The Seventh Cluster Submunition Of The Syrian Conflict Arrives

Earlier this week I wrote about the appearance of a sixth cluster submunition in the conflict, the PTAB 2.5KO, and it now appears this has been joined by a new cluster submunition, pictured below (thanks to ali othman)

These photographs were reportedly taken in Harbnafeh, Hama, and show AO-2.5RT cluster submunitions, with very clear markings, showing they were manufactured in 1983.  These types of cluster submunitions can be both dropped inside RBK series cluster bombs, as with the PTAB 2.5m or AO-1Sch types, or inside a KMGU/KMGU-2 container, like the recently spotted PTAB 2.5KO bomblets.

Thanks to Nic Jenzen-Jones for help with this post.

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You can contact the author on Twitter @brown_moses or by email at brownmoses@gmail.com

Another New Cluster Munition Recorded In Syria

Since the conflict in Syria began five different cluster munitions have been recorded, 4 of which are dropped in RBK series canisters, and one delivered by a 122mm Sakr rocket.  The following video posted a couple of days ago shows the sixth type of cluster munition being used in the conflict

We can see the submunition clearly here

This is a PTAB 2.5KO cluster bomblet, a clearer example of which can be see here

Unlike the cluster bomblets we've seen before the PTAB 2.5KO bomblets dispersed using KMGU/KMGU-2 containers mounted on the wings of jets, including jets in service with the Syrian Air Force. The bomblets are loaded into BFK blocks (seen here), which are loaded inside the KMGU/KMGU-2 containers, and are released in sequence at different selectable rates of fire.

The bomblets in the video appear to have been manufactured in 1983, according to the markings on the bomblet, and would be of Soviet origin.  Why these bomblets are being used at this point of the conflict is unclear, but this is now the sixth type used, and the 3rd delivery method used in the conflict so far.

Thanks to Nic Jenzen-Jones for help with this post.

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You can contact the author on Twitter @brown_moses or by email at brownmoses@gmail.com