Area denial weapons: Encyclopedia - Area denial weapons

Area denial weapons

Area denial weapons are used to prevent an adversary from occupying or traversing an area of land. The most common are land mines of various types.

The massive use of defoliants such as Agent Orange can be considered as an interdiction measure because, at their highest concentration use, they leave areas empty of any form of vegetation cover. In the desert-like terrain that ensues, it is impossible for an adversary to travel without being seen, and there is nothing much left for taking cover in case of an attack.

Radiological or chemical weapons or nuclear weapons' fallout might also be considered as area denial weapons, although they are not considered applicable in this context at present.

RF Weapons include radio frequency weapons which can manipulate electro magnetic fields, from Atmospheric RF environment enhancement to residential electroshock and electromagnetic pulse deterrent / sleep deprivation intimidation and disorientation systems.

In medieval warfare, sharp and sturdy stakes were buried at the bottom of long lines of ditches, pointed end up, in order to prevent cavalry charges in a given area. The correct layout of these extensive lines of ditches and the quality control of stake size, form and placement (they had to be big and sturdy enough to impale a very heavy horse) was part of the craft of war. The anti-infantry punji stick is similar.

See also

• Salting the earth
• Sea denial
• Active Denial System, non-lethal energy weapon system

Categories: Chemical weapons | Area denial weapons | Fortification

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Area denial weapons", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki