What is the primary purpose of depleted uranium in military applications?

The primary purpose of depleted uranium in military applications is to penetrate armor, making it highly effective for use in munitions such as armor-piercing projectiles. Depleted uranium is denser than lead, which allows it to maintain a high kinetic energy when fired, enabling it to penetrate thick armor plating found on modern military vehicles. The combination of its density and pyrophoric properties means that when a depleted uranium projectile strikes a target, it can create significant damage, both by piercing the armor and igniting upon impact, leading to further destabilization of the target.

Other options do not align with the established roles of depleted uranium in military contexts. It is not used as a fuel source for military vehicles, nor does it contribute to communication systems. While depleted uranium may enhance the durability of some components in weaponry through its strength, the primary utility in military operations remains its ability to breach armored defenses effectively. This specialized use is why depleted uranium is often found in modern tank shells and anti-tank weapons.