diff --git a/code/particle/ParticleEffect.h b/code/particle/ParticleEffect.h
index 72dd1d700bd..2f283f77a06 100644
--- a/code/particle/ParticleEffect.h
+++ b/code/particle/ParticleEffect.h
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 class EffectHost;
 
 //Due to parsing shenanigans in weapons, this needs a forward-declare here
-int parse_weapon(int, bool, const char*);
+int parse_weapon(int, bool, const char*, bool);
 namespace scripting::api {
 	particle::ParticleEffectHandle getLegacyScriptingParticleEffect(int bitmap, bool reversed);
 }
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ class ParticleEffect {
 	friend struct effects::EffectAttachment;
 	friend struct ParticleParse;
 	friend class ParticleManager;
-	friend int ::parse_weapon(int, bool, const char*);
+	friend int ::parse_weapon(int, bool, const char*, bool);
 	friend ParticleEffectHandle scripting::api::getLegacyScriptingParticleEffect(int bitmap, bool reversed);
 	friend bool move_particle(float frametime, particle* part);
 	friend bool render_particle(particle* part);
diff --git a/code/particle/volumes/ConeVolume.h b/code/particle/volumes/ConeVolume.h
index ff583bc73ac..d5d2d147a55 100644
--- a/code/particle/volumes/ConeVolume.h
+++ b/code/particle/volumes/ConeVolume.h
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 
 namespace particle {
 	class ConeVolume : public ParticleVolume {
-		friend int ::parse_weapon(int, bool, const char*);
+		friend int ::parse_weapon(int, bool, const char*, bool);
 
 		::util::ParsedRandomFloatRange m_deviation;
 		::util::ParsedRandomFloatRange m_length;
diff --git a/code/ship/ship.cpp b/code/ship/ship.cpp
index 123ba8783b4..f1d45b05e94 100644
--- a/code/ship/ship.cpp
+++ b/code/ship/ship.cpp
@@ -1083,8 +1083,6 @@ const float DEFAULT_ASK_HELP_HULL_PERCENT = 0.3f;   // percent hull at which shi
 const float AWACS_HELP_HULL_HI = 0.75f;     // percent hull at which ship will ask for help
 const float AWACS_HELP_HULL_LOW = 0.25f;    // percent hull at which ship will ask for help
 
-#define CLONE_UNIQUE_PTR(attribute) attribute = util::unique_copy(other.attribute.get(), true)
-
 void ship_info::clone(const ship_info& other)
 {
 	strcpy_s(name, other.name);
diff --git a/code/utils/string_utils.h b/code/utils/string_utils.h
index 707e9b80523..59949999f7f 100644
--- a/code/utils/string_utils.h
+++ b/code/utils/string_utils.h
@@ -39,3 +39,5 @@ std::unique_ptr<char[]> unique_copy(const char *str, bool null_if_empty);
 SCP_vm_unique_ptr<char> vm_unique_copy(const char *str, bool null_if_empty);
 
 } // namespace util
+
+#define CLONE_UNIQUE_PTR(attribute) attribute = util::unique_copy(other.attribute.get(), true)
diff --git a/code/weapon/weapon.h b/code/weapon/weapon.h
index ecb122486fd..1df50bf5f46 100644
--- a/code/weapon/weapon.h
+++ b/code/weapon/weapon.h
@@ -961,6 +961,7 @@ struct weapon_info
 	bool has_display_name() const;
 
 	void reset();
+	void clone(const weapon_info& other);
 };
 
 extern special_flag_def_list_new<Weapon::Info_Flags, weapon_info*, flagset<Weapon::Info_Flags>&> Weapon_Info_Flags[];
diff --git a/code/weapon/weapons.cpp b/code/weapon/weapons.cpp
index f147f081c8a..851e3947885 100644
--- a/code/weapon/weapons.cpp
+++ b/code/weapon/weapons.cpp
@@ -66,6 +66,7 @@
 #include "particle/volumes/PointVolume.h"
 #include "tracing/Monitor.h"
 #include "tracing/tracing.h"
+#include "utils/string_utils.h"
 #include "weapon.h"
 #include "model/modelrender.h"
 
