A chili grenade is a type of non-lethal weapon being investigated for use by the Indian Armed Forces.[1]
The grenades use the world's spiciest chili pepper species in weaponized form. The weapon emits a powerful skin and eye irritant as well as pungent smell that causes enemies to leave their cover or become physically overcome by the grenade's load.
The weapon would be similar to tear gas.[2] However, use of any chemical weapons in warfare is banned by international treaties.
The pepper being used is the thumb-sized "bhut jolokia," or "ghost chili," which had been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the hottest pepper in the world until the Naga Viper chili took the crown a few years later, making it the current Guinness recognized record for world's hottest pepper.[3]