BLUF
The author asserts the Pentagon should assess advanced energetic materials like CL-20 by their system-wide benefits—not just upfront costs. Greater range and lethality could reduce munition use, platform losses and overall military spending.Learning Outcomes
- Explain the role of advanced energetic materials such as CL-20 in enhancing the range, lethality, and operational effectiveness of modern military munitions.
- Evaluate the strategic and economic trade-offs associated with adopting novel energetics, including their upfront costs versus long-term benefits across military kill chains, force packages, and campaign outcomes.
- Assess the potential impact of integrating improved energetics on force structure, weapon stockpiles, platform survivability, logistics, and future defence capabilities in high-intensity conflicts.
