What are Sonic Weapons?

March 21, 2025

Sonic weapons have emerged as contentious tools in crowd control. Recent protests in Serbia have brought into light their potential use. President Aleksandar Vucic denied allegations of using a banned sonic weapon against demonstrators. This raises questions about the legality and ethics of such devices. Sonic weapons can produce loud sounds designed to disperse crowds. They have been in use since the early 1990s, with military applications becoming prominent in the 2000s.

Definition and Functionality

Sonic weapons, also known as acoustic weapons, emit loud sounds over long distances. They can produce both audible and inaudible sound waves. These devices are capable of delivering voice messages or other sounds. The technology has evolved since its inception, focusing on crowd control and military applications.

Types of Sonic Weapons

There are three primary types of sonic weapons:

Long-range Acoustic Device (LRAD): Developed by Genasys Inc, LRAD can project sound intelligibly over 8,900 metres. It can reach sound levels of 160 decibels, causing pain and potential hearing damage.
Mosquito: This device emits high-pitched sounds that are painful to younger individuals, typically teenagers and those in their twenties. It is ineffective for older adults due to natural hearing loss.
Infrasonic Weapon: A newer technology that produces low-frequency sounds. These sounds are typically inaudible but can induce disorientation and pain. Research is ongoing regarding its effectiveness as a weapon.

Health Effects of Sonic Weapons

Sonic weapons can inflict serious harm. They may cause eardrum damage and hearing loss. Prolonged exposure can lead to tinnitus, headaches, and nausea. The severity of these effects depends on distance from the source and duration of exposure. Human rights organisations express concern over the indiscriminate nature of these weapons. They can harm not only targeted individuals but also bystanders and law enforcement personnel.

Ethics

The use of sonic weapons raises legal and ethical questions. In many jurisdictions, their use is restricted or banned. The potential for causing harm to innocent individuals complicates their deployment in crowd control situations. Critics argue that sonic weapons can violate human rights, particularly during protests.

Military Applications

Sonic weapons have been adopted by military forces, notably in conflict zones like Iraq. Their ability to control crowds without lethal force is appealing. However, the consequences of their use remain a subject of debate. The long-term health effects on individuals exposed to sonic weapons are not well-documented.

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