87.87 39.23 86.22 39.15 50.76 13.86 47.65 13.93 83.12 .54 81.47 .38 2.01 13.77 3.65 13.83 33.95 39.12 37.06 39.06 6.76 52.5 8.41"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="52.5 8.41 59.65 6.77 59.82 86.24 52.66 87.87 52.5 8.41"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="39.06 6.76 46.21 5.12 59.65 6.77 52.5 8.41 39.06 6.76"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="harm" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="high-speed-anti-radiation-missiles" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>HARM</small> (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Launched from an aircraft, these American missiles home-in on and destroy air-defence <a class="internal-link" href="#radar">radar</a>. They have a range of some 145 km and are able to locate radar systems even after they have been turned off. Even if not fired, the threat these air-to-surface missiles pose can force radar operators to turn off their sets and lie low. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/09/11/what-are-harm-the-air-to-surface-missiles-destroying-russian-air-defence-radar" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="himars" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="high-mobility-artillery-rocket-system" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>HIMARS</small> (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An American lorry-mounted rocket launcher that fires different types of shells directed by rocket engines. These satellite-guided missiles are more accurate over long distances than standard munitions and allow a three-man <small>HIMARS</small> crew to launch a salvo and then drive away immediately, making it hard for enemy artillery to return fire. America has given Ukraine <small>HIMARS</small> loaded with <a class="internal-link" href="#gmlrs"><small>GMLRS</small></a>, a short-range rocket that carries a 91kg warhead and can consistently hit targets up to 70km away; but, if loaded with longer-range <small>ATACMS</small> missiles, a <small>HIMARS</small> can strike up to 300km away. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="howitzer" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Howitzer </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An <a class="internal-link" href="#artillery">artillery </a>piece that is designed to fire shells in a shallow arc over long distances. Usually more precise than a cannon and with longer range than a <a class="internal-link" href="#mortar">mortar</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="human-intelligence" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="humint" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Human intelligence (<small>HUMINT</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The gathering of information about another power through contact with people, i.e., by recruiting agents in areas of enemy control. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-reads/2022/12/21/what-to-read-to-understand-intelligence-and-espionage" target="_blank">see our recommendations</a> on what to read to understand intelligence and espionage. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="hybrid-war" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Hybrid war </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A conflict in which a combatant mixes lots of different kinds of fighting. Initially popularised by Frank Hoffman, a defence scholar, its meaning has since loosened. The term increasingly refers to the employment of non-lethal forms of attack and subversion, such as cyber-attacks or election meddling. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/07/07/why-are-cluster-munitions-so-dangerous" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Hypersonic boost-glide weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#hypersonic-weapons">Hypersonic weapons</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Hypersonic cruise missiles </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#hypersonic-weapons">Hypersonic weapons</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="hypersonic-weapons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Hypersonic weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Missiles that travel more than five times the speed of sound, or around 1.6km per second. Crucially, they can sustain those speeds at lower altitudes than long-range <a class="internal-link" href="#ballistic-missiles">ballistic missiles</a>, which reach similar velocities as they re-enter the atmosphere. Hypersonic missiles come in two types. Hypersonic cruise missiles are powered by rockets or jets throughout their flight. Hypersonic boost-glide weapons are launched into the upper atmosphere atop ballistic missiles, but then release unpowered hypersonic glide vehicles (<small>HGV</small>s) which fly lower, faster and less predictably than old-fashioned re-entry vehicles. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/what-are-the-hypersonic-missiles-russia-says-it-used-in-ukraine" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="I"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 21.51 83.5" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-i" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-i">I</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.81 3.66 13.98 83.12 .54 81.47 .38 2.01 13.81 3.66"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.81 3.66 20.96 2.02 21.13 81.49 13.98 83.12 13.81 3.66"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 20.96 2.02 13.81 3.66 .38 2.01"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="improvised-explosive-device" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="ied" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="improvised-explosive-devices" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Improvised explosive device (<small>IED</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Homemade bombs generally constructed from chemicals used in agriculture and industry. <small>IED</small>s can often be detonated remotely via radio or phone signal. They are associated with attacks led by <a class="internal-link" href="#insurgencies">insurgencies</a> or other non-conventional forces. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="indirect-fire" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Indirect fire </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">When a weapon is aimed at a target not visible to the person controlling it, usually employed by <a class="internal-link" href="#artillery">artillery</a>. For more, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/05/02/artillery-is-playing-a-vital-role-in-ukraine&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1682617779437464&usg=AOvVaw2KuD0xwzqHn-4sQlxTKRLt" target="_blank">read our article</a> about the importance of artillery fire in Ukraine. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="infantry-fighting-vehicle" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="ifv" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Infantry fighting vehicle (<small>IFV</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Lighter than main battle tanks but with more weapons than armoured personnel carriers, <small>IFV</small>s offer moderate protection to crews and infantry while carrying substantial guns. For example, America’s Bradley vehicles have enough firepower to destroy many tanks. <small>IFV</small>s give armed forces manoeuvrability on the battlefield and are used to penetrate enemy lines. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/01/06/the-west-sends-armoured-fighting-vehicles-to-ukraine" target="_blank">our article</a> about the West’s deliveries of <small>IFV</small>s to Ukraine. