NBC - Nuclear, Biological and Chemical - are the three weapons of mass destruction. The latter two have been used extensively throughout history in warfare. Bio-weapons have generally been taken from nature, although there have been attempts to manufacture them. Chemical weapons fall into four main categories according to which bodily system they effect: Nerve, Blood, Lung and Skin.

Since the end of World War II, when the United States dropped the A-bomb on Japan, and the advent of the Cold War, the threat of nuclear destruction has never seemed far away. Although in recent times attempts have been made to slow or even stop nuclear proliferation, countries such as North Korea, China and Pakistan have continued to develop and test their own missiles.

In the early 1480s, Leonardo Da Vinci designed an aerial screw. Its intended use was unknown, yet served as the inspiration for the helicopter. Developments over the years have seen the Helicopter becoming more involved in troop transport, including airlifting the wounded directly to hospitals. Today's attack Helicopters show the versatility of this war machine.

Rockets and guided missiles are the essential component of any military arsenal. By definition, rockets are unguided and follow the laws of physics and trajectory; whereas missiles are guided, either remotely or internally. There are many different types of missiles, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, surface to air missiles, and ballistic missiles.

In 1910 the world's first bombing tests were carried out by the United States in a plane that barely looked as though it could carry a human being, let alone a bomb! It wasn't until the German Rumpler Taube rolled off the production line in 1911 that planes were first used in combat. Zeppelins were also popular for their bomb-carrying capacity and ability to fly over long distances.

The first fighter aircraft were flimsy contraptions made up of wood and fabric, flown by men with fast reflexes and deadly determination. How the times have changed. Today's fighter pilot takes control of a machine, which has doubtless cost his country millions of dollars to build.

Beneath the waves lurks a stealthy war machine. Capable of carrying nuclear weapons, submarines play a key role in the defense of many countries around the world today. The earliest beginnings of submarines can be traced back to the time of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. In 1776 American inventor David Bushnell designed and constructed the first military submarine.

Another basic building block of civilization and warfare is the ship. Boats have been used for trade, transport and leisure across the seas for millennia. From the Second Millennia BC, ships were used to transport troops to battle. The Egyptians and Syrians crossed the sea to do battle, and when they weren’t fighting each other, they would use their vessels for trade, exploration and probably a little piracy! From the 7th and 6th centuries, B.C, formal navies appeared. There are many great stories of Mediterranean battles, Persian invasion of Greece in 480 B.C being one of them.