Main content

The invention of Semtex

In 1958, Stanislav Brebera invented Semtex. It was a malleable, odourless and stable plastic explosive which became the choice weapon for those seeking to spread terror.

In 1958, Stanislav Brebera invented Semtex.

It was a malleable, odourless and stable plastic explosive which became the choice weapon for those seeking to spread terror.

In 2018, Maria Jestafjeva spoke to Mirisov Brebera, the brother of the chemist who created it.

(Photo: Semtex. Credit: Getty Images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Thu 23 Feb 202303:50GMT
BBC World Service except South Asia

More episodes

Previous

Seggae riots in Mauritius

Next

Families interned in WW2 China

See all episodes from Witness History

Broadcasts

  • Wed 22 Feb 202308:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Wed 22 Feb 202312:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Wed 22 Feb 202318:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Wed 22 Feb 202323:50GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Thu 23 Feb 202300:50GMT
    BBC World Service South Asia
  • Thu 23 Feb 202303:50GMT
    BBC World Service except South Asia

Featured in...

Podcast