UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS - 3 ANSWERS, PART 19: ABC threats?

Oberst Jürgen Schlechter is the head of the Bundesheer's ABC Defense Center, which deals with nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. Here he answers current questions about the war in Ukraine.

This is what the Bundesheer expert says:

How do chemical weapons work and how are they used?

Chemical warfare agents are industrially produced toxic substances that poison living beings through the respiratory system or penetrate the body as contact poisons through the skin. The poisonous effect depends on the type and amount of the chemical agent ingested, but usually occurs immediately. They are typically sprayed from aircraft, dropped in containers, or shot into the target area with artillery means, where they are dispersed and lead to poisonings.

Militarily, a distinction is made between volatile deployment (the agent is only effective for a short time and drifts away as a cloud with the wind) and stationary deployment (the agent remains in the operational area for a longer time and requires decontamination measures). Stationary chemical warfare agents, as terrain agents, can prevent or hinder the use of spaces for the duration of their effectiveness. The psychological, demoralizing effect must be particularly taken into account, especially on unprotected civilian populations.

What are effective countermeasures and protective measures?

Countermeasures include detection measures, taking ABC protection measures, and post-deployment measures (such as identifying the type, location, and boundaries through ABC reconnaissance, medical countermeasures for possible poisonings, and decontamination measures, as well as creating spread predictions to warn and alert affected individuals in a timely manner).

Protection is only possible through air filtration and effective body protection. This is achieved through an ABC protection mask with a suitable filter and ABC protective clothing. Additionally, there are collective protection facilities. These are spaces (vehicles, buildings, etc.) with filter installations and surfaces that prevent the penetration of chemical agents. ABC protective equipment does not need to be worn in these spaces. Stationary (long-lasting) chemical warfare agents require prompt decontamination (neutralization) to prevent further penetration and contamination spread.

Can the use of chemical weapons have an impact on/at Austria?

A chemical agent cloud may lead to poisonings several kilometers downwind, but remains regionally limited. The use of chemical weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine would not have direct effects on Austria.

BUNDESHEER Online

UKRAINE: 3 Questions – 3 Answers

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 18: SUPPLIES?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 17: ROCKETS AND AIR DEFENSE?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 16: AIR COMBAT?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 15: COMBINED ARMS COMBAT?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 14: ARMORED COMBAT?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 13: UNDERGROUND COMBAT?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 12: CYBER WAR?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 11: NEUTRALITY?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 10: HOW'S IT GOING?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 9: ABC DANGER?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 8: URBAN COMBAT

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 7: AIR WAR AND DRONES

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 6: NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS AND NUCLEAR THREAT

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 5: WHAT WEAPONS?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 4: WEAPONS FOR KYIV?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 3: IS THERE RESISTANCE?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 2: WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ATTACK?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 1: WHAT'S HAPPENING?