Tech 101: Defense Energetic Materials: Why They Matter for the Future Fight

Every modern weapon – from missiles and torpedoes to artillery shells and flares – depends on energetic materials: explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics that release vast amounts of energy in an instant. Yet most of the compounds in use today were discovered decades ago, and the U.S. defense enterprise faces mounting challenges from brittle supply chains, an aging industrial base, and rapid advances abroad.

This Tech 101 webinar will provide a clear, accessible introduction to the science and engineering of energetics, explaining how different formulations drive the range, speed, and lethality of weapons. It will highlight why energetics are once again a central factor in military competition with China and Russia, and what it means for defense professionals across acquisition, operations, and industry. The session will also survey ongoing U.S. government initiatives – from revitalizing production plants to advancing next-generation explosives like CL-20 – and discuss what still needs to be done to ensure that America’s warfighters have the tools required to prevail. Join Dr. Marcus Jones for a grounded, non-technical but technically rich overview of this critical field, followed by Q&A. Whether you are new to energetics or seeking to understand why they are emerging as a top defense priority, this briefing will equip you with the context to engage in one of the most important conversations shaping U.S. national security today.