Military Applications of Flamethrowers: Controversial but Still Employed

Flamethrowers have several military applications primarily due to their ability to create intense heat and fire, which can be utilized to achieve specific tactical objectives. Here are some key applications:

Clearing Obstacles

One of the primary uses of flamethrowers in military operations is clearing obstacles such as vegetation, bunkers, and debris that may impede troop movement. The intense heat can destroy enemy cover and fortifications, making it easier for troops to navigate through the area.

Psychological Warfare

The sight and sound of a flamethrower can instill fear in enemy troops, potentially lowering their morale and decreasing their willingness to fight. The psychological impact of fire can be a powerful deterrent and aid in achieving tactical advantages.

Flamethrowers can be employed to deny access to specific areas. By creating zones of fire, they can prevent enemy forces from advancing or retreating through certain routes, thus limiting their mobility and actions.

Urban Combat

In close-quarters combat such as in urban environments, flamethrowers can be effective for flushing out entrenched enemies from buildings or fortified positions. They can clear rooms and corridors of enemy combatants, providing a tactical advantage and facilitating the push of friendly forces.

Support for Infantry

Flamethrowers can provide direct support for infantry units during assaults. They can neutralize enemy positions before friendly troops advance, reducing the risk and casualties for infantry units.

Counterinsurgency Operations

In asymmetric warfare scenarios, such as counterinsurgency operations, flamethrowers can be used to target hiding places of insurgents, especially in dense vegetation or urban settings. This can help in identifying and eliminating hidden enemy combatants more effectively.

Training and Demonstration

Flamethrowers are sometimes used in military training exercises to demonstrate the effects of fire and teach troops about fire safety and tactics in using incendiary devices. This helps in ensuring that future users can handle these weapons safely and effectively.

While flamethrowers have been used in various conflicts, their use is controversial due to the potential for causing severe burns and suffering. This has led to discussions about their ethical implications in modern warfare, and in many cases, their deployment has been restricted or banned under international humanitarian law.

I am familiar with two main applications nowadays:

Clearing Routes

I must say that such a weapon can not be a front-line gear, both from a logistics perspective and for troops' safety.