Weapons

Weapons are the collection of tools used for conducting combat operations, ensuring defense capabilities, and deterring potential aggression. Weapons are classified into several categories depending on their purpose, technologies, and scale of use.

Types of weapons:

1. Small arms — pistols, assault rifles, sniper rifles, machine guns.
2. Artillery systems — cannons, mortars, multiple launch rocket systems.
3. Armored vehicles — tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers.
4. Automotive equipment — specialized military transport vehicles.
5. Aviation — fighter jets, bombers, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
6. Naval weapons — ships, submarines, sea-based missile systems.
7. Missile systems — air defense systems, ballistic and cruise missiles.
8. Nuclear weapons — strategic missiles, nuclear bombs (in countries that possess them).
9. Electronic systems — electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and communication tools.

Weapons production:

• Weapons manufacturing is critical for a nation's independence and security, requiring advanced technology, skilled labor, and stable funding.
• In Ukraine, major producers include companies under "Ukroboronprom," producing tanks (e.g., "Oplot") and missile systems (e.g., "Neptune").

Weapons export and import:

• Export:
  Ukraine exports armored vehicles, small arms, and missile systems. Key buyers include countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Import:
  Ukraine imports modern weaponry, including air defense systems, artillery, tanks, and aviation. NATO countries became the primary suppliers following Russia's aggression.

International context:

Weapons export and import are regulated by international agreements, such as the Arms Trade Treaty. Controlling the production and distribution of weapons is crucial to preventing conflicts and illicit trafficking.

Weapons are essential tools in national defense and international politics, influencing global security and power balance.