waffenfähig

The term *waffenfähig* is a German compound adjective combining *waffe* ("weapon") and the suffix *-fähig* ("capable of"). It translates to "capable of being used as a weapon" or "weaponizable" in English. The concept is primarily used in the context of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) materials, as well as dual-use technologies that could be repurposed for hostile applications.

In German military and legal discourse, *waffenfähig* refers to substances or agents that possess the potential to cause harm, injury, or death when used maliciously. This includes chemical warfare agents like sarin or mustard gas, biological pathogens such as anthrax or smallpox, and radioactive materials that could be weaponized. The term also extends to precursor chemicals or technologies that, when combined or developed further, could be used in weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

The classification of a substance as *waffenfähig* is influenced by international treaties, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), which prohibit the development, production, stockpiling, and use of such materials. National laws, such as Germany’s *Chemikaliengesetz* (Chemical Substances Act) and *Biostoffverordnung* (Biological Agents Ordinance), also regulate substances deemed *waffenfähig* to prevent misuse.

Research and industrial applications involving *waffenfähige* materials are subject to strict oversight to ensure compliance with non-proliferation standards. The term is often used in discussions about biosecurity, arms control, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements that could have dual civilian and military applications.