Small arms and light weapons

AKMs, H&K G3 and RPG-7s found by U.S. Marines in Fallujah

Small arms and light weapons (SALW) refers in arms control protocols to two main classes of man-portable weapons.[1]

Small Arms and Light Weapons also include ammunition, explosives, hand grenades, land mines, and any other man portable weapons not listed above.[3][1]

In contrast, the term "heavy weapons" generally refers to any other weapon systems that are too cumbersome for foot transportation and hence have to rely on fixed mounting platforms installed upon wheeled frames/vehicles, vessels, aircraft or fortifications for effective operation.

  1. ^ a b https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_52142.htm NATO, Small arms and light weapons (SALW) and mine action (MA)
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference UNODC-ITI was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "114th IPU Assembly: Substantive item 1".