bombardment

Bombardment is the sustained firing of artillery, missiles, rockets, naval guns, or aerial bombs against a specified target area with the aim of degrading military capabilities, destroying infrastructure, or coercing an opponent to surrender. It can precede ground operations, support ongoing attacks, or serve as a coercive pressure tactic during armed conflict. The concept has evolved from medieval and early modern siege artillery to naval gunfire and, in the 20th century, to strategic bombing and long-range missile campaigns.

Historically, bombardment originated in siege warfare, where large-caliber weapons battered fortifications and garrisons. Naval powers used ship-mounted guns to attack coastal positions and harbors. With technological advances, bombardment expanded into aerial and strategic dimensions, culminating in extensive area bombing and precision strike campaigns that influenced both military outcomes and civilian environments.

Techniques and tools of bombardment include field artillery and siege artillery, naval gunfire support, heavy bomber operations, and contemporary precision-guided munitions. The intended effects range from disabling military facilities and disrupting supply lines to shaping terrain and morale, but they can also cause significant noncombatant harm and humanitarian disruption depending on targets and methods.

Legal and ethical considerations are framed by international humanitarian law. Core principles include distinction (military objectives only), proportionality (balancing military gain against civilian harm), and precautions in attack. Prohibitions cover deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and indiscriminate or disproportionate bombardments. The use and conduct of bombardment thus reflect strategic goals, technological capabilities, and prevailing legal norms in armed conflict.