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Space/Science » in reply to Interesting article on the future of lasers on the battlefield

re: Interesting article on the future of lasers on the battlefield

Robert Lafon: If lasers are used in any way in war, people will be blinded- use of blinding weapons is forbidden by the Geneva Convention...

Not necessarily

http://cndyorks.gn.apc.org/news/articles/harmfromlaserfighter.htm
Why the Geneva Convention will not stop blinding by laser

Article 1 of the Geneva Convention's Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons has laudable aims. It states, "It is prohibited to employ laser weapons specifically designed, as their sole combat function or as one of their combat functions, to cause permanent blindness to unenhanced vision."

But Article 3 opens the door to lasers that blind ­ so long as that was not their aim. It states: "Blinding as an incidental or collateral effect of the legitimate military employment of laser systems, including laser systems used against optical equipment, is not covered by the prohibition of this Protocol".

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