By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a Russian attack on Ukraine’s Chernihiv Oblast last month, an unexploded R-60 air-to-air missile was discovered, exhibiting elevated radiation levels. This missile, found equipped on a modified Geran-2 drone, contained depleted uranium warheads composed of Uranium-235 and Uranium-238, a highly dense byproduct of uranium enrichment effective for armor penetration. The Ukrainian Security Service has since secured the warhead, transporting it to a radioactive waste facility, and is investigating this as a potential war crime due to the significant health and environmental hazards posed by radioactive dust from such munitions.
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Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has reportedly indicated that Russia is now arming missile warheads with depleted uranium. This development, according to the SBU, involves the integration of such warheads onto R-60 air-to-air missiles, which are then apparently being deployed on Geran-2 drones. This isn’t an entirely novel approach to weaponry, as depleted uranium has found its way into various military applications by several armed forces, including Russia’s use in tank shells and, historically, by NATO forces in armor-piercing rounds.
The R-60 missile, particularly its R-60M variant, is known to have been manufactured with a continuous rod depleted uranium warhead. The implication here is that Russia is likely utilizing existing stocks of these missiles, repurposing them for drone deployment rather than developing a new and unprecedented weapon system. The rationale behind mounting air-to-air missiles onto drones, as suggested, is to counter anti-drone tactics that involve manned aircraft. The hope is to catch Ukrainian helicopters or propeller-driven planes engaged in drone hunting operations.
Depleted uranium is a material chosen for its unique physical properties. It is incredibly dense, significantly more so than lead or steel, which translates to a higher kinetic energy for projectiles of the same size and speed. This density is crucial for penetrating hardened targets, a primary application for depleted uranium munitions. Beyond its density, depleted uranium possesses a self-sharpening characteristic. As it impacts and penetrates armor, it fractures into dense, sharp shards. This process continues as the projectile moves through material, with each fracture further honing the edges of the fragments, enhancing their ability to slice through defenses.
Furthermore, depleted uranium is pyrophoric, meaning it can ignite upon impact. The supersonic, razor-sharp shards created during penetration are accompanied by fine dust. This dust, upon exiting penetrated armor, can violently combust within a confined space, such as a vehicle interior. This secondary explosion adds to the kinetic energy of the debris and contributes to explosive trauma for those inside. These combined properties make it a formidable component for anti-tank ammunition, maximizing its effectiveness.
However, the use of depleted uranium also raises significant environmental and health concerns. It is a heavy metal, and its dust can be easily ingested, leading to potential long-term health issues, including organ damage and birth defects. The environmental persistence of this material means that areas where it has been widely used can remain contaminated for years after conflict. This toxicity has led to calls for special meetings at the United Nations to address the implications of its deployment.
The assertion that Russia is now using depleted uranium in missile warheads, particularly on drones, could be viewed as a strategic escalation. Some interpretations suggest it’s a tactic of desperation, aiming to ruin territory if territorial gains are unattainable. This also brings into question the hypocrisy of nations that have previously condemned such weaponry while themselves employing it. For instance, the United States has extensively used depleted uranium in tank rounds, notably during the Gulf War and the Iraq War, with the M1 Abrams tanks being partially designed around these munitions.
Ukraine itself has reportedly received depleted uranium shells for its Abrams tanks from the United States. This presents a complex situation, where a nation condemning the use of such material by an adversary has also been supplied with and utilized similar munitions. This dynamic leads to accusations of hypocrisy and “pot calling the kettle black.” The argument is made that if Ukraine is to complain about Russia’s use of depleted uranium in missiles, it must also acknowledge its own use of similar ammunition.
It is important to note that depleted uranium is distinct from fissile or highly radioactive materials. It is less radioactive than naturally occurring uranium, though still toxic. Its primary function in munitions is not related to nuclear effects but rather to its physical properties as a dense, hard, and pyrophoric metal that excels at penetration. The concern for tank crews arises from potential inhalation of the dust produced during engagement, which has been linked to increased cancer rates in some studies of areas where depleted uranium munitions have been heavily employed.
The integration of these missiles onto drones also marks a significant development in drone warfare. This move appears to be an attempt to enhance the offensive capabilities of drones, allowing them to engage targets that might otherwise be out of reach or require more specialized aircraft. The deployment of such missiles on platforms that can operate at lower altitudes and with greater stealth could present new challenges for air defenses.
The international community faces a quandary when such materials are deployed. While the environmental and health consequences are undeniable, the military advantages offered by depleted uranium in penetrating hardened targets are also significant. The debate over its use highlights the dual-edged nature of advanced weaponry and the ethical considerations that accompany their development and deployment in conflict zones. The situation underscores the complexity of modern warfare, where technological advancements often bring both tactical benefits and profound humanitarian and environmental risks.