Exploring Unused Weapons: Prototypes and Potential

The world of military weapons is ever-evolving, with numerous prototypes and advanced technologies that often remain unused. These include cutting-edge projects like the Russian Sarmat ICBM, the Su-57 fighter jet, and the Indian Tejas Mk2 fighter. Additionally, some production weapons, such as nuclear capable missiles, have never seen combat due to their catastrophic potential.

Prototypes and Currently Unused Weapons

Prototype weapons, especially those at the cutting edge of technology, often sit on the shelves rather than seeing action. The Russian Sarmat ICBM, for instance, represents a significant advancement in intercontinental ballistic missile technology, but it hasn't yet entered service. Similarly, the Su-57 and Tejas Mk2 are advanced fighter jets undergoing further development. While these weapons hold immense potential, they have not yet been tested in real combat scenarios.

Nuclear Missiles and the Concept of 'Mutually Assured Destruction'

The most high-profile weapons that have never been used in combat are nuclear missiles. The only nuclear devices ever detonated in warfare were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States in 1945. After this, the concept of 'Mutually Assured Destruction' (MAD) became a central deterrent in the Cold War era. This rationale posited that the consequences of using such weapons would be catastrophic, leading to an unwinnable situation.

Tactical Nukes and Chemical/Biological Weapons

Similar to nuclear missiles, tactical nukes, which are designed for smaller payloads suitable for military bases and strategic targets, have also never been used in combat due to the risks of nuclear escalation. Additionally, chemical and biological weapons present unique challenges, primarily due to treaty limitations and the dangers they pose. The global community is wary of fully testing such weapons due to the potential for misuse or accidental release.

Military Arsenals and the Rarity of Combat-Tested Weapons

While many advanced weapons systems exist, very few have actually seen combat. If we were to list all the weapons that have never been used, it would primarily include those from militaries that haven't engaged in significant combat operations in recent years. For example, modern Gripens and Stridsvagnar in the Swedish military haven't seen any combat action, at least not in recent memory.

Conclusion: Why Haven't These Weapons Been Used?

The decision to leave certain weapons unused often stems from practical and ethical considerations. Weapons that haven't been used might fall into one of the following categories: 1) horrific in their destructive potential, 2) belonging to militaries that haven't engaged in recent combat, or 3) too new to be fielded with full confidence in their capabilities. The T-14 Armata and Su-57, for instance, are highly advanced systems but have not yet seen real-world combat tests.

In the realm of military technology, the allure of testing new capabilities is strong, but the risks associated with many of these advanced weapons systems make combat testing a rare and often non-existent reality. As the world continues to develop and refine these technologies, the question of whether and when they will be used in real combat scenarios remains as intriguing as it is complex.