There are many military inventions that have been developed over time. These inventions have changed the face of military warfare. We have come a long way from fighting our battles with swords only. These inventions have resulted in the creation of weapon systems that have revolutionized military warfare.
1. The Sarissa:
The sarissa is more commonly known as a pike or lance. It is a gigantic 13 to 21 feet long pike that is pointed at both ends. It was used as early as 3000 BC by the Macedonian phalanx infantry. The sarissa provided great advantage to the armies that employed it. Its great length was its feature. If used by groups of soldiers in tight formations, the army could prove to be invulnerable.
Sarissa is said to be invented by the father of Alexander the Great, Philip. Alexander used this weapon to their success in order to spread his empire.
2. The Chariot:
Chariots were invented around 2000 BC. They were the first forms of personal transport for humans and were also used in wars. The horse-drawn chariot was driven by a driver, and carried an archer in it to form a weapon system.
3. The Cannon:
Cannons first appeared in the 14th century, yet they gained the classic form in the 17th century. Early cannons were immobile, but later ones could be moved and provided a distinct advantage during war. The cannons were deployed at key positions and then used to cast heavy damage.
Cannons rendered the castles and fortresses useless. This weapon system was able to break through a fortress very quickly. It changed the way wars were fought.
4. Sailing ships:
Sailing ships date back to 3000 BC, when Egyptians first invented this kind of ships. They were used in the Nile. The sailing ships of Egyptians gave foundations of the first navy.
Then the Vikings made sailing ships from the 8th to the 13th century. Their ships were called Knorrs. These Knorrs had been employed by European armies till 1200.
5. The Machine gun:
Dr. Richard Gatling invented the first Gatling gun. It was the first rapid-fire gun and provided great use. The first true machine gun was invented by Hiram Maxim in 1881. It was called the Maxim gun.
6. The Airplane:
The advent of aerial warfare only came about a century ago. A new type of warfare was developed with the invention of airplanes. Armies all over the world started developing their air forces.
The jet engine was developed in the World War II. This war saw a rapid development in the field of military aviation. Now aerial craft have stealth technology, missile systems and many more elements to aid them during war.
7. The Paratroopers:
The concept of using paratroopers during war was first given by General Billy Mitchell. This happened just after World War I and demonstrations were carried out. Yet it was the Germans who first recognized the importance of this war strategy and started using it. Their success spurred the United States into action as well, and they started preparing paratroopers.
This weapon system is widely used in modern warfare. It provides an advantage as soldiers can be air-dropped to areas that would be inaccessible on foot.
8. The Submarine:
The first underwater vessel was built in 1653. Since then, submarines have revolutionized the naval forces all over the world. This attacking vessel submerged in the water is a deadly force.
Today more than 47 countries are using submarines. Almost 300 ships have been armed with nuclear arsenal. This weapon system is definitely here to stay for a long time.
9. The Aircraft Carrier:
The British army first developed the aircraft carrier in World War I. The Japanese and US armies quickly followed suit. The first US carrier joined the fleet in March 1922.
This weapon system is now the basis for a strong army world over. It is the backbone of every naval fleet. The nuclear aircraft carrier of the US is the epitome of American military strength.
10. The Atomic bomb:
The atomic bomb remains the most destructive weapon system till today. It has an ability to cause unthinkable destruction. So far, only one atomic bomb has been used in warfare. The explosion rocked Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, and the after effects persist even today.
Nuclear weapon systems are being developed at an alarming rate worldwide. This is a cause for alarm for everyone, as these weapon systems have the potential to destroy everything that we have built for our world.
