JP.233 was developed as a means to destroy, and prevent repair, of Warsaw Pact airfields. The pod was in two sections each carrying a different sub-munition: The rear section carries SG.357 anti-runway weapons, which penetrates the runway surface before exploding and cratering the runway. The forward portion carried HB.876 area denial mines that are scattered around the damaged area. These mines create a hazard for any repair teams.
JP.233 was carried by Panavia Tornadoes and was used operationally in the 1991 Gulf War. However, the vast airfields built in Iraq provided many alternative runways that could be used in the event of an airfield denial attack. The other problem was that the Iraqi air defences were very heavy and possessed many light anti-aircraft guns. Since the Tornadoes were required to overfly the target at very low level, the AAA took its toll. This prompted the RAF to re-assess its tactics and draw up a requirement for a stand-off weapon to attack targets such as airfields.
The JP.233 submunitions were later banned under the Ottawa Protocol that bans the use of landmines.
The example in the photograph is on display at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.
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