II. Definition of heavy conventional weapons

Heavy conventional weaponry could be defined by applying the UN Register of Conventional Arms categories. Heavy weapons would then be anything that fits into the following 7 categories :

1. Battle tanks
A tracked or wheeled self-propelled armoured fighting vehicle with high cross-country mobility and a high level of self-protection, weighing at least 16.5 metric tonnes unladen weight, with a high muzzle velocity direct fire main gun of at least 75 millimetres calibre.

2. Armoured combat vehicles
A tracked or wheeled self-propelled vehicle, with armoured protection and cross-country capability, either: (a) designed and equipped to transport a squad of four or more infantrymen, or (b) armed with an integral or organic weapon of at least 20 millimetres calibre or an anti- tank missile launcher.

3. Large calibre artillery systems
A gun, howitzer, artillery piece combining the characteristics of a gun and a howitzer, mortar or multiple-launch rocket system, capable of engaging surface targets by delivering primarily indirect fire, with a calibre of 100 millimetres and above.

4. Combat aircraft
A fixed-wing or variable-geometry wing aircraft armed and equipped to engage targets by employing guided missiles, unguided rockets, bombs, guns, cannons, or other weapons of destruction.

5. Attack helicopters
A rotary-wing aircraft equipped to employ anti-armour, air-to-ground, or air-to-air guided weapons and equipped with an integrated fire control and aiming system for these weapons.

6. Warships
A vessel or submarine with a standard displacement of 850 metric tonnes or above, armed or equipped for military use.

7. Missiles or missile systems
A guided rocket, ballistic or cruise missile capable of delivering a payload to a range of at least 25 kilometres, or a vehicle, apparatus or device designed or modified for launching such munitions.

Another way of specifying these weapons is by saying they are conventional in nature and do not count as small arms / light weapons (SALW) or landmines.