Weapons

Weapons are devices designed to injure, kill, or incapacitate a target. They are used in warfare, law enforcement, hunting, sport, and personal defense. Human technology has continually expanded its capabilities, from basic stone and club tools to metal weapons, firearms, and explosive devices, reflecting advances in metallurgy, chemistry, and engineering.

Classification commonly follows energy source and effect. Melee weapons rely on close contact (clubs, blades). Ranged weapons use projectiles (bows, firearms, artillery). Explosive, chemical, biological, or radiological agents deliver harm through energy release or toxic effects. In modern arsenals, non-lethal options (stun devices, irritants) aim to deter without lasting harm, while directed-energy systems and cyber weapons represent newer approaches to disruption or damage.

Major categories include small arms and light weapons (handguns, rifles, shotguns), artillery and missiles, armored vehicles and anti-armor systems, and weapons of mass destruction at the extreme end of effects. International and national laws regulate possession, manufacture, transfer, and use, with treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Arms Trade Treaty guiding restraint and accountability. The laws of armed conflict require distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack to minimize civilian harm.

Safety and ethics emphasize proper training, secure storage, responsible ownership, and compliance with legal limits. Debates continue over humanitarian impacts, disarmament, and the balance between security needs and civilian safety.