Which type of weapons include chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosives?

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) refer to a category of weapons that are capable of causing significant harm to large numbers of people and can have devastating effects over a wide area. This includes chemical weapons, which can incapacitate or kill through toxic properties; biological weapons, which use pathogens or organisms to harm or kill; radiological weapons, which involve the use of radioactive materials; nuclear weapons, which release energy through nuclear reactions; and high-yield explosives, which can cause destruction on a massive scale.

The nature of WMD differentiates them from other weapons types that are primarily designed for tactical or personal defense use, as they are intended to inflict harm on a larger scale and have broader implications for national and global security. Understanding this classification is vital within the context of naval safety and operations, as the risks and handling of these weapons require specialized training and protocols due to their potential for widespread devastation.