In a First, Finland’s Chemical Warfare Drills To Have Real Lethal Gases

Chemical warfare drills in Finland will, for the first time include genuine, lethal chemicals including mustard gas and Sarin, that have the ability to kill human beings even in low concentrations.

According to a statement released by Finnish army, the main idea of the new chemical warfare drill is to equip soldiers with the combat skills required in an authentic environment. Previously, only substitute chemicals were used.

The Pori Brigade unit of the Finnish Army will take part in the defense training that will be held in three hectares of land. Exercises for military personnel will begin in January 2020. Instructions on chemical warfare will also be provided to other authorities, according to the army. 

The army assured that while these chemicals are potentially lethal to humans and hazardous to the environment, the drill will pose no threat to either the surroundings or even bystanders.

Chemical warfare was outlawed by the Geneva Protocol of 1925 and was again prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993.