GMCStream Report- Funded Ukraine-gets Cluster Bombs July 10, 2023

According to documentation from the US White House, America’s Defense Contractors will provide, as Zelensky ordered, 200,000 rounds of artillery Shells /month to the US Congress and $145 billion to the Ukraine State. (i.e.-Russia MOD uses 200,000 rounds each four days). Why would the Democratic Party controlled by the White House, the US Senate, and the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, want to violate another treaty against the use of Cluster Bombs in a Conflict? A closer look is required. Did the US DOD use Cluster Bombs in other of its many Undeclared Wars?

What Treaties and Rational Voices are against?

“Article 1: Under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, cluster munitions are defined and prohibited as a category of weapons. The definition of a cluster munition under Article 2 is "a conventional munition that is designed to disperse or release explosive submunitions each weighing less than 20 kilograms, and includes those explosive submunitions." Therefore the ban on cluster munitions, and all relevant Convention obligations such as stockpile destruction, apply both to the container and the submunitions it contains. Sometimes explosive submunitions are not held within a container but are released or dispersed by dispensers fixed to aircraft. The convention explicitly mentions that these weapons, known as explosive bomblets, are included under the ban.”

“Article 2: also defines what is not considered a cluster munition. Articles 2(2)(a) and 2(2)(b) exclude a munition or submunition designed to dispense flares, smoke, pyrotechnics, or chaff, or designed to produce electrical or electronic effects. The definition also excludes "a munition designed exclusively for an air defense role," meaning a munition that can only be used against targets in the air. Weapons that are designed to have utility against both aerial and ground-based targets are banned. In addition, Article 1(3) states that the convention does not apply to mines, meaning it does not ban munitions that disperse one or more mines. (Antipersonnel mines are banned under the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty.)”

“Article 2(2)(c) lists the characteristics of a set of munitions with submunitions, the use of which is not believed to cause "indiscriminate area effects and the risks posed by unexploded submunitions." Any munition meeting all five of the criteria listed in Article 2(2)(c)(i-v) are not considered cluster munitions under the convention. Munitions meeting only four or fewer of the criteria are considered cluster munitions. For example, a munition that has less than 10 submunitions, but is not designed to detect and engage a single target object, is a cluster munition.”

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “supports the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which, as you know, was adopted 15 years ago. And he wants countries to abide by the terms of that convention,” his spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York. “And so as a result, of course, he does not want there to be continued use of cluster munitions on the battlefield,” Haq concluded. The Convention on Cluster Munitions came into effect in August 2010, with signatories pledging to “never under any circumstances” use, develop, produce, or transfer the banned munitions, or assist, encourage, and induce anyone else to do so. It has been ratified by 111 states so far – including most NATO members – though not by the US, Ukraine, or Russia.

United States Political Banned Weapons Policies

Before the NSAdvisor’s, Jake Sullivan’s announcement of July 5, 2023, to use Cluster Bombs in Ukraine; the following governments supported banning; namely, Australia; Austria; Canada; Germany; Luxembourg; Norway; Switzerland, and the United States of America.The USA State Department and the U.S Congress have routinely dodged treaties regarding Cluster ammunition. As of 2022, the US Government has not SIGNED Four Key Treaties that related to Global Arms Conventions. Congress Ratified the Convention on Conventional Weapons. The US White House did not sign key documents. So, it is usually murky that the USA likes to have the unilateral first-strike capability for Cluster Bombs to achieve military and political objectives. Now “Pandora’s Box” is open!

Mine Ban Treaty / Status: 2023 non-signatory

Convention on Cluster Munitions / Status: 2023 non-signatory

Convention on Conventional Weapons / Status:=Ratified

Convention on Conventional Weapons / Amended Protocol II: non-signatory -2023

Convention on Conventional Weapons / Protocol V: non-signatory- 2023

UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities / Status:=Signed -2023

2018 UNGA Resol: 73/61 (landmines) 73/54 (cluster bombs) Abstained -2023

Who are for Cluster Bombs to be used in Ukraine?

