munitions

Munitions are weapons and their associated ammunition designed for use in military, security, or law-enforcement contexts. The term encompasses devices that deliver, generate, or utilize explosive, incendiary, kinetic, or chemical energy, including ordnance, projectiles, fuzes, propellants, and detonators. Common examples include bullets, artillery shells, bombs, grenades, rockets, missiles, torpedoes, and mines. Training rounds and inert components are often treated separately from operational munitions.

Munitions are commonly grouped into conventional munitions (small arms ammunition, artillery rounds, bombs and missiles), specialized munitions (anti-tank rounds, air-delivered or guided weapons), and non-combat training or inert items. Some systems combine sensing, guidance, and propulsion to improve accuracy and effectiveness, such as precision-guided munitions.

Munitions are produced by defense contractors and state suppliers under regulated processes that cover material quality, safety testing, and certification. After manufacture, items undergo inspection, storage in controlled facilities, and distribution through military or authorized civilian channels. Destruction and repurposing of surplus or nonfunctional munitions is a common part of lifecycle management.

Munitions pose risks of accidental detonation and environmental contamination. Safe handling requires trained personnel, controlled environments, and adherence to safety standards. Demilitarization and disposal programs dismantle, recover usable materials, or render items inert to prevent unauthorized use.

International humanitarian law governs the use of munitions in armed conflict. National export controls, arms treaties, and regimes such as cluster-munition bans and broader disarmament initiatives regulate production, transfer, and stockpiling. Efforts focus on stockpile safety, nonproliferation, and safe disposal.