How lethal are non-lethal weapons?

Non-lethal weapons are a new concept of high-tech weapons.

The killing mechanism of this kind of weapon is different from traditional weapons and ammunition. It does not have the military purpose of killing people on a large scale or destroying weapons and equipment and infrastructure. Instead, it attacks the weakest parts of people, weapons and infrastructure, causing partial loss of personnel. Combat capability means that equipment temporarily loses its combat effectiveness and infrastructure, etc., cannot function normally, thereby achieving the ability to prevent or limit enemy combat and actions. Therefore, non-lethal weapons are also called incapacitating weapons. The application of non-lethal weapons will provide combat forces with new important military capabilities and deterrents. Combat damage will be more controllable, with minimal collateral damage to civilians, materials and the environment. It will be widely used in war and non-war operations. Especially in peacekeeping operations.

At present, the development of non-lethal weapons mainly focuses on anti-sensor, anti-personnel, anti-mobility and anti-infrastructure aspects.