In Wartime

survivability of weapon systems and platforms as a result of reduced levels of damage caused by enemy strikes or credible accidents.

casualty rates and mission losses. reduced losses of ammunition as a result of enemy strikes on or credible accidents in magazines and storage areas.

In Peacetime

reduced risks in storage leading to better utilisation of and a probable reduction in both the number and size of storage areas.

risks in handling and more economical use of transport.

damage from accidents and hence relaxation of restrictions applied to achieve an acceptable level of safety. Many North atlantic Treaty Organisation (NaTO) countries and other allies of the US are supporting the insensitive munitions programme. as far as indigenous developments are concerned, the High energy Materials research Laboratory of The Defence research and Development Organisation (DrDO) claims to have developed 12 compositions in the insensitive munitions category along with CL-20, the worldÕs Ômost powerfulÕ non-nuclear explosive. These would find applications in warheads, rockets or gun propellants. Laboratory production of these has also been established.

In conclusion it can thus be seen that navies are very conscious and proactive about structural safety of magazines, safety procedures during handling as also researching into sensitivity reduction of explosives to ensure enhanced safety of men and material onboard warships.