@@ -87,9 +88,10 @@ SCP_unordered_map<SCP_string, delayed_ssm_index_data> Delayed_SSM_indices_data;
 SCP_vector<SCP_string> Delayed_SSM_indices;
 
 // Temporary storage for proximity type/class names pending resolution after ship_init().
-// Keyed by weapon_info_index (not name) so a duplicate-named entry can't clobber another's pending list.
-static SCP_unordered_map<int, SCP_vector<SCP_string>> Pending_proximity_type_names;
-static SCP_unordered_map<int, SCP_vector<SCP_string>> Pending_proximity_class_names;
+// Keyed by the parse key (the name, prefixed with $Template: for templates) so a duplicate-named entry can't clobber
+// another's pending list.
+static SCP_unordered_map<SCP_string, SCP_vector<SCP_string>> Pending_proximity_type_names;
+static SCP_unordered_map<SCP_string, SCP_vector<SCP_string>> Pending_proximity_class_names;
 
 
 #ifndef NDEBUG
@@ -101,6 +103,7 @@ static TIMESTAMP Weapon_flyby_sound_timer;
 
 weapon Weapons[MAX_WEAPONS];
 SCP_vector<weapon_info> Weapon_info;
+static SCP_vector<weapon_info> Weapon_templates;
 
 #define		MISSILE_OBJ_USED	(1<<0)			// flag used in missile_obj struct
 #define		MAX_MISSILE_OBJS	MAX_WEAPONS		// max number of missiles tracked in missile list
@@ -381,6 +384,17 @@ int weapon_info_lookup(const char *name)
 	return -1;
 }
 
+static int weapon_template_lookup(const char *name)
+{
+	Assertion(name != nullptr, "NULL name passed to weapon_template_lookup");
+
+	for (auto it = Weapon_templates.cbegin(); it != Weapon_templates.cend(); ++it)
+		if (!stricmp(name, it->name))
+			return (int)std::distance(Weapon_templates.cbegin(), it);
+
+	return -1;
+}
+
 //	Parse the weapon flags.
 void parse_wi_flags(weapon_info *weaponp)
 {
@@ -499,7 +513,7 @@ void parse_wi_flags(weapon_info *weaponp)
     }
 
     if (weaponp->wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::Local_ssm]) {
-        if (!weaponp->is_homing() || weaponp->subtype != WP_MISSILE) {
+        if (!weaponp->is_homing() || (weaponp->subtype != WP_MISSILE && weaponp->subtype != WP_UNUSED)) {
             Warning(LOCATION, "local ssm must be guided missile: %s", weaponp->name);
         }
     }
@@ -644,9 +658,55 @@ struct pspew_legacy_parse_data {
        SCP_string particle_spew_anim;
 };
 
-static SCP_unordered_map<int, SCP_unordered_map<int, pspew_legacy_parse_data>> pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer;
+static SCP_unordered_map<SCP_string, SCP_unordered_map<int, pspew_legacy_parse_data>> pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer;
 static bool pspew_do_warning = false;
 
