Joint DoD-DoE Munitions Technology Development

The mission of the Joint DoW/DOE Munitions Technology Development Program (JMP) is to develop new and innovative science and technology (S&T) to enable significant advancements in the state-of-the-art for conventional munitions. The JMP portfolio comprises essential, cross-cutting, and foundational S&T investments that enable future force operational capabilities in the near, mid, and far term to reestablish deterrence. Additionally, JMP’s efforts form the foundation of DoW munitions research design, testing, and manufacturing. A memorandum of understanding signed in 1985 between the Department of War and Department of Energy provides the basis for the cooperative effort and for cost sharing the mutually beneficial technology advancements. The funding budgeted by the DoW to the primary JMP effort of this program are matched, at a minimum, dollar for dollar by the DOE. Through this interdepartmental cooperation, the DoW leverages DOE’s substantial investments in intellectual capital, highly specialized skills, advanced scientific equipment and facilities, and computational tools not available within the DoW. This includes developing computational tools, which leverage AI technologies, to aid munitions designers in developing novel HEAs, advanced energetics, and fast running damage models for improved assessment of maritime lethality. JMP advancements impact a wide range of munitions including One-Way Attack, counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technologies and munitions that may be utilized for Homeland Missile Defense. The integration of DOE technologies with DoW Joint Services’ needs has provided major advances in munition capabilities over many years and continues to play a crucial role in the exploration, development, and transition of new technologies needed by the services. The JMP has established a successful collaborative community of DoW and DOE scientists and engineers that develop technologies of interest to both Departments. A structured cadence of threat informed requirements development, Joint Service informed portfolio development, and bi-annual technical reviews ensure that the JMP’s investments address high-priority DoW gaps, needs, and challenges.