Global Market Munitions for Profit Players

(A) War Artillery Ammunition Market Leaders

General Dynamics Corporation. USA

"General Dynamics Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment produces and sells business jets; and offers aircraft maintenance and repair, management, aircraft-on-ground support and completion, charter, staffing, and fixed-base operator services. The Marine Systems segment designs and builds nuclear-powered submarines, surface combatants, and auxiliary ships for the United States Navy and Jones Act ships for commercial customers, as well as build crude oil and product tankers, and container and cargo ships; provides maintenance, modernization, and lifecycle support services for navy ships; offers and program management, planning, engineering, and design support services for submarine construction programs. The Combat Systems segment manufactures land combat solutions, such as wheeled and tracked combat vehicles, Stryker wheeled combat vehicles, piranha vehicles, weapons systems, munitions, mobile bridge systems with payloads, tactical vehicles, main battle tanks, armored vehicles, and armaments; and offers modernization programs, engineering, support, and sustainment services. The Technologies segment provides information technology solutions and mission support services; mobile communication, computers, and command-and-control mission systems; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions to military, intelligence, and federal civilian customers; cloud computing, artificial intelligence; machine learning; big data analytics; development, security, and operations; and unmanned undersea vehicle manufacturing and assembly services. The company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia."

Rheinmetall AG. Germany

"Rheinmetall AG provides technologies to the mobility and security sectors worldwide. The company operates in five segments: Vehicle Systems, Weapons and Ammunition, Electronic Solutions, Sensors and Actuators, and Materials and Trade. The Vehicle Systems segment offers combat, support, logistics, and special vehicles, including armored tracked vehicles, CBRN protection systems, turret systems, and wheeled logistics and tactical vehicles. The Weapon and Ammunition segment provides threat-appropriate, effective, and accurate firepower, and protection solutions, such as large and medium-caliber weapons and ammunition, protection systems, propellants, and international projects and services. The Electronic Solutions segment offers a chain of systems networks, such as sensors, networking platforms, automated connected effectors for soldiers, cyberspace protection solutions, and training and simulation solutions. Its products include air defense systems; soldier systems; command, control, and reconnaissance systems; fire control systems; sensors; and simulations for the army, air force, navy, and civil applications. The Sensors and Actuators segment provides a portfolio of products comprising exhaust gas recirculation systems; throttle valves, control dampers, and exhaust flaps for electromotors; solenoid valves; actuators and valve train systems; oil, water, and vacuum pumps for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and light and heavy-duty off-road applications; and industrial solutions. The Materials and Trade segment focuses on the development of system components for the basic motors, such as engine blocks, structural components, and cylinder heads; plain bearings, and bushes; and replacement parts. It also engages in aftermarket activities. The company was formerly known as Rheinmetall Berlin AG and changed its name to Rheinmetall AG in 1996. Rheinmetall AG was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany."

Saab AB. Sweden

"Saab AB (publ) provides products, services, and solutions for military defense, aviation, and civil security markets worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Aeronautics, Dynamics, Surveillance, Kockums, and Combitech. The company develops military and civil aviation technology, as well as conducts studies on manned and unmanned aircraft systems. It also provides ground combat weapons, missile systems, torpedoes, unmanned underwater vehicles, training and simulation systems, signature management systems for armed forces; and niche products for the civil and defense market, such as underwater vehicles for the offshore industry. In addition, the company offers solutions for safety and security, surveillance and decision support, threat detection, location, and protection, including airborne, ground-based, and naval radar, electronic warfare, and combat systems, as well as C4I solutions. Additionally, it provides submarines with the Stirling system for air-independent propulsion, surface combatants, mine hunting systems, and autonomous vessels; and systems development, systems integration, information security, systems security, communications, mechanics, and technical product information and logistics. Saab AB (publ) was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden."

Elbit System Ltd.—Israel

"Elbit Systems Ltd. develops and supplies a portfolio of airborne, land, and naval systems and products for defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation applications primarily in Israel. The company operates through Aerospace, C4I and Cyber, ISTAR and EW, Land, and Elbit Systems of America segments. It also offers military aircraft and helicopter systems; commercial aviation systems and aerostructures; unmanned aircraft systems; electro-optic, night vision, and countermeasures systems; naval systems; land vehicle systems; munitions, such as precision munitions for land, air, and sea applications; command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and cyber systems; electronic warfare and signal intelligence systems; and other commercial activities. In addition, the company manufactures and sells data links and radio communication systems and equipment, and cyber intelligence, autonomous, and homeland security solutions. Further, it provides various electronic warfare and signals intelligence systems, laser systems; armored vehicles and other platforms survivability and protection systems, artillery, and mortar systems, as well as provides various training and support services. Additionally, the company offers products and systems solutions to military, homeland security, medical instrumentation, and commercial aviation clients. It markets its systems and products as a prime contractor or subcontractor to various governments and companies. It also has operations in Israel, North America, Europe, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company was incorporated in 1966 and is based in Haifa, Israel."

Global Manufactures of Cluster Bombs

Avibras -. Brazil

"Avibras is a manufacturer of Cluster Bombs. It is involved in manufacturing weapons to be used in Ukraine against Russia which is also a MEMBER OF BRICS. “Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial is considering building a prototype of its newly designed Artillery Saturation Rocket System (ASTROS) III self-propelled missile- and rocket-launching system. The development of the ASTROS III was fueled by the lessons learned from the military conflict in Ukraine, where artillery saturation systems have been in demand and effective, João Brasil Carvalho Leite, the company's president, told Janes. The ASTROS III Avibras Universal Multiple Rocket Launchers (AV-LMU) unit is based on a Tatra Truck's T 815 - 7T3B41 8×8 high-mobility heavy-duty chassis and will offer increased firepower compared with the 6×6 ASTROS II Mk6 generation supplied to Brazil and Indonesia, Leite added."

LIG Nex1 – South Korea

"LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd. develops and produces various weapon systems worldwide. The company offers precision-guided munitions, which include ground-based guided missiles; ship-launched/air-launched guided missiles; and underwater guided missiles. It also provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products that include radar systems, electronic optics/imaging radars, and SONAR surveillance systems. In addition, the company offers command and control systems, such as ground-based command and control systems for unmanned aerial systems, tactical data links, vehicle command and control systems, and surface combat management systems; and tactical communication/navigation systems comprising satellite navigation systems, data links for unmanned drones, and strategic communication systems. Further, it provides avionics consisting of mission, display, flight control, and communication/navigation/identification systems; airborne, ground-based, and maritime electronic warfare systems; unmanned drone/robotics systems, which include unmanned systems/robotics projects and unmanned drone/robotics for ships; and cyber warfare/M&S/high-energy weapon systems. LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd. was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Yongin, South Korea".

Bharat Dynamics Limited. – India

"Bharat Dynamics Limited engages in the manufacture and sale of guided missiles and allied equipment in India. It provides surface-to-air, air-to-air, and anti-tank guided missiles, as well as underwater weapons, launchers, countermeasures dispensing systems, test equipment, torpedoes, and mechanized infantry weapons. The company offers its products to the Indian Armed Forces and the government of India. It also exports its products. The company was incorporated in 1970 and is based in Hyderabad, India."

Poongsan.- Korea

"Poongsan Corporation develops, manufactures, markets, exports, and sells fabricated non-ferrous metal, commercial ammunition, and defense products in South Korea and internationally. It offers copper and copper alloy sheets, strips, rods, bars, and wires, as well as thin plates, thin tubes, bimetal sinters, and coin blanks; leadframe materials; stainless steel strips; and tin-plated strips and precision forgings, as well as copper roofing materials. The company's copper and copper alloy sheets and strips are used for interior and exterior applications in commercial and residential real estate, construction, machinery, automobiles, electrical and electronics, semiconductors, telecommunication, and electronic parts industries. It also provides military ammunitions, including small caliber arms, anti-aircraft guns, mortars, howitzers, tank guns, recoilless guns, and naval guns; commercial ammunitions, such as precision-made cartridges for recreational hunting and shooting; and semi-finished products and components used in the production of ammunitions, such as primers, fuses, bullet jacket cups, case cups, discs, cones, rotating bands, links, tungsten penetrators, and shell bodies, as well as fuses for use in naval ammunitions, mortar shells, and multiple launch rocket systems. In addition, the company offers chemicals, such as nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine for use in propellants; and precision forging products, including connector parts for electric and electronic industries, multi-gauge copper strips, precision dies, and gauges and tools. Further, it builds metal processing machinery and other customized equipment for the steel, automobile, and defense industries; and specializes in rolling-related products comprising annealing, pickling, degreasing, buffing, tin plating, and slitting machinery, as well as scalping lines and rolling oil coolant systems. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.

China Aerospace Science and Industry. China -Operations are not listed in Public Databases

Norinco - China

"Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. operates as an engineering contractor in Asia, Africa, Europe, and internationally. It is involved in the construction of various projects, such as railways, thermal power stations, hydropower stations, power transmission, transformation projects, petroleum, mineral facilities, housing, and municipal engineering. The company also develops real estate properties, such as residential and commercial projects. In addition, it offers services in the field of international engineering contracting, domestic construction engineering, heavy equipment export trade, logistics services, logistics automation equipment system integration, and solar energy. Further, it is involved in the production and sales of metal packaging containers; bulk commodity trading activities; solar energy product trading, and new energy project development activities. The company was founded in 1984 and is based in Beijing, China. Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. is a subsidiary of China North Industries Co., Ltd."

Orbital ATK (Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems- USA)

"As a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, Orbital ATK designs, builds and delivers space, defense, and aviation-related systems to customers around the world both as a prime contractor and as a merchant supplier. Their main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; satellites and associated components and services; composite aerospace structures; tactical missiles, subsystems, and defense electronics; and precision weapons, armament systems, and ammunition. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and several international locations."

History of the Use of Cluster Bombs-A Timeline of cluster bomb use

Syria- 2012–2018 in: The government has denied possessing or using cluster munitions, but its armed forces are responsible for the bulk of the more than 630 cluster munition attacks recorded from 2012 to mid-2018.

Yemen- 2015-2018 in: The armed coalition led by Saudi Arabia used cluster bombs repeatedly in populated areas in 2015-2017. In 2018, cluster munition attacks were probably ongoing but were more difficult to record and confirm, due to challenges in collecting first-hand evidence. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and others have documented evidence of at least 23 cluster munition attacks during the conflict.

Sudan - 2015 in:Cluster munitions were used by the Sudanese air force in the Nuba Mountains (South Kordofan) during indiscriminate bombings on civilian areas in February and March 2015. There have been additional reports of use in May 2015. The government of Sudan should investigate and explain these incidents, as requested by the UN Security Council on 29 June 2015.

Libya - 2014-2017 in There is confirmed evidence that cluster munitions were used in at least two instances between December 2014 and March 2015, in Sirte and Bin Jawad, and additional unconfirmed reports of use on the Watiya front. The commander of the air force of the internationally recognized government of Libya has denied using cluster munitions. In 2016 and 2017, evidence continued to emerge indicating that Libyan National Army forces were using cluster munitions.

Ukraine - 2014 & 2015 in:Cluster munitions were used by both sides in the conflict in January and February 2015. An OSCE mission documented the use by Poroshenko’s Ukrainian government forces in Luhansk city in late January 2015, while Ukrainian government forces had already used cluster munitions in Donetsk city in October 2014. In August 2014, remnants of cluster munitions were documented in territory controlled by Ukrainian government forces and in territory controlled by armed insurgents. As early as July 2014, evidence indicated cluster munitions had been used.

South Sudan - 2014 in:February 2014 the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) found new cluster munition contamination near the town of Bor on the road to Juba. In September 2014 South Sudan reported to the 5th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention that an investigation conducted jointly with UN officials had not been able to determine who had used the weapon. Both South Sudan and Uganda have denied use.

Syria - Ongoing since 2012 in:The use of cluster munitions in the Syrian conflict started in 2012.

Sudan - 2012 in:Two allegations of cluster munition use by the armed forces of Sudan in South Kordofan. Remnants and evidence were found.

Libya - 2011 in:Gaddafi’s forces use cluster munitions in Misrata, Libya.

Cambodia- 2011 in:Thailand uses cluster munitions on Cambodian territory during a border conflict in February 2011.

Georgia - 2008 in:Russia uses several types of cluster munitions, both air- and ground-launched, in several locations in Georgia’s Gori district. Also, Georgia uses cluster munitions in the August 2008 conflict with Russia.

Israel - 2006 in:Hezbollah fires more than 100 Chinese-produced Type-81 122mm cluster munition rockets into northern Israel.

Lebanon - 2006 in:Israeli forces use surface-launched and air-dropped cluster munitions against Hezbollah. The UN estimates that Israel used up to 4 million submunitions.

Iraq - 2003–2006 in The US and UK use nearly 13,000 cluster munitions containing an estimated 1.8 to 2 million submunitions in the three weeks of major combat. A total of 63 CBU-87 bombs were dropped by US aircraft between May 1, 2003, and August 1, 2006.

Uganda, the date of use is unknown: RBK-250/275 bombs and AO-1SCh submunitions were found in the northern district of Gulu.

Afghanistan 2001–2002 in:The USA USAF drops 1,228 cluster bombs containing 248,056 bomblets

Yugoslavia - 1999 (including Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo): Under President Clinton -The US, UK, and Netherlands drop 1,765 cluster bombs, containing 295,000 bomblets.

DR Congo 1998–2003 in DR Congo:BL-755 bombs were used by unknown forces in Kasu village in Kabalo territory.

Albania - 1998–1999 in Yugoslav forces launch cross-border rocket attacks and NATO forces carry out six aerial cluster munition strikes.

Ethiopia/Eritrea - 1998 in:Ethiopia and Eritrea exchange aerial cluster munition strikes, Ethiopia attacking the Asmara airport and Eritrea attacking the Mekele airport. Ethiopia also dropped BL-755 bombs in the Gash-Barka province of western Eritrea.

Colombia - 1998 in:The Colombian Air Force used a cluster munition in Santo Domingo, a village in the department of Arauca. In 2009, Colombia disclosed that previously it had used cluster munitions on other occasions to attack airfields used by drug traffickers.

Sierra Leone - 1997 in:Nigerian ECOMOG peacekeepers use Beluga bombs on the eastern town of Kenema.

Sudan 1996–1999 in:Sudanese government forces use air-dropped cluster munitions in southern Sudan, including Chilean-made PM-1 submunitions.

Croatia - 1995 in:On May 2-3, 1995, an NSAG uses Orkan M-87 multiple rocket launchers to attack civilians in Zagreb. Additionally, the Croatian government claimed that Serb forces used BL-755 bombs in Sisak, Kutina, and along the Kupa River.

Chechnya 1994–1996 in:Russian forces use cluster munitions against NSAG.

Tajikistan - 1992–1997 in:Use by unknown forces in civil war. ShOAB and AO-2.5RT submunitions have been found in the town of Gharm in the Rasht Valley. Bosnia & Herzegovina - 1992–1995 in: Forces of Yugoslavia and NSAG use available stocks of cluster munitions during the civil war. NATO aircraft drop two CBU-87 bombs.

Nagorno-Karabakh 1992–1994 in:Submunition contamination has been identified in at least 162 locations. Submunition types cleared by deminers include PTAB-1, ShOAB-0.5, and AO-2.5.

Angola - 1992–1994 in:PTAB submunitions are found in various locations.

Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia - 1991 in:The US and its allies (France, Saudi Arabia, UK) drop 61,000 cluster bombs containing some 20 million submunitions. The number of cluster munitions delivered by surface-launched artillery and rocket systems during the Gulf War is not known, but an estimated 30 million or more DPICM submunitions were used in the conflict.

Chad 1986–1987 in:French aircraft drop cluster munitions on a Libyan airfield at Wadi Doum. Libyan forces also used AO-1SCh and PTAB-2.5 submunitions

Falkland Islands (Malvinas): 1982 in UK aircraft drop cluster munitions on Argentinean infantry positions near Port Stanley, Port Howard, and Goose Green.

Lebanon - 1982 in:Israel uses cluster munitions against Syrian forces and NSAG in Lebanon.

Afghanistan - 1979–1989 in:Soviet forces make use of air-dropped and rocket-delivered cluster munitions. NSAG also uses rocket-delivered cluster munitions on a smaller scale.

Lebanon - 1978 in:Israel uses cluster munitions in southern Lebanon.

Syria - 1971–1973 in:Israel uses air-dropped cluster munitions against non-state armed group (NSAG) training camps near Damascus.

Western Sahara - 1975–1988 in:Moroccan forces use cluster munitions against NSAG.

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam The 1960s–1970s in:US forces make extensive use of cluster munitions in bombing campaigns. The ICRC estimates that in Laos alone, 9 to 27 million unexploded submunitions remain, and some 11,000 people have been killed or injured, more than 30 percent of them children. An estimate based on US military databases states that 9,500 sorties in Cambodia delivered up to 87,000 air-dropped cluster munitions.

United Kingdom - 1943 in: German aircraft drop more than 1,000 SD-2 butterfly bombs on the port of Grimsby.

