Information Paper
DoD Biological Warfare Threat Analysis

• More than 10 countries have, or are developing, a biological warfare capability.

• Production of biological warfare agents does not require specialized equipment or advanced technology.

• When comparing equivalent amounts of biological and chemical warfare agents, the biological agent is far more potent.

• Small amounts can produce large numbers of casualties.

• Delivery vehicles include: aerial bombs, artillery shells, long-range missiles, agricultural sprayers, and spray tanks carried by aircraft.

• Many of the materials and equipment that are used to produce biological warfare agents are available from legitimate sources and intended for other uses.

• It is difficult to limit spread of biological warfare agents because of the dual-use nature of the equipment and technologies.

• There is a legitimate market for legal products which can be produced with this equipment, i.e., pharmaceuticals, biopesticides, etc.