A significant development in this timeline is the design and deployment of mecha called Armoured Fighting Walkers (AFWs). They were used with negligible effect in the European theatre of war after Hitler ordered their deployment at the Battle of Kursk, however they proved more effective in the rugged terrain of Japan and other countries. The establishment of a no fly zone over Japan under the RACINI Treaty - based on the presumption that nuclear weapons could only be delivered by airplane - has furthered AFW development. However, this treaty does not prevent the use of nuclear weapons by AFWs or ballistic missiles should one of the sides decide to develop such weapons.