Vehicle as a weapon
Published 2 November 2020
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1. Introduction
The threats from vehicles range from vandalism to sophisticated or aggressive attacks by determined criminals or terrorists. As well as a convenient method to deliver an improvised explosive device, an additional attack methodology is using a vehicle as a weapon (VAW).
A vehicle by itself can also be used with hostile intent to breach a perimeter, ram and damage infrastructure, or as a weapon to injure and kill people.
This is referred to as a ‘vehicle as a weapon’ attack. The use of a vehicle as a weapon is a low complexity methodology and has been used by terrorists to target crowded places. A broad range of vehicles can cause significant loss of life and serious injury.
Attacks using vehicle as a weapon requires little or no training thus are within the capability of most individuals. Online terrorist media continues to inspire and incite individuals to use a vehicle as a weapon as an attack.
Further information:
Read more: Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM)
Read more: CPNI’s Hostile Vehicle Mitigation web page – information, advice and guidance