UK to provide weapons containing depleted uranium to Ukraine: What are these?

Source: The post is based on the article “UK to provide weapons containing depleted uranium to Ukraine: What are these?” published in Indian Express on 27th March 2023.

What is the News?

The British government has announced that it would provide Ukraine with armour-piercing rounds containing Depleted Uranium.

What is Depleted Uranium?

Depleted uranium is a byproduct of the process of creating enriched uranium, which is used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. 

In comparison to enriched uranium, depleted uranium is much less radioactive and is incapable of generating a nuclear reaction. 

However, due to its high density — it’s more dense than lead — depleted uranium is widely used in weapons as it can easily penetrate armour plating.

Which countries have depleted uranium munitions?

As per the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons. US, Britain, Russia, China, France and Pakistan are known to produce uranium weapons which are not classified as nuclear weapons. Another 14 states are known to store them.

Where have depleted uranium munitions been used?

Depleted uranium munitions were used in the 1991 Gulf War to destroy T-72 tanks in Iraq. These weapons were again used in the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and then during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

What are the risks of using such weapons?

Even though depleted uranium munitions aren’t considered nuclear weapons, experts suggest that such weapons must be used with caution because they emit low levels of radiation and can cause severe diseases.

Ingesting or inhaling quantities of uranium – even depleted uranium – is dangerous. It depresses renal function and raises the risk of developing a range of cancers.

Moreover, depleted uranium munitions which miss their target can poison groundwater and soil.