+// templates and weapons may share a name, so their parse-time side data must not share a key
+static SCP_string weapon_parse_key(const char *name, bool is_template)
+{
+	return is_template ? SCP_string("$Template:") + name : SCP_string(name);
+}
+
+static void weapon_copy_delayed_parse_data(const SCP_string& from, const SCP_string& to)
+{
+	auto ssm = Delayed_SSM_data.find(from);
+	if (ssm != Delayed_SSM_data.end()) {
+		if (Delayed_SSM_data.find(to) == Delayed_SSM_data.end())
+			Delayed_SSM_names.emplace_back(to);
+		Delayed_SSM_data[to] = ssm->second;
+	}
+
+	auto ssm_index = Delayed_SSM_indices_data.find(from);
+	if (ssm_index != Delayed_SSM_indices_data.end()) {
+		if (Delayed_SSM_indices_data.find(to) == Delayed_SSM_indices_data.end())
+			Delayed_SSM_indices.emplace_back(to);
+		Delayed_SSM_indices_data[to] = ssm_index->second;
+	}
+
+	auto pspew = pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer.find(from);
+	if (pspew != pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer.end())
+		pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer[to] = pspew->second;
+
+	auto prox_type = Pending_proximity_type_names.find(from);
+	if (prox_type != Pending_proximity_type_names.end())
+		Pending_proximity_type_names[to] = prox_type->second;
+
+	auto prox_class = Pending_proximity_class_names.find(from);
+	if (prox_class != Pending_proximity_class_names.end())
+		Pending_proximity_class_names[to] = prox_class->second;
+}
+
+static void weapon_remove_delayed_parse_data(const SCP_string& name)
+{
+	Delayed_SSM_data.erase(name);
+	Delayed_SSM_names.erase(std::remove(Delayed_SSM_names.begin(), Delayed_SSM_names.end(), name), Delayed_SSM_names.end());
+	Delayed_SSM_indices_data.erase(name);
+	Delayed_SSM_indices.erase(std::remove(Delayed_SSM_indices.begin(), Delayed_SSM_indices.end(), name), Delayed_SSM_indices.end());
+	pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer.erase(name);
+	Pending_proximity_type_names.erase(name);
+	Pending_proximity_class_names.erase(name);
+}
+
 static particle::ParticleEffectHandle convertLegacyPspewBuffer(const pspew_legacy_parse_data& pspew_buffer, const weapon_info* wip) {
 	auto particle_spew_count = static_cast<float>(pspew_buffer.particle_spew_count);
 	float particle_spew_spawns_per_second = 1000.f / static_cast<float>(pspew_buffer.particle_spew_time);
@@ -766,18 +826,26 @@ static particle::ParticleEffectHandle convertLegacyPspewBuffer(const pspew_legac
  * Parse the information for a specific ship type.
  * Return weapon index if successful, otherwise return -1
  */
-int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
+int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename, bool is_template)
 {
 	char buf[NAME_LENGTH];
 	char fname[NAME_LENGTH];
+	char template_name[NAME_LENGTH];
 	weapon_info *wip = nullptr;
 	int iff, idx;
 	int primary_rearm_rate_specified=0;
 	bool first_time = false;
 	bool create_if_not_found = true;
 	bool remove_weapon = false;
-
-	required_string("$Name:");
+	bool new_entry = false;
+	bool use_template = false;
+	bool use_weapon = false;
+	bool subtype_defaults = false;
+	bool untyped_template = false;
+	bool from_template = false;
+	SCP_string parse_key;
+
+	required_string(is_template ? "$Template:" : "$Name:");
 	stuff_string(fname, F_NAME, NAME_LENGTH);
 
 	// Remove @ symbol -- these used to denote weapons that would only be parsed in demo builds
@@ -788,81 +856,186 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 	diag_printf("Weapon name -- %s\n", fname);
 
 	if(optional_string("+nocreate")) {
-		if(!replace) {
-			Warning(LOCATION, "+nocreate flag used for weapon in non-modular table");
+		if (is_template) {
+			Warning(LOCATION, "+nocreate flag used on weapon template '%s'. Weapon templates can not be modified. Ignoring +nocreate.", fname);
+		} else {
+			if(!replace) {
+				Warning(LOCATION, "+nocreate flag used for weapon in non-modular table");
+			}
+			create_if_not_found = false;
 		}
-		create_if_not_found = false;
 	}
 
 	// check first if this is on the remove blacklist
 	auto it = std::find(Removed_weapons.begin(), Removed_weapons.end(), fname);
-	if (it != Removed_weapons.end()) {
+	if (!is_template && it != Removed_weapons.end()) {
 		remove_weapon = true;
 	}
-	
+
 	// we might have a remove tag
 	if (optional_string("+remove")) {
-		if (!replace) {
-			Warning(LOCATION, "+remove flag used for weapon in non-modular table");
-		}
-		if (!remove_weapon) {
-			Removed_weapons.push_back(fname);
-			remove_weapon = true;
+		if (is_template) {
+			Warning(LOCATION, "+remove flag used on weapon template '%s'. Weapon templates can not be removed. Ignoring +remove.", fname);
+		} else {
+			if (!replace) {
+				Warning(LOCATION, "+remove flag used for weapon in non-modular table");
+			}
+			if (!remove_weapon) {
+				Removed_weapons.emplace_back(fname);
+				remove_weapon = true;
+			}
 		}
 	}
 
