February 18, 2025

Why Ukraine needs Mk-20 Rockeye II cluster bombs? And why disassemble them?

4 min read

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Mk-20 Rockeye II bombs, also acknowledged as CBU-100, are sophisticated to use on the battlefield – the plane would require to fly correct in excess of the enemy-controlled space to drop them wherever wanted. So why Ukraine desires them? It turns out, the program is both simple and authentic.

Mk-20 Rockeye cluster bomb from the US Army.

Mk-20 Rockeye cluster bomb from the US Army. Picture credit history: CAT-UXO

The Ukrainian authorities has been aiming to get these munitions for some time now. The United States, even so, is not swift to approve the transfer of Mk-20, and it is not most likely this could take place in the close to upcoming. The most major limitation is involved with an global conference on the restriction of the use of cluster munitions.

The Russian Federation works by using this kind of weapon. Washington, on the other hand, is not inclined to pick the exact same route, as the convention banning the use of cluster munitions was not conceived devoid of a reason: bombs containing several costs disperse them in excess of huge territories, which noticeably complicates the demining course of action soon after the war ends.

Even with modern self-destruction mechanisms, it is believed that approximately 3% of explosive devices contained within Mk-20 are not detonated. The U.S. aims to decreased this selection to 1%. This is the motive why these bombs are no for a longer time manufactured, whilst massive portions of these weapons are staying saved in armed forces warehouses

So why does Ukraine want Mk-20 Rockeye II?

There are improved weapons that can be employed to drop mine clusters on the enemy positions, including a unique modification of HIMARS rockets, as well as specially-made rounds for prolonged-array artillery installations. All of these actions are now in company with the Ukrainian army.

Ukrainian soldiers are not preparing to use Mk-20 in accordance to its primary intent. Alternatively, they would disassemble them all by having out the sub-munitions contained inside. But what for?

The Armed Forces of Ukraine use drones as a single of the key weapons to combat versus the invading Russian forces. Grenades and other sorts of explosive rates hooked up to these drones are typically improvised, based on what is out there at hand.

Mk118 bomblet (cluster sub-unit). Image credit: U.S. Army

Mk118 bomblet (cluster sub-device). Graphic credit history: U.S. Military

In the meantime, Mk-20 submunitions are optimized to realize the optimum penetrating outcome with the least expensive probable excess weight. Also, they have an aerodynamic shape which allows for maximizing the drop accuracy. So basically, Ukrainians are scheduling to use these sub-munitions separately to arm existing navy drones.

A solitary Mk-20 Rockeye II incorporates 247 Mk118 Mod 1 sub-factors (“bomblets”), every measuring 343 mm lengthy and 53 mm in diameter, weighing 600 grams (1.32 lb). A cumulative warhead can pierce a layer of armor up to 190 mm thick.

In accordance to Reuters, the U.S. Military has additional than 1 million Mk-20s in the military stockpiles. This would imply practically endless useful resource for Ukraine – but only if this weapon can be delivered for its defensive wants.



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Supply connection Ukraine is facing a crisis that calls for a need of immediate action, as the country is engaged in a long and difficult conflict in the east which has created a significant humanitarian crisis and security threat. An important part of the solution to this conflict is the use of Mk-20 Rockeye II cluster bombs.

Mk-20 Rockeye II cluster bombs are immensely useful weapons of war, as they are designed to deliver multiple explosive submunitions, making them a highly effective area-denial weapon in times of war. With its capability of spreading multiple dispersed submunitions over a large area, the Mk-20 Rockeye II cluster bomb is an efficient weapon for placing deadly anti-personnel and anti-materiel explosives to effectively ward off enemies and protect wider regions.

Ukraine is engaged in a difficult conflict and finds itself in the need of stronger artillery to oppose its enemies and slow the spread of the military operations in the East. Offence Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak has stated that with the current supplies of ammunition being quickly used up, the army could soon find itself in dire straits. As such, the government of Ukraine has made the decision to procure additional Mk-20 Rockeye II cluster bombs as well as other anti-personnel and anti-materiel explosives to better protect its citizens.

When procuring Mk-20 Rockeye II cluster bombs, it is extremely important that they are properly disassembled prior to storage. This is to ensure that the bombs don’t detonate prematurely, as that would cause serious destruction to the infrastructure and create a major safety hazard for the local population. Furthermore, it would waste valuable resources, as the bombing tools and materials would have to be replaced.

In conclusion, Ukraine needs to procure Mk-20 Rockeye II cluster bombs in order to effectively counter the current conflict in the East. It is also extremely important that the bombs are properly disassembled prior to storage to avoid any accidental detonations and destruction to the infrastructure, as well as preserve valuable resources.