Which type of munitions is most commonly classified as UXO?

The classification of munitions as unexploded ordnance (UXO) primarily hinges on the context in which these devices are used and their likelihood of being left unexploded after a conflict. Aerial bombs are often dropped over large areas and can be designed for high-impact destruction. Due to their size and potential for widespread deployment, many aerial bombs can fail to detonate upon impact. This leaves them as hazardous remnants on the ground, thereby categorizing them as UXO.

In contrast, while hand grenades, artillery shells, and land mines certainly can be considered UXO under certain conditions, aerial bombs are more frequently encountered in post-conflict environments, particularly in urban settings where airstrikes have occurred. Their prevalence and the challenges they pose for clearance operations elevate their classification as UXOs compared to other types of munitions. Additionally, the wide range of munitions types and designs in aerial bomb categories contributes to a higher incidence of unexploded devices, thereby emphasizing their importance in discussions around UXO.