May 2025: Fenix Insight investigations into CBRN activities
This newsletter provides executive summaries of several investigations by Fenix Insight analysts into the reported deployment and discoveries of chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) materiel and munitions throughout the world.
We hope this overview of some of our investigations is of interest to you. All of these reports are available in full, along with others. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
First investigation: Improvised chemical dispersal device in Ukraine
An improvised toxic chemical dispersal device, delivered by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), has been reported in April 2025 in Ukraine. The device appears designed for aerosolization or droplet dispersion over a target area via airburst.
It is claimed that the contents are chloropicrin, which is prohibited as a warfare agent by the Chemical Weapons Convention, and chloroacetophenone (CN), which is not specifically named but falls under the prohibition of riot control agents in warfare.
The exact origin of the device, or quantity of its production, is unclear.
Second investigation: Identification of possible chemical mortar bomb in Sinjar Iraq
Imagery of abandoned explosive ordnance/ unexploded ordnance obtained from Sinjar, Iraq, in 2025 has lead to the identification of a reused, modified, 120 mm, 53-S-843, illumination mortar bomb.
While it cannot be confirmed that the munition contained a chemical agent, previously documented events in Sinjar, along with Mosul where a similar munition was discovered, suggest that this is likely.
It is probable that similar munitions will be found throughout areas where ISIS operates, or has operated previously. The re-use of munitions creates uncertainty when discovered, with varying: fills; fuzing; components and delivery methods to be expected.
Third investigation: Reported Chinese sodium perchlorate shipment to Iran
An article by the Financial Times (FT), followed by a separate report by CNN, alleged that China is assisting Iran’s ballistic missile production by providing a key component in solid propellant manufacture.
Iran and China are known to have a long-standing relationship, with Iran likely highly dependent on this agreement, due to Israeli strikes on its missile production facilities and international sanctions.
The provision of sodium perchlorate from China can allow production of ammonium perchlorate, a vital component in solid propellant, incorporated in some ballistic missiles, speeding up Iran’s capability to re-arm itself.
Iran is known to have multiple solid-propellant-based ballistic missiles in its arsenal, and has employed these in multiple operations against Israel during 2024.
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We hope this overview of some of our investigations is of interest to you. All of these reports are available in full, along with others. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.