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="insurgency" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="insurgencies" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Insurgency </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A sustained rebellion against a recognised authority, such as a national government or occupying force, by an armed military-political group. Insurgencies often engage in <a class="internal-link" href="#guerilla-warfare">guerilla warfare</a> or other forms of irregular attack. Insurgency differs from terrorism because the groups involved aim to gain political control, rather than carry out indiscriminate violence. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="intercontinental-ballistic-missiles" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="icbm" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="intercontinental-ballistic-missiles-icbm" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (<small>ICBM</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A class of <a class="internal-link" href="#ballistic-missiles">ballistic missiles</a> with a range of more than 5,500km. They are typically associated with nuclear weapons. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="J"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 49.41 83.18" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-j" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-j">J</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 47.9 7.53 46.27 20.3 47.84 13.15 49.47 .38 47.9"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m28.29,67.36c-3.22-.4-5.32-1.9-6.31-4.53-.99-2.61-1.55-7-1.68-13.16v-1.84s-7.16,1.64-7.16,1.64v1.84c.13,6.16.69,10.55,1.68,13.16.99,2.62,3.09,4.13,6.31,4.53,1.02.13,1.93.1,2.73-.09l7.15-1.64c-.8.18-1.71.21-2.73.09Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m41.77,3.67l.12,55.32c.01,6.75-.93,11.99-2.82,15.72-3.21,6.28-9.01,8.92-17.41,7.88s-14.05-4.43-16.93-10.19C1.85,66.64.4,59.08.38,49.74v-1.84s12.77,1.57,12.77,1.57v1.84c.13,6.16.69,10.55,1.68,13.16.99,2.62,3.09,4.13,6.31,4.53s5.29-.72,6.31-3.32c.61-1.55.92-4.23.91-8.08l-.12-55.58,13.52,1.66Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m48.92,2.04l-7.15,1.64.12,55.32c.01,6.75-.93,11.99-2.82,15.72-2.1,4.1-5.3,6.65-9.61,7.64l7.15-1.64c4.31-.99,7.51-3.53,9.61-7.64,1.89-3.72,2.83-8.96,2.82-15.72l-.12-55.32Z"></path><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="28.25 2.01 35.4 .38 48.92 2.04 41.77 3.67 28.25 2.01"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Javelin </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#anti-tank-weapons">Anti-tank weapons</a> </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="K"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 65.21 88.87" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-k" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-k">K</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.79 56.53 20.94 54.89 21 81.47 13.85 83.11 13.79 56.53"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="20.24 49.19 27.39 47.55 20.94 54.89 13.79 56.53 20.24 49.19"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 20.83 2.01 13.68 3.64 .38 2.01"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.68 3.64 20.83 2.01 20.9 34.74 13.75 36.37 13.68 3.64"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="29.69 38.33 36.84 36.69 64.83 86.85 57.68 88.49 29.69 38.33"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="38.67 6.71 45.82 5.08 63.3 7.22 56.14 8.86 38.67 6.71"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="56.14 8.86 63.3 7.22 36.84 36.69 29.69 38.33 56.14 8.86"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="56.14 8.86 29.69 38.33 57.68 88.49 40.28 86.35 20.24 49.19 13.79 56.53 13.85 83.11 .54 81.47 .38 2.01 13.68 3.64 13.75 36.37 38.67 6.71 56.14 8.86"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Kamikaze drone </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#loitering-munitions">loitering munitions</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="kill-chain" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Kill chain </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The kill chain refers to the process of identifying a target, making a decision over whether and how to attack it, and then attacking it using an “effector”, which can include a lethal weapon or a non-lethal tool such as an electronic jammer. America’s armed forces use the acronym <small>F</small>2<small>T</small>2<small>EA</small>: find, fix, track, target, engage and assess. Armed forces generally want to shorten the kill chain, to give targets less time to get away and to paralyse an enemy. The term “kill web” is sometimes used. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="L"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 53.65 87.45" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-l" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-l">L</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.9 3.67 21.06 2.04 21.19 67.22 14.04 68.85 13.9 3.67"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 21.06 2.04 13.9 3.67 .38 2.01"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.9 3.67 14.04 68.85 46.09 72.79 46.12 87.07 .54 81.47 .38 2.01 13.9 3.67"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="14.04 68.85 21.19 67.22 53.25 71.15 46.09 72.79 14.04 68.85"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="46.09 72.79 53.25 71.15 53.28 85.44 46.12 87.07 46.09 72.79"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="landmines" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Landmines </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Explosive devices on or hidden under the ground that detonate when a person steps on or near them or a vehicle travels over them. <a class="internal-link" href="#minefields">Minefields </a>can force an enemy to turn, which exposes their flank and makes them especially vulnerable. They can also be used to “canalise” the enemy, channelling attackers into unfavourable terrain, where they may be more exposed to concentrated artillery fire. The use of anti-personnel mines—those designed to target people—is banned by the Ottawa treaty of 1997. Yet America, China and Russia are not among the treaty’s signatories. And <a class="internal-link" href="#mines">mines</a> designed to destroy vehicles such as tanks are still allowed. Read <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/04/12/why-so-many-russian-tanks-fall-prey-to-ukrainian-mines" target="_blank">our Explainer</a> on the use of anti-tank mines in Ukraine. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="lieutenant" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Lieutenant </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">In the army a lieutenant (or first lieutenant in the American army) is a junior commissioned officer, above a <a class="internal-link" href="#second-lieutenant">second lieutenant</a> but below a <a class="internal-link" href="#captain">captain</a>. In the navy, however, lieutenant is a higher rank, equivalent to an army <a class="internal-link" href="#captain">captain</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="lieutenant-colonel" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Lieutenant colonel </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An army-officer rank that sits above a major but below a colonel. A lieutenant colonel would typically command a <a class="internal-link" href="#battalion">battalion</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="lieutenant-general" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Lieutenant general </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A senior army-officer rank that sits above a <a class="internal-link" href="#major-general">major general</a> but below a <a class="internal-link" href="#general">general</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="lofting" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Lofting </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An old-fashioned tactic for firing unguided rockets from an aircraft. Rather than launch the missiles in pairs directly at a target on a downward angle, the pilot flies low before climbing and firing an entire pod of rockets steeply upwards, after which the pilot veers away. The technique, also known as “tossing”, was developed in the 1940s and is now rarely used if guided missiles are available. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/06/20/why-are-pilots-in-ukraine-firing-rockets-so-clumsily" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="logistics" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Logistics </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The process of moving personnel, equipment and other military supplies from one place to another, and of maintaining said equipment. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="loitering-munitions" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Loitering munitions </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Somewhere between a drone and a missile. These weapons, also known as “kamikaze” or “suicide” drones, hover over an area, potentially for long periods, before selecting a target and detonating on impact. Take America’s Switchblade—fired from a tube, the missile has wings that flip out after launch and an electric propeller that drives it forward. The operator can control it via an optical camera and an infrared thermal-imager on board. When the operator locks on to a target, the <a class="internal-link" href="#drone">drone </a>accelerates towards it, chasing it automatically if it takes evasive action. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/baguette-sized-flying-bombs-are-about-to-enter-service-in-ukraine/21808317" target="_blank">read our article</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="M"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 70.65 89.53" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-m" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-m">M</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m20.18,27.64c0-1.54-.02-3.71-.06-6.5s-.05-4.94-.06-6.46l-7.15,1.64c0,1.52.02,3.67.06,6.46.03,2.79.05,4.96.06,6.5l.11,53.75,7.15-1.64-.11-53.75Z"></path><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 27.2 2.79 20.05 4.43 .38 2.01"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="20.05 4.43 27.2 2.79 39.1 66.72 31.95 68.36 20.05 4.43"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="50.46 20.93 57.61 19.3 45.51 84.48 38.35 86.12 50.46 20.93"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="43.5 7.31 50.65 5.67 70.1 8.06 62.95 9.69 43.5 7.31"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="62.95 9.69 70.1 8.06 70.27 87.52 63.12 89.16 62.95 9.69"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m62.95,9.69l.17,79.46-12.6-1.55-.11-53.75c0-1.54,0-3.71.03-6.49.02-2.78.03-4.93.03-6.44l-12.11,65.18-13.13-1.61L12.92,16.32c0,1.52.02,3.67.06,6.46.03,2.79.05,4.96.06,6.5l.11,53.75-12.6-1.55L.38,2.01l19.67,2.42,11.91,63.93L43.5,7.31l19.45,2.39Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="main-battle-tank" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="mb-ts" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Main battle tank (<small>MBT</small>s) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Heavily armed and armoured tanks such as America’s Abrams and Germany’s Leopard. Unlike light tanks, which tend to be cheaper and less well-equipped, <small>MBT</small>s can weigh around 70 tonnes and sprout large turret-mounted guns with several attached machineguns. Light tanks were more popular than <small>MBT</small>s during the cold war. But, as anti-tank guided missiles and armed drones became more effective, better-protected tanks replaced lighter models. For more, read our Explainers on the <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/01/25/what-makes-germanys-leopard-2-tank-the-best-fit-for-ukraine" target="_blank">definition of a tank</a> and the <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/01/25/what-makes-germanys-leopard-2-tank-the-best-fit-for-ukraine" target="_blank">features of Germany’s Leopard 2 model</a>, and <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/international/2022/06/15/does-the-tank-have-a-future" target="_blank">our interactive</a> on the future of the tank. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="major" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Major </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A rank of <a class="internal-link" href="#commissioned-officer">commissioned officer </a>in the army, above a <a class="internal-link" href="#captain">captain </a>but below a <a class="internal-link" href="#lieutenant-colonel">lieutenant colonel</a>. Major is also an officer rank in America’s air force (equivalent to its level in the army). </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="major-general" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Major general </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A senior army-officer rank that sits above a <a class="internal-link" href="#brigadier">brigadier</a> but below a <a class="internal-link" href="#lieutenant-general">lieutenant general</a>. A major general leads a division, which contains between 10,000 and 15,000 soldiers. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="manoeuvre" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Manoeuvre </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">In combat, manoeuvres denote the tactical movement of armour or troops to gain an advantage over an enemy. The term is also used to describe military training exercises, typically involving the shifting of soldiers or equipment across a large area. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="manoeuvre-warfare" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Manoeuvre warfare </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A military strategy that emphasises rapid movement to disrupt an enemy’s cohesion and will to fight. In contrast with <a class="internal-link" href="#attritional-warfare">attritional warfare</a>, which gradually seeks to wear down an enemy through the systematic destruction of its troops and weaponry, manoeuvre warfare favours tactics like encirclement or unexpected attacks on an enemy’s rear or flank. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="manpads" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="man-portable-air-defence-systems" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>MANPADS</small> (Man-portable Air Defence Systems) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A type of portable, anti-aircraft missile often fired from the shoulder. Typified by the heat-seeking American Stinger, <small>MANPADS</small> are generally effective against low-aircraft and at a range of a few kilometres. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/04/06/what-are-manpads-the-portable-missiles-bringing-down-russian-aircraft" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="mercenaries" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Mercenaries </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Soldiers not part of any country’s army who offer their services for pay. In the second half of the 20th century unstable parts of Africa and the Middle East, for example, were plagued by fighters–and private military companies–willing to be hired by the highest bidder. Some mercenaries are closely linked to states. For example, the Wagner Group, from Russia, fights in Ukraine and elsewhere. Read our explainer on <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/03/07/what-is-the-wagner-group-russias-mercenary-organisation" target="_blank">the Wagner Group</a> and a profile of its founder, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/09/29/who-is-yevgeny-prigozhin-the-man-behind-the-wagner-group" target="_blank">Yevgeny Prigozhin</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="militia" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Militia </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A group of fighters that is not part of a regular army. Militias can serve governments, though they often represent the interests of an <a class="internal-link" href="#insurgency">insurgency</a> or other non-state actors. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="minefield" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="minefields" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Minefield </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An area of land or sea planted with <a class="internal-link" href="#mines">mines</a>. The Korean peninsula’s <a class="internal-link" href="#demilitarised-zone">demilitarised zone </a>is a famous example, at one point home to two million<a class="internal-link" href="#landmines"> landmines</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="mines" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Mines </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Explosive devices that are placed on or hidden under a surface, be it the ground (<a class="internal-link" href="#landmines">landmines</a>) or the sea (<a class="internal-link" href="#naval-mines">naval mines</a>). The static bombs detonate when a person, vehicle or vessel comes into contact with, or sometimes simply approach, them. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="mission-command" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Mission command </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A style of military management that gives agency to rank-and-file soldiers. Commanders issue the principles and objectives of a mission and delegate responsibility for achieving it to more junior officers, allowing them to exercise their own initiative and judgment. Forces with mission command can be creative, altering tactics and seizing opportunities that arise. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/07/25/what-is-mission-command" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a> and <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2022/07/07/the-pentagon-sharpens-its-cultural-sword-to-win-future-wars" target="_blank">our article</a> about the importance of the concept for America’s military strategy. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="mission-creep" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Mission creep </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The gradual growth of an operation’s objectives beyond its initial goals. Mission creep is generally a bad sign, associated with foreign interventions gone awry. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="mlrs" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="multiple-launch-rocket-systems" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>MLRS</small> (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A rocket-launcher system, often armoured and self-propelled, that fires surface-to-surface missiles, mounted on the chassis of an armoured vehicle, such as America’s Bradley. The <small>NATO</small>-standard <small>M</small>270 <small>MLRS</small> carries two pods, with a total of 12 missiles. Later versions could fire precision-guided shells known as <a class="internal-link" href="#guided-multiple-launch-rocket-systems">Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems</a> (<small>GMLRS</small>), guided by satellite. For more, read our <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/06/01/america-sends-advanced-missiles-to-help-ukraine-fend-off-russia" target="_blank">article</a> about America’s advanced-missile deliveries to Ukraine. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="mortar" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="mortars" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Mortar </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A light artillery piece designed to hit its target by arcing the shot high in the air, so that the shell lands on its target from above (unlike a heavier <a class="internal-link" href="#cannon">cannon</a> or a <a class="internal-link" href="#howitzer">howitzer</a>). </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="N"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 60.63 88.29" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-n" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-n">N</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.02 26.57 20.17 24.93 20.29 81.38 13.14 83.01 13.02 26.57"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 21.71 2.12 14.55 3.75 .38 2.01"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="14.55 3.75 21.71 2.12 47.6 60.75 40.45 62.38 14.55 3.75"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="52.94 8.46 53.1 87.92 39.58 86.26 13.02 26.57 13.14 83.01 .54 81.47 .38 2.01 14.55 3.75 40.45 62.38 40.33 6.92 52.94 8.46"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="52.94 8.46 60.09 6.83 60.26 86.28 53.1 87.92 52.94 8.46"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="40.33 6.92 47.48 5.28 60.09 6.83 52.94 8.46 40.33 6.92"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="naval-drone" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Naval drone </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Maritime vessels that operate without a crew. So-called “uncrewed surface vessels” (<small>USV</small>s) travel on the water’s surface, while “unmanned underwater vehicles” (<small>UUV</small>s, or “submarine” drones) are submersible and travel beneath the surface. Naval drones can be used for <a class="internal-link" href="#reconnaissance">reconnaissance </a>and, increasingly, combat. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2022/12/07/ukrainian-ingenuity-is-ushering-in-a-new-form-of-warfare-at-sea" target="_blank">our article</a> (from 2022) about the use of naval drones in Ukraine. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="naval-mines" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Naval mines </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Static bombs that are deployed at sea and are designed to detonate when a vessel approaches or touches them. Drifting mines float on the sea’s surface; anchor mines are tethered to the seabed and lurk beneath the waves; and deepwater mines sink to the seafloor. The latter can pack in extra explosives because of their lack of buoyancy. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2022/08/31/mines-are-the-neglected-workhorses-of-naval-strategy" target="_blank">our article</a> on the importance of mines for naval strategy. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="nerve-agent" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Nerve agent </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A chemical that disrupts the messages sent from nerves to other parts of the body, causing paralysis and the loss of bodily functions. Examples included Novichok and Sarin. See also <a class="internal-link" href="#chemical-weapons">chemical weapons</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>NLAW</small> (Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#anti-tank-weapons">Anti-tank weapons</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="no-fly-zone" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">No-fly zone </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">When a country, or countries, prevents another from using warplanes to attack military targets or civilians on the ground over a given area. Simply declaring these zones is not enough. The power that commands it has to patrol the area with its own planes, suppress enemy air-defence systems on the ground and be prepared to fire at enemy aircraft. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/03/02/what-is-a-no-fly-zone" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="no-mans-land" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">No-man’s land </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">An area between two opposing military forces where neither commands control. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="non-commissioned-officers" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="non-commissioned-officer" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Non-commissioned officers </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Enlisted soldiers who have risen through the ranks to take up lower-level leadership or specialist positions within their unit. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Non-strategic nuclear weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#tactical-nuclear-weapons">Tactical nuclear weapons.</a> </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="O"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 69.95 87.06" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-o" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-o">O</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m26.35,16.57l7.15-1.64c-3.08.7-5.68,2.54-7.79,5.51-3.18,4.45-4.76,11.16-4.74,20.11s1.62,16.04,4.83,21.29c3.2,5.24,7.48,8.19,12.84,8.85,1.8.22,3.47.15,5.02-.2l-7.15,1.64c-1.55.35-3.22.42-5.02.2-5.36-.66-9.64-3.6-12.84-8.85-3.2-5.25-4.81-12.33-4.83-21.29s1.56-15.66,4.74-20.11c2.11-2.97,4.71-4.8,7.79-5.51Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m52.56,14.17c6.54,8.1,9.83,19.42,9.86,33.98.03,14.27-3.21,24.79-9.72,31.57-4.87,5.58-11.94,7.8-21.19,6.67s-16.32-5.09-21.23-11.88C3.71,66.14.41,54.8.38,40.54S3.6,15.46,10.14,8.96C15.02,3.39,22.08,1.16,31.33,2.3s16.33,5.1,21.23,11.88Zm-8.32,52.44c3.13-4.47,4.68-11.17,4.66-20.12s-1.61-16-4.77-21.25c-3.15-5.26-7.41-8.22-12.77-8.88s-9.63,1.25-12.81,5.71c-3.18,4.45-4.76,11.16-4.74,20.11s1.62,16.04,4.83,21.29c3.2,5.24,7.48,8.19,12.84,8.85s9.61-1.24,12.76-5.71"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m59.72,12.54C54.82,5.76,47.74,1.8,38.48.66c-3.9-.48-7.4-.36-10.52.35l-7.15,1.64c3.12-.71,6.63-.83,10.52-.35,9.25,1.14,16.33,5.1,21.23,11.88,6.54,8.1,9.83,19.42,9.86,33.98.03,14.27-3.21,24.79-9.72,31.57-2.82,3.23-6.37,5.33-10.66,6.31l7.15-1.64c4.29-.98,7.84-3.08,10.66-6.31,6.51-6.78,9.75-17.3,9.72-31.57-.03-14.56-3.32-25.88-9.86-33.98Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">One-star general </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#brigadier">brigadier.</a> </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="open-source-intelligence" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="osint" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Open-source intelligence (<small>OSINT</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The gathering of information through publicly available sources such as commercial satellite imagery, social media, or websites tracking shipping and aircraft activity. Commonly used by journalists and researchers to track military movements. For more, read our <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2021/08/07/the-promise-of-open-source-intelligence" target="_blank">cover article</a> and <a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2021/08/07/open-source-intelligence-challenges-state-monopolies-on-information" target="_blank">briefing</a> from 2021, which explored <small>OSINT</small>’s emergence. You can also read our <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/international/2023/01/13/open-source-intelligence-is-piercing-the-fog-of-war-in-ukraine" target="_blank">interactive article</a> about the role <small>OSINT</small> is playing in Ukraine. And you can listen to <a href="https://www.economist.com/ukraine-osint-pod" target="_blank">our science podcast</a> on the same subject. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="P"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 57.49 83.49" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-p" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-p">P</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.92 54.55 21.07 52.91 21.13 81.48 13.98 83.12 13.92 54.55"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="13.84 17.46 20.99 15.82 21.04 39.21 13.89 40.85 13.84 17.46"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m33.64,40.76l-12.6-1.55-7.15,1.64,12.6,1.55c1.49.18,2.83.14,4.02-.13l7.15-1.64c-1.18.27-2.52.31-4.02.13Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m44.13,13.52c3.88,4.57,5.82,11.15,5.84,19.74.02,9.39-1.9,15.78-5.75,19.19-3.86,3.4-9.37,4.67-16.54,3.79l-13.75-1.69.06,28.57-13.43-1.65L.38,2.01l28.19,3.46c6.5.8,11.68,3.48,15.56,8.05Zm-10.17,26.94c1.75-1.68,2.63-4.6,2.62-8.73s-.9-7.19-2.68-9.17c-1.77-1.97-4.26-3.17-7.45-3.56l-12.6-1.55.05,23.39,12.6,1.55c3.19.39,5.68-.25,7.46-1.94"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m51.28,11.88c-3.88-4.56-9.06-7.25-15.56-8.05L7.53.38.38,2.01l28.19,3.46c6.5.8,11.68,3.48,15.56,8.05,3.88,4.57,5.82,11.15,5.84,19.74.02,9.39-1.9,15.78-5.75,19.19-1.93,1.7-4.28,2.87-7.04,3.5l7.15-1.64c2.76-.63,5.1-1.8,7.04-3.5,3.86-3.41,5.77-9.8,5.75-19.19-.02-8.59-1.96-15.17-5.84-19.74Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="platoon" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="platoons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Platoon </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A small military unit generally containing no more than a few dozen troops. Platoons are usually led by a<a class="internal-link" href="#lieutenant"> lieutenant</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="porcupine-defence-strategy" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Porcupine defence strategy </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A type of <a class="internal-link" href="#asymmetrical-warfare">asymmetrical warfare</a>. At its heart is a recognition that a smaller power needs to adopt nimbler and lighter ways of fending off a stronger enemy. Think David versus Goliath—or Taiwan versus China. Instead of buying expensive conventional equipment such as <a class="internal-link" href="#tanks">tanks</a>, battleships and <a class="internal-link" href="#submarines">submarines</a>—which are hard to hide and easy to strike with a missile—a “porcupine” strategist would focus on agile and concealable weapons such as portable <a class="internal-link" href="#anti-tank">anti-tank</a> or anti-aircraft missiles. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/05/10/what-is-taiwans-porcupine-defence-strategy" target="_blank">our Explainer</a> about Taiwan’s porcupine defence. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="private-military-company" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="pmc" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Private military company (<small>PMC</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A business that sells military services for profit. That can include specialist help with <a class="internal-link" href="#logistics">logistics </a>and planning—or the provision of <a class="internal-link" href="#mercenaries">mercenaries</a>. For instance, the Wagner group, a Russian mercenary outfit, calls itself a <small>PMC</small>. For more on Wagner, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/03/07/what-is-the-wagner-group-russias-mercenary-organisation" target="_blank">our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="Q"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 70.34 93.25" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-q" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-q">Q</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m26.2,16.52l7.15-1.64c-3.01.69-5.56,2.43-7.64,5.23-3.18,4.28-4.76,11.08-4.74,20.39.02,10.89,2.32,18.96,6.9,24.24,2.96,3.41,6.51,5.38,10.63,5.88,1.55.19,3.04.14,4.48-.14.07-.01.14-.03.22-.05l-7.15,1.64c-.07.02-.15.03-.22.05-1.44.28-2.93.33-4.48.14-4.13-.51-7.67-2.47-10.63-5.88-4.58-5.27-6.88-13.35-6.9-24.24-.02-9.31,1.56-16.1,4.74-20.39,2.08-2.8,4.63-4.54,7.64-5.23Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m47.99,84.43l-7.15,1.64c.32-.07.64-.15.94-.24,1.73-.51,3.78-1.5,6.14-2.96l7.15-1.64c-2.37,1.47-4.42,2.46-6.14,2.96-.31.09-.62.17-.94.24Z"></path><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="39.26 54.58 46.41 52.94 52.97 61.4 45.82 63.04 39.26 54.58"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="62.81 84.69 69.97 83.06 62.92 91.24 55.76 92.87 62.81 84.69"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="55.33 75.2 62.48 73.56 69.97 83.06 62.81 84.69 55.33 75.2"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m59.67,12.86C53.98,5.73,46.95,1.65,38.58.62c-3.45-.42-6.67-.29-9.65.39l-7.15,1.64c2.98-.68,6.2-.81,9.65-.39,8.37,1.03,15.4,5.11,21.09,12.24,6.58,8.24,9.87,19.05,9.9,32.42.02,7.08-.67,12.93-2.07,17.53-1.13,4.43-2.81,8.01-5.03,10.75l7.15-1.64c2.22-2.74,3.9-6.32,5.03-10.75,1.39-4.6,2.08-10.45,2.07-17.53-.03-13.37-3.32-24.18-9.9-32.42Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m55.33,75.2l7.48,9.5-7.05,8.18-7.84-10.01c-2.37,1.47-4.42,2.46-6.14,2.96-2.9.83-6.36.99-10.4.5-8.43-1.03-15.41-4.98-20.92-11.84C3.77,66.23.41,54.89.38,40.48S3.75,15.41,10.58,8.8C16.16,3.42,23.11,1.23,31.43,2.25s15.4,5.11,21.09,12.24c6.58,8.24,9.87,19.05,9.9,32.42.02,7.08-.67,12.93-2.07,17.53-1.13,4.43-2.81,8.01-5.03,10.75Zm-7.37-18.69c.64-2.83.96-6.19.95-10.07-.02-8.92-1.52-15.99-4.5-21.22-2.98-5.24-7.33-8.21-13.04-8.91-5.36-.66-9.62,1.16-12.81,5.43-3.18,4.28-4.76,11.08-4.74,20.39.02,10.89,2.32,18.96,6.9,24.24,2.96,3.41,6.51,5.38,10.63,5.88,1.55.19,3.04.14,4.48-.14.79-.16,1.8-.48,3.03-.98l-6.56-8.46,6.96-8.09,6.56,8.46c1.02-2.46,1.73-4.64,2.14-6.53"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="q-route" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>Q</small>-route </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Shipping lanes intended to allow safe passage for vessels through mined, or potentially mined, waters. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="quartermaster" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Quartermaster </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">In the army quartermasters are responsible for supervising barracks and distributing supplies like food or clothing. 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Radar-guided munitions incorporate the technology to home in on targets with precision. Newer radars use active electronically scanned arrays (<a class="internal-link" href="#aesa"><small>AESA</small></a>) rather than mechanical antennae. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="reconnaissance" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Reconnaissance </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Scoping of an area to gather information about an enemy or terrain. Reconnaissance is carried out by a small group of soldiers, aircraft, satellite or, increasingly, <a class="internal-link" href="#drones">drones</a>. Typically, reconnaissance is to obtain specific information whereas surveillance is to monitor something more persistently. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="S"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 60.99 86.94" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-s" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-s">S</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 56.37 7.53 54.74 20.43 56.32 13.28 57.96 .38 56.37"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m41.16,70.91l-7.15,1.64c-1.87.43-4.2.47-6.99.13-5.33-.65-9.09-2.75-11.3-6.29-1.2-1.94-2.01-4.75-2.43-8.43l7.15-1.64c.42,3.68,1.23,6.49,2.43,8.43,2.2,3.54,5.97,5.64,11.3,6.29,2.79.34,5.12.3,6.99-.13Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m54.79,45.6c-2.49-2.71-6.19-5.09-11.08-7.13l-11.17-4.65c-4.3-1.79-7.12-3.23-8.43-4.33-2.06-1.65-3.09-3.9-3.09-6.74,0-3.09,1.03-5.37,3.11-6.84.93-.66,2-1.13,3.22-1.41l-7.15,1.64c-1.21.28-2.29.75-3.22,1.41-2.08,1.47-3.11,3.75-3.11,6.84,0,2.84,1.04,5.09,3.09,6.74,1.32,1.09,4.13,2.54,8.43,4.33l11.17,4.65c4.89,2.04,8.59,4.42,11.08,7.13,3.87,4.22,5.82,9.86,5.83,16.94.02,7.27-2.23,13.01-6.75,17.26-2.37,2.23-5.26,3.73-8.66,4.51l7.15-1.64c3.4-.78,6.29-2.28,8.66-4.51,4.51-4.24,6.76-9.99,6.75-17.26-.02-7.08-1.96-12.72-5.83-16.94Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m26.21,2.3c6.82.84,12.64,3.78,17.47,8.81,4.83,5.03,7.37,11.78,7.61,20.25l-12.99-1.6c-.25-4.81-1.95-8.41-5.12-10.81-2.11-1.59-4.73-2.58-7.87-2.96-3.48-.43-6.26.09-8.33,1.57-2.08,1.47-3.11,3.75-3.11,6.84,0,2.84,1.04,5.09,3.09,6.74,1.32,1.09,4.13,2.54,8.43,4.33l11.17,4.65c4.89,2.04,8.59,4.42,11.08,7.13,3.87,4.22,5.82,9.86,5.83,16.94s-2.23,13.01-6.75,17.26c-4.51,4.24-10.9,5.86-19.15,4.84-8.43-1.04-15.07-4.21-19.91-9.53C2.82,71.42.39,64.63.38,56.37l12.91,1.58c.42,3.68,1.23,6.49,2.43,8.43,2.2,3.54,5.97,5.64,11.3,6.29,3.19.39,5.78.28,7.77-.34,3.77-1.19,5.65-4.02,5.64-8.52,0-2.63-.94-4.76-2.82-6.43-1.88-1.63-4.83-3.24-8.84-4.81l-6.86-2.72c-6.73-2.7-11.4-5.3-13.98-7.81C3.57,37.85,1.38,31.85,1.36,24.05c-.02-7.12,2.08-12.77,6.29-16.97C11.85,2.9,18.04,1.3,26.21,2.3Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m50.82,9.47c-4.82-5.03-10.64-7.97-17.47-8.81-3.84-.47-7.25-.37-10.21.31l-7.15,1.64c2.97-.68,6.37-.78,10.21-.31,6.82.84,12.64,3.78,17.47,8.81,4.83,5.03,7.37,11.78,7.61,20.25l7.15-1.64c-.25-8.47-2.78-15.22-7.61-20.25Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="scorched-earth" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Scorched earth </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A strategy in which an army destroys infrastructure and other amenities that could support an enemy force, including buildings, crops and livestock. The term is often associated with retreating armies that want to slow down an approaching enemy. But the policy can also be implemented by an advancing force that wants to entirely destroy an enemy’s military and civil infrastructure. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="second-lieutenant" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Second Lieutenant </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The lowest rank of <a class="internal-link" href="#commissioned-officer">commissioned officer</a> in the army. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="sergeant" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Sergeant </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A rank of non-commissioned officer in the army. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="shaping-operations" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Shaping operations </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Preliminary attacks intended to soften up and influence enemy defences before an offensive. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="shell" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Shell </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A projectile, usually a metal container shaped like a large bullet, which is filled with explosive or other incendiary material. Shells are commonly fired from <a class="internal-link" href="#artillery">artillery </a>weapons. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="signals-intelligence" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="sigint" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Signals intelligence (<small>SIGINT</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Information gleaned by intercepting and often deciphering enemy messages, be they from communication systems or other devices such as <a class="internal-link" href="#radar">radar</a>. This is the specialty of America’s National Security Agency (<small>NSA</small>) or Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters (<small>GCHQ</small>). Even if signals cannot be decrypted, they might provide information on the location of enemy forces or, if there is a burst of activity, on their status—the latter is called traffic analysis. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-reads/2022/12/21/what-to-read-to-understand-intelligence-and-espionage" target="_blank">see our recommendations</a> on what to read to understand intelligence and espionage. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="ssb-ns" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="submersible-ship-ballistic-nuclear" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">SSBNs (Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Nuclear-powered <a class="internal-link" href="#submarines">submarines </a>that carry ballistic missiles that typically include nuclear warheads. South Korea is the only non-nuclear armed country in the world to operate SSBNs—its subs are armed with conventional ballistic missiles. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="ss-ns" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="submersible-ship-nuclear" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">SSNs (Submersible Ship Nuclear) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Nuclear-powered <a class="internal-link" href="#submarines">submarines</a> that carry conventional, non-nuclear weapons like <a class="internal-link" href="#cruise-missiles">cruise missiles</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="stealth-technology" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="stealth-technologies" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Stealth technology </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A suite of technologies that can help aircraft, missiles, ships and submarines avoid detection. Stealth aircraft have modifications to the fuselage, wing design and paint that reduce radar reflections. An early stealth aircraft was Lockheed’s <small>F</small>-117. Northrop Grumman’s <small>B</small>-2 bomber, which looks like a flying wing, is another example. All so-called <a class="internal-link" href="#fifth-generation-fighter-jets">fifth-generation fighter jets</a>, such as the Lockheed <small>F</small>-35, incorporate stealth technologies to enable them to operate in heavily contested airspace. Many cruise missiles, including Storm Shadow, incorporate stealth features too. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="strategic-nuclear-weapons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Strategic nuclear weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Large-yield nuclear weapons, usually mounted on ocean-crossing <a class="internal-link" href="#intercontinental-ballistic-missiles">intercontinental ballistic missiles</a>. Strategic nukes typically have <a class="internal-link" href="#yields">yields</a> measured in the hundreds of kilotons: their blasts are equivalent to letting off hundreds of thousands of tonnes of high explosive. In contrast with smaller <a class="internal-link" href="#tactical-nuclear-weapons">tactical nuclear weapons</a>, strategic missiles are the city-destroying weapons of all-out nuclear exchange. For more, read our <a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2022/03/19/the-risk-of-escalation-past-the-nuclear-threshold" target="_blank">Briefing</a> on Russia’s nuclear threats and our <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/09/14/do-russias-military-setbacks-increase-the-risk-of-nuclear-conflict" target="_blank">Explainer</a> on the subject. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="submarine" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="submarines" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Submarine </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Vessels that operate underwater. Attack submarines, capable of firing at an enemy, either use conventional fuels like diesel, or are nuclear powered. Nuclear submarines are split into two categories. <a class="internal-link" href="#ssns"><small>SSN</small>s</a> are nuclear-powered, but do not have nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, <a class="internal-link" href="#ssbns"><small>SSBN</small>s </a>carry <a class="internal-link" href="#ballistic-missiles">ballistic missiles </a>that almost always include nuclear warheads (the “<small>B</small>” stands for “ballistic”). For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/03/13/what-is-the-aukus-pact" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a> about <small>AUKUS</small>, a nuclear-submarine pact. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="surveillance-balloon" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Surveillance balloon </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A largely-antiquated type of airship designed to spy from up high. Essentially a large weather balloon equipped with high-tech downward-pointing cameras. Spy balloons hover at a height of 24,000-37,000m; satellites in low-Earth orbit are around 160-2,000km up. Their lower altitude means spy balloons can take higher-quality images of the ground than satellites. In 2023 America downed a Chinese balloon sparking a <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/02/09/cold-war-lessons-from-chinas-spy-balloon" target="_blank">diplomatic kerfuffle</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="T"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 60.36 85.9" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-t" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-t">T</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="33.47 20.14 40.62 18.51 40.76 83.89 33.61 85.53 33.47 20.14"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="52.81 8.45 52.84 22.52 33.47 20.14 33.61 85.53 19.99 83.85 19.85 18.47 .4 16.08 .38 2.01 52.81 8.45"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="52.81 8.45 59.96 6.81 59.99 20.88 52.84 22.52 52.81 8.45"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 59.96 6.81 52.81 8.45 .38 2.01"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="tactical-nuclear-weapons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Tactical nuclear weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">These weapons—also known as non-strategic nuclear weapons—typically have shorter ranges and smaller <a class="internal-link" href="#yields">yields</a> in comparison with the city-destroying “strategic” warheads mounted on intercontinental ballistic missiles. (Those typically have <a class="internal-link" href="#yields">yields</a> measured in the hundreds of kilotons, whereas tactical nuclear weapons can weigh in at a few kilotons, or less.) The military utility of tactical nukes is limited. For more, read <a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2022/03/19/the-risk-of-escalation-past-the-nuclear-threshold" target="_blank">our Briefing</a> on Russia’s nuclear threats in Ukraine or <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/09/14/do-russias-military-setbacks-increase-the-risk-of-nuclear-conflict" target="_blank">our Explainer</a> on the subject. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="thermobaric-weapons" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Thermobaric weapons </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">A bomb that typically comprises a core of high explosive surrounded by powdered metal such as aluminium. The explosion creates a fuel-rich cloud that continues to burn explosively as it expands. A thermobaric blast is usually longer in duration than that from a high explosive. Thermobarics are effective at demolishing structures. Their long blast pulses can also reach otherwise protected positions such as trenches or bunkers. Also known as a “vacuum bomb”. For more, <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/03/09/what-are-thermobaric-weapons-and-does-russia-have-them-in-ukraine" target="_blank">read our Explainer</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Three-star general </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See<a class="internal-link" href="#lieutenant-general"> lieutenant general</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Two-star general </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#major-general">major general</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="U"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 60.05 87.39" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-u" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-u">U</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 21.27 2.06 14.12 3.7 .38 2.01"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m33.71,71.06c-5.5-.68-9.08-3.34-10.72-8-1.06-2.65-1.6-6.7-1.61-12.16l-.1-48.84-7.15,1.64.1,48.84c.01,5.46.55,9.51,1.61,12.16,1.64,4.65,5.22,7.32,10.72,8,1.82.22,3.42.18,4.81-.14l7.15-1.64c-1.39.32-3,.37-4.81.14Z"></path><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="38.67 6.71 45.82 5.08 59.57 6.76 52.42 8.4 38.67 6.71"></polygon><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m59.57,6.76l-7.15,1.64.1,48.84c.02,8.45-1.04,14.89-3.17,19.34-2.57,5.26-6.65,8.54-12.25,9.82l7.15-1.64c5.6-1.28,9.68-4.55,12.25-9.82,2.13-4.45,3.18-10.89,3.17-19.34l-.1-48.84Z"></path><path class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" d="m52.42,8.4l.1,48.84c.02,8.45-1.04,14.89-3.17,19.34-3.96,8.13-11.55,11.51-22.77,10.14-11.21-1.38-18.84-6.62-22.86-15.74-2.15-4.97-3.23-11.68-3.25-20.12L.38,2.01l13.75,1.69.1,48.84c.01,5.47.55,9.51,1.61,12.16,1.64,4.65,5.22,7.32,10.72,8s9.03-1.12,10.66-5.37c1.05-2.39,1.57-6.31,1.56-11.77l-.1-48.84,13.75,1.69Z"></path></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="uas" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>UAS </small><small></small> </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The personnel and equipment used to run an airborne <a class="internal-link" href="#drone">drone</a>. It encompasses not only the aircraft itself, but also the pilot on the ground and the technology that connects them. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>UAV</small> (Unmanned aerial vehicle) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#drone">drone</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>USV</small><small> </small><small></small> </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#naval-drone">naval drone</a>. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e"><small>UUV</small><i><small></small></i> </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">See <a class="internal-link" href="#naval-drone">naval drone</a>. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="V"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 64.64 86.09" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-v" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-v">V</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 21.97 2.15 14.82 3.78 .38 2.01"></polygon><rect class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" x="21.82" y="2.17" width="7.34" height="63.65" transform="translate(-6.94 6.54) rotate(-12.88)"></rect><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="57.11 8.98 35.19 85.72 22.41 84.15 .38 2.01 14.82 3.78 29.01 65.83 43.06 7.25 57.11 8.98"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="57.11 8.98 64.27 7.34 42.34 84.08 35.19 85.72 57.11 8.98"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="43.06 7.25 50.21 5.62 64.27 7.34 57.11 8.98 43.06 7.25"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="vanguard" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Vanguard </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The part of an army or other military force that leads an attack. </body-text> </dd></dl><h2 class="letter-header term-item svelte-1nzygs9" id="W"><svg id="Layer_2" data-name="Layer 2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 90.15 89.7" height="150" aria-labelledby="letter-w" style="--colour: #f9c31f;"><title id="letter-w">W</title><g id="Layer_1-2" data-name="Layer 1"><g class="cls-2 svelte-1jm5bcy"><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points=".38 2.01 7.53 .38 21.89 2.14 14.73 3.77 .38 2.01"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="30.55 48.68 21.89 2.14 14.73 3.77 23.4 50.32 25.26 63.21 32.42 61.58 30.55 48.68"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="41.42 24.67 39.17 39.75 31.45 85.26 38.6 83.63 46.33 38.12 48.58 23.04 41.42 24.67"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="34.32 6.18 41.47 4.54 55.74 6.3 48.59 7.93 34.32 6.18"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="63.52 52.73 55.74 6.3 48.59 7.93 56.37 54.37 58.37 67.28 65.52 65.64 63.52 52.73"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="68.88 10.42 76.03 8.79 89.78 10.47 82.62 12.11 68.88 10.42"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="82.62 12.11 89.78 10.47 71.72 87.69 64.57 89.33 82.62 12.11"></polygon><polygon class="cls-1 svelte-1jm5bcy" points="82.62 12.11 64.57 89.33 51.66 87.74 43.74 40.31 41.42 24.67 39.17 39.75 31.45 85.26 18.9 83.72 .38 2.01 14.73 3.77 23.4 50.32 25.26 63.21 27.12 51.05 34.32 6.18 48.59 7.93 56.37 54.37 58.37 67.28 60.33 55.34 68.88 10.42 82.62 12.11"></polygon></g></g></svg> </h2> <dl class="svelte-1cvy8f9"><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="war-games" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">War games </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Training exercises in which military operations are simulated in order to test tactics, equipment and other aspects of a battle plan. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="warhead" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Warhead </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">The front part of a missile or other projectile that contains its explosive material or chemical agent. </body-text> </dd><dt class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"> <a id="weapons-of-mass-destruction" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <a id="wmd" class="svelte-188kkwd"></a> <body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Weapons of mass destruction (<small>WMD</small>) </body-text></dt> <dd class="term-item svelte-188kkwd"><body-text class="svelte-1rmvd8e">Nuclear, chemical, biological or radiological weapons that are intended to kill or injure large numbers of people. Though widely used by officials and politicians, the term has no precise technical or legal meaning and its use has changed over time, having once referred mainly to <a class="internal-link" href="#nuclear-weapons">nuclear weapons</a>. 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