A conventional weapon is a weapon that does not incorporate toxic chemical, biological or nuclear payloads. The phrase is a retronym, used to describe the arsenal that existed before the other categories of weapons were heavily researched and developed in the 20th century. Although the term 'conventional weapons' is primarily used to refer to explosive weapons the UN Convention on Conventional Weapons also includes controls on blinding laser and incendiary weapons.
There are several international treaties that deal with restrictions on conventional weapons.