USSR - 1943 in:Soviet forces use air-dropped cluster munitions against German armor. German forces use SD-1 and SD-2 butterfly bombs against artillery on the Kursk salient-(NOTE: unconfirmed reports cite the use of cluster munitions in Egypt, Myanmar, Pakistan, Slovenia, Turkey, and Sudan, as well as in the territory of Kashmir.)

What is a Cluster Bomb?

"A cluster munition, or cluster bomb, is a weapon containing multiple explosive submunitions. Cluster munitions are dropped from aircraft or fired from the ground or sea, opening up in mid-air to release tens or hundreds of submunitions, which can saturate an area up to the size of several football fields. Anybody within the strike area of the cluster munition, be they military or civilian, is very likely to be killed or seriously injured. The fuse of each submunition is generally activated as it falls so that it will explode above or on the ground. But often large numbers of the submunitions fail to function as designed, and instead land on the ground without exploding, where they remain as very dangerous duds. There are a wide variety of types of cluster munitions. According to the Cluster Munition Monitor, a total of 34 states have at one time developed or produced over 200 types of cluster munitions.

What are the Cluster Bombs Delivery systems?

Most delivery systems, be they warships, aircraft, artillery, or rocket launchers, can launch different types of munitions, including both banned cluster munitions and unitary munitions that are not banned. For this reason, the convention does not ban any delivery system, and States Parties, therefore, have no obligation to remove them from service or destroy them.

What is the cost of a US cluster bomb?

"It is 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters) long, has a diameter of 16 inches (41 centimeters), and weighs roughly 951 pounds (431 kg). The price is US$14,000 per bomb. Each CBU-87 consists of an SUU-65B canister, a fuse with 12-time delay options, and 202 submunitions (or bomblets) designated BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb.

Conclusion:

Since the 2022 rigged US Presidential Election, the key policy goal of the Biden Administration is to create Domestic and Global Chaos. “ The White House has confirmed that cluster munitions will be included in the latest batch of military supplies for Ukraine. Kyiv has hailed the delivery as having an “extraordinary psycho-emotional impact” on Russian troops, which the Ukrainian army has not been able to push back in a month of heavy fighting. One of the reasons the Pentagon cited for providing the dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM) was that the US was running short of conventional 155mm artillery rounds to send to (US Congress Funded) Ukraine.

Who manufactures cluster bombs in the USA?

In a public relations press statement announcing a new round of aid to Ukraine, the Defense Department said the US will be providing “155mm artillery rounds, including DPICM,” or Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions – the type of cluster munition the US currently has in its stockpiles. Does the US manufacture cluster bombs? “The United States has not used cluster munitions in combat since 2003 in Iraq, except for a strike in Yemen in 2009, which resulted in civilian casualties. The US stopped budgeting for these weapons for US military use around 2007 and effectively stopped their manufacture altogether around 2016. In 2003 during the Iraq war, US companies made Cluster bombs.”

Northrop Grumman is a leading producer of 20mm tactical and training ammunition, delivering up to three million rounds per year for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, NAVSEA, and U.S. Air Force. Northrop Grumman Plymouth is located just 10 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is home to Northrop Grumman's Armament Systems business unit the main location for manufacturing Cluster Bombs is Plymouth, Minnesota Northrop+Grumman+and+Lake+City+Army+Amm0 plant.jpg

The US Department of Defense owns LCAAP and NG as a contractor-operated facility has been in continuous production since October 1941. Northrop Grumman and its heritage companies have operated Lake City since 2000. Since then, the company has produced more than 17 billion rounds of small-caliber ammunition for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), a testament to Northrop Grumman’s commitment to arming the warfighter. Thanks to Northrop Grumman’s focus on safety and quality, and its ongoing modernization efforts, the company’s 1,900 dedicated employees will produce more than 1.4 billion rounds at Lake City this year. In addition to manufacturing ammunition for the DoD, the Northrop Grumman-operated Lake City facility also produces high-quality ammunition for commercial customers, allowing the company to maintain a well-trained workforce capable of ramping up warfighter ammunition production in hours instead of months. By remaining in a constant state of readiness, Northrop Grumman can rapidly respond to the ever-changing demands of our nation’s armed forces. It is expected that this facility will increase artillery rounds and cluster bombs for use in the US Congress Funded War in Ukraine. Currently, in 2023, a massive worker hiring process has begun to rapidly increase munitions for NATO and Ukraine by the 4th quarter of 2023, into 2024, and beyond.

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