What is the primary function of high explosive (HE) munitions?

High explosive (HE) munitions are designed primarily to detonate upon impact, resulting in a rapid release of energy in the form of an explosion. This explosive reaction generates a shock wave and produces a significant amount of pressure, leading to destruction in the target area. The primary function of HE munitions is thus to deliver a powerful explosive effect on target, which maximizes damage and lethality.

While fragmentation on impact can be a characteristic of some munitions, it is not the primary purpose of high explosives. Similarly, creating a smoke screen involves different munitions and chemical compositions that are not classified as HE. Penetrating hard targets often requires specialized munitions, such as shaped charges or armor-piercing rounds, rather than standard high explosive munitions. Hence, the defining attribute of HE is its capacity to explode on impact, making the provided answer accurate in capturing the essential purpose of these types of munitions.