Lithuania's bold move: Parliament backs cluster munitions comeback

The Lithuanian parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to withdraw Lithuania from the convention, banning the use of cluster munitions. This decision involves a highly controversial weapon, but it is considered the most effective means of combat against superior enemy forces. Here are the defense opportunities Lithuania gains by withdrawing from the convention.

As reported by Reuters, 103 out of 141 members of the Lithuanian parliament voted in favor of withdrawing from the convention banning cluster munitions. The vote was preceded by a speech in which Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said, "Conventions are important if all countries adhere to them, and the problem is that Russia does not follow it in its aggression against Ukraine."

He also added, "It would be a mistake for a country preparing for self-defense to indicate which capabilities it will not use." Cluster munitions have proven their effectiveness in Ukraine, so it is not surprising that Lithuania, exposed to a potential Russian attack, decided to revise its past mistake and withdraw from the convention.

The 2008 Oslo Convention, signed by 124 countries (with 112 ratifying it, which Lithuania did in 2011), prohibits the production, possession, use, and transfer of cluster munitions weighing 9 pounds or less by the signatory states.

Only systems containing up to 10 submunitions weighing 9-44 pounds, which can self-guide to targets and self-destruct after a specified time, are permitted. This category includes, among others, Bonus artillery shells, SMArt 155, and AT2 scatterable mines.

Traditional cluster munitions with warheads containing items such as DPICM (Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition) bomblets are prohibited. These contain dozens or hundreds of 11-ounce M85 bomblets, capable of fragmenting over a few yards or penetrating 4-5 inches of armor plate.

Bomblets are dispersed from high altitude, covering an area of several thousand square yards. Notably, simple bomblets equipped with uncomplicated impact fuses can be unreliable. If they fall on concrete, they will act as intended, but falling on muddy ground may not cause an explosion.

This problem was experienced by the Americans, as their data indicates that in such unfavorable conditions, up to 15% of the bomblets became dangerous unexploded ordnance. These then pose a significant threat to people, even decades after the conflict ends.

Lithuania likely aims to acquire MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles with cluster warheads, which have been highly influential in Ukraine at eliminating Russian personnel and anti-aircraft systems. These will be critical weapons for the recently purchased M142 HIMARS systems.

It is most likely that Lithuania will seek to obtain the M39A1 variant of the missile, which has a range of 186 miles and is guided by satellite and inertial navigation. Its combat capabilities are ensured by a payload containing 300 M74 APAM bomblets.

These bomblets, 2.4-inch diameter balls weighing 21 ounces, have an effective fragmentation radius of several yards. The interior contains a mix of explosive and incendiary material designed to cause fires, while the fragments come from a tungsten casing. They have enough energy to penetrate bulletproof vests.