-	//Check if weapon exists already
-	int w_id = weapon_info_lookup(fname);
-
-	// maybe remove it
-	if (remove_weapon)
-	{
-		if (w_id >= 0) {
-			mprintf(("Removing previously parsed weapon '%s'\n", fname));
-			Weapon_info.erase(Weapon_info.begin() + w_id);
-		}
+	if (optional_string("+Use Template:")) {
+		stuff_string(template_name, F_NAME, NAME_LENGTH);
+		use_template = true;
+	}
 
-		if (!skip_to_start_of_string_either("$Name:", "#End")) {
-			error_display(1, "Missing [#End] or [$Name] after weapon class %s", fname);
+	if (optional_string("+Use Weapon as Template:")) {
+		if (is_template) {
+			Warning(LOCATION, "'+Use Weapon as Template:' is not supported on weapon template '%s', ignoring it", fname);
+			stuff_string(buf, F_NAME, NAME_LENGTH);
+		} else if (use_template) {
+			Warning(LOCATION, "Both '+Use Template:' and '+Use Weapon as Template:' were specified for weapon '%s', ignoring '+Use Weapon as Template:'", fname);
+			stuff_string(buf, F_NAME, NAME_LENGTH);
+		} else {
+			stuff_string(template_name, F_NAME, NAME_LENGTH);
+			use_weapon = true;
 		}
-		return -1;
 	}
 
-	// an entry for this weapon exists
-	if (w_id >= 0)
+	int w_id = -1;
+
+	if (is_template)
 	{
-		wip = &Weapon_info[w_id];
-		if (!replace)
-		{
-			Warning(LOCATION, "Weapon name %s already exists in weapons.tbl.  All weapon names must be unique; the second entry has been skipped", fname);
-			if (!skip_to_start_of_string_either("$Name:", "#End")) {
-				error_display(1, "Missing [#End] or [$Name] after duplicate weapon %s", fname);
+		if (weapon_template_lookup(fname) >= 0) {
+			Warning(LOCATION, "Weapon template %s already exists.  All weapon template names must be unique; the second entry has been skipped", fname);
+			if (!skip_to_start_of_string_either("$Template:", "#End")) {
+				error_display(1, "Missing [#End] or [$Template] after duplicate weapon template %s", fname);
 			}
 			return -1;
 		}
+
+		w_id = static_cast<int>(Weapon_templates.size());
+		Weapon_templates.emplace_back();
+		wip = &Weapon_templates.back();
+		first_time = true;
+		new_entry = true;
+
+		strcpy_s(wip->name, fname);
 	}
-	// an entry does not exist
 	else
 	{
-		// Don't create weapon if it has +nocreate and is in a modular table.
-		if (!create_if_not_found && replace)
+		w_id = weapon_info_lookup(fname);
+
+		// maybe remove it
+		if (remove_weapon)
 		{
-			if (!skip_to_start_of_string_either("$Name:", "#End")) {
-				error_display(1, "Missing [#End] or [$Name] after weapon %s", fname);
+			if (w_id >= 0) {
+				mprintf(("Removing previously parsed weapon '%s'\n", fname));
+				Weapon_info.erase(Weapon_info.begin() + w_id);
 			}
 
+			if (!skip_to_start_of_string_either("$Name:", "#End")) {
+				error_display(1, "Missing [#End] or [$Name] after weapon class %s", fname);
+			}
 			return -1;
 		}
 
-		w_id = weapon_info_size();
-		Weapon_info.push_back(weapon_info());
-		wip = &Weapon_info.back();
-		first_time = true;
+		// an entry for this weapon exists
+		if (w_id >= 0)
+		{
+			wip = &Weapon_info[w_id];
+			if (!replace)
+			{
+				Warning(LOCATION, "Weapon name %s already exists in weapons.tbl.  All weapon names must be unique; the second entry has been skipped", fname);
+				if (!skip_to_start_of_string_either("$Name:", "#End")) {
+					error_display(1, "Missing [#End] or [$Name] after duplicate weapon %s", fname);
+				}
+				return -1;
+			}
 
-		strcpy_s(wip->name, fname);
+			if (use_template || use_weapon) {
+				Warning(LOCATION, "A template was specified for weapon '%s', which already exists.  Templates can only be used when a weapon is first defined; ignoring template request...", fname);
+				use_template = false;
+				use_weapon = false;
+			}
+		}
+		// an entry does not exist
+		else
+		{
+			// Don't create weapon if it has +nocreate and is in a modular table.
+			if (!create_if_not_found && replace)
+			{
+				if (use_template || use_weapon) {
+					Warning(LOCATION, "Both '+nocreate' and a template were specified for weapon '%s', ignoring template request...", fname);
+				}
 
+				if (!skip_to_start_of_string_either("$Name:", "#End")) {
+					error_display(1, "Missing [#End] or [$Name] after weapon %s", fname);
+				}
+
+				return -1;
+			}
+
+			w_id = weapon_info_size();
+			Weapon_info.emplace_back();
+			wip = &Weapon_info.back();
+			first_time = true;
+			new_entry = true;
+
+			strcpy_s(wip->name, fname);
+		}
+	}
+
+	if (use_template || use_weapon)
+	{
+		const weapon_info *source = nullptr;
+
+		if (use_template) {
+			int template_id = weapon_template_lookup(template_name);
+			if (template_id < 0) {
+				Warning(LOCATION, "Unable to find weapon template '%s' requested by %s '%s', ignoring template request...", template_name, is_template ? "weapon template" : "weapon", fname);
+			} else if (is_template && template_id == w_id) {
+				Warning(LOCATION, "Weapon template '%s' requested itself as a template, ignoring template request...", fname);
+			} else {
+				source = &Weapon_templates[template_id];
+			}
+		} else {
+			int source_id = weapon_info_lookup(template_name);
+			if (source_id < 0) {
+				Warning(LOCATION, "Unable to find weapon '%s' requested as a template by weapon '%s', ignoring template request...", template_name, fname);
+			} else if (source_id == w_id) {
+				Warning(LOCATION, "Weapon '%s' requested itself as a template, ignoring template request...", fname);
+			} else {
+				source = &Weapon_info[source_id];
+			}
+		}
+
+		if (source != nullptr) {
+			// a template with no $Subtype: carries no section defaults; the derived weapon's section adds the missile flag and warns about the rest
+			subtype_defaults = !is_template && (source->subtype == WP_UNUSED);
+			wip->clone(*source);
+			first_time = false;
+			strcpy_s(wip->name, fname);
+			for (size_t j = 0; j < wip->num_substitution_patterns; ++j) {
+				if (!stricmp(wip->weapon_substitution_pattern_names[j], source->name)) {
+					strcpy_s(wip->weapon_substitution_pattern_names[j], wip->name);
+				}
+			}
+			wip->animations.changeShipName(wip->name);
+			weapon_copy_delayed_parse_data(weapon_parse_key(source->name, use_template), weapon_parse_key(wip->name, is_template));
+			from_template = true;
+		}
+	}
+
+	parse_key = weapon_parse_key(wip->name, is_template);
+
+	if (new_entry && !is_template)
+	{
 		// if this name has a hash, create a default display name
-		if (get_pointer_to_first_hash_symbol(wip->name)) {
+		if (!wip->has_display_name() && get_pointer_to_first_hash_symbol(wip->name)) {
 			wip->display_name = wip->name;
 			end_string_at_first_hash_symbol(wip->display_name, true);
 			consolidate_double_characters(wip->display_name, '#');
@@ -898,19 +1071,24 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 			Warning(LOCATION, "Unknown subtype on weapon '%s'", wip->name);
 		}
 	}
-	else if(wip->subtype != WP_UNUSED && !first_time)
+	else if(!is_template && wip->subtype != WP_UNUSED && !first_time)
 	{
 		if(wip->subtype != subtype) {
 			Warning(LOCATION, "Type of weapon %s entry does not agree with original entry type.", wip->name);
 		}
 	}
-	else
+	else if (!is_template)
 	{
 		wip->subtype = subtype;
 	}
 
+	if (is_template) {
+		subtype = wip->subtype;
+		untyped_template = (subtype == WP_UNUSED);
+	}
+
 	// assign subtype-specific flags
-	if (first_time)
+	if (first_time || subtype_defaults)
 	{
 		if (wip->subtype == WP_MISSILE)
 			wip->wi_flags.set(Weapon::Info_Flags::Detonate_on_expiration);
@@ -1374,14 +1552,12 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 			}
 		}
 
-		const int wi_index = static_cast<int>(wip - Weapon_info.data());
-
 		if (optional_string("+Proximity Type:")) {
-			stuff_string_list(Pending_proximity_type_names[wi_index]);
+			stuff_string_list(Pending_proximity_type_names[parse_key]);
 		}
 
 		if (optional_string("+Proximity Class:")) {
-			stuff_string_list(Pending_proximity_class_names[wi_index]);
+			stuff_string_list(Pending_proximity_class_names[parse_key]);
 		}
 
 		// Launcher-relative filter: hostile/friendly/neutral, combinable. Default (no entry) = any relation.
@@ -1951,13 +2127,15 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 
 	if(optional_string("$Free Flight Time:")) {
 		stuff_float(&(wip->free_flight_time));
-	} else if(first_time && wip->is_homing()) {
+	} else if(first_time && !untyped_template && wip->is_homing()) {
 		if (subtype == WP_LASER) {
 			wip->free_flight_time = HOMING_DEFAULT_PRIMARY_FREE_FLIGHT_TIME;
 		}
 		else {
 			wip->free_flight_time = HOMING_DEFAULT_FREE_FLIGHT_TIME;
 		}
+	} else if (subtype_defaults && wip->is_homing() && wip->free_flight_time == 0.0f) {
+		Warning(LOCATION, "Weapon '%s' was built from a template with no $Subtype: and sets no $Free Flight Time:; keeping %.2f from the template", wip->name, wip->free_flight_time);
 	}
 
 	if (optional_string("$Free Flight Speed:")) {
@@ -2099,7 +2277,7 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 		}
 	}
 	// This setting requires a default if not specified, otherwise, rearming will break. - Cyborg17
-	if (wip->reloaded_per_batch == -1) {
+	if (wip->reloaded_per_batch == -1 && !untyped_template) {
 		if (subtype == WP_MISSILE) {
 			wip->reloaded_per_batch = REARM_NUM_MISSILES_PER_BATCH;
 		} else {
@@ -2181,6 +2359,10 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 				Warning(LOCATION, "$Rearm Rate for ballistic primary %s not specified.  Defaulting to 100...\n", wip->name);
 				wip->rearm_rate = 100.0f;
 			}
+			else if (!primary_rearm_rate_specified && subtype_defaults && wip->rearm_rate == 1.0f)
+			{
+				Warning(LOCATION, "Ballistic primary %s was built from a template with no $Subtype: and sets no $Rearm Rate; keeping %.2f from the template\n", wip->name, wip->rearm_rate);
+			}
 		}
 		// not ballistic
 		else
@@ -2194,7 +2376,7 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 
 	}
 	// secondary
-	else
+	else if (!untyped_template)
 	{
 		// ballistic
 		if (wip->wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::Ballistic])
@@ -2214,7 +2396,7 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 	}
 
 	// also make sure secondaries and ballistic primaries do not have 0 cargo size
-	if (subtype == WP_MISSILE || wip->wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::Ballistic])
+	if ((subtype == WP_MISSILE || wip->wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::Ballistic]) && !untyped_template)
 	{
 		if (wip->cargo_size == 0.0f)
 		{
@@ -2653,7 +2835,7 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 		wip->state_effects[WeaponState::NORMAL] = effetIdx;
 	}
 
-	if (wip->subtype == WP_MISSILE)
+	if (wip->subtype == WP_MISSILE || untyped_template)
 	{
 		if (optional_string("$Freeflight Effect:")) {
 			auto effetIdx = particle::util::parseEffect(wip->name);
@@ -3869,7 +4051,7 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 				wip->particle_spewers[spew_index] = particle::util::parseEffect(wip->name);
 			}
 			else { // we have a valid index, now parse the spewer already
-				auto& pspew_buffer = pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer[WEAPON_INFO_INDEX(wip)][spew_index];
+				auto& pspew_buffer = pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer[parse_key][spew_index];
 				if (pspew_buffer.particle_spew_type == PSPEW_NONE) {
 					//This must be an uninitialized effect, store defaults.
 					pspew_buffer.particle_spew_count = 1;
@@ -3972,7 +4154,7 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 			if (wip->particle_spewers.empty()) {
 				wip->particle_spewers.emplace_back(particle::ParticleEffectHandle::invalid());
 			}
-			auto& pspew_buffer = pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer[WEAPON_INFO_INDEX(wip)][0];
+			auto& pspew_buffer = pspew_legacy_parse_data_buffer[parse_key][0];
 			pspew_buffer.particle_spew_count = 1;
 			pspew_buffer.particle_spew_time = 25;
 			pspew_buffer.particle_spew_vel = 0.4f;
@@ -4003,17 +4185,21 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 			temp_data.filename = filename;
 			temp_data.linenum = get_line_num();
 			temp_data.ssm_entry = fname;
-			if (Delayed_SSM_data.find(wip->name) == Delayed_SSM_data.end())
-				Delayed_SSM_names.push_back(wip->name);
-			Delayed_SSM_data[wip->name] = std::move(temp_data);
+			if (Delayed_SSM_data.find(parse_key) == Delayed_SSM_data.end())
+				Delayed_SSM_names.push_back(parse_key);
+			Delayed_SSM_data[parse_key] = std::move(temp_data);
+			Delayed_SSM_indices_data.erase(parse_key);
+			Delayed_SSM_indices.erase(std::remove(Delayed_SSM_indices.begin(), Delayed_SSM_indices.end(), parse_key), Delayed_SSM_indices.end());
 		} else {
 			// We'll still want to validate the index later. -MageKing17
 			delayed_ssm_index_data temp_data;
 			temp_data.filename = filename;
 			temp_data.linenum = get_line_num();
-			if (Delayed_SSM_indices_data.find(wip->name) == Delayed_SSM_indices_data.end())
-				Delayed_SSM_indices.push_back(wip->name);
-			Delayed_SSM_indices_data[wip->name] = std::move(temp_data);
+			if (Delayed_SSM_indices_data.find(parse_key) == Delayed_SSM_indices_data.end())
+				Delayed_SSM_indices.push_back(parse_key);
+			Delayed_SSM_indices_data[parse_key] = std::move(temp_data);
+			Delayed_SSM_data.erase(parse_key);
+			Delayed_SSM_names.erase(std::remove(Delayed_SSM_names.begin(), Delayed_SSM_names.end(), parse_key), Delayed_SSM_names.end());
 		}
 	}// SSM index -Bobboau
 
@@ -4207,7 +4393,7 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 	}
 
 	// This only works with lasters and missiles for now
-	if (wip->subtype == WP_MISSILE || wip->subtype == WP_LASER) {
+	if (wip->subtype == WP_MISSILE || wip->subtype == WP_LASER || untyped_template) {
 		// We always have an object we are attached to
 		flagset<actions::ProgramContextFlags> contexts{actions::ProgramContextFlags::HasObject};
 
@@ -4216,14 +4402,18 @@ int parse_weapon(int subtype, bool replace, const char *filename)
 			contexts.set(actions::ProgramContextFlags::HasSubobject, true);
 		}
 
-		wip->on_create_program = actions::ProgramSet::parseProgramSet("$On Create:", contexts);
+		if (!from_template || check_for_string("$On Create:")) {
+			wip->on_create_program = actions::ProgramSet::parseProgramSet("$On Create:", contexts);
+		}
 	}
 
 	if (optional_string("$Animations:")) {
+		wip->