Combat casualties in the first decade of the 21st century--new and emerging weapon systems

This paper reviews new and emerging weapons systems targeted directly or indirectly against personnel. It distinguishes emerging technologies that may form the basis of usable weapons in the next 10 years, from the speculations and aspirations of weapons designers, and identifies six groups of weapons systems which will present significant new or changing threats to UK forces. The article combines this information with knowledge of biophysical interactions and clinical effects, to identify possible consequences for the DMS in terms of types, patterns and numbers of casualties. Ballistic threats will continue to be the most common casualty-producing mechanism for servicemen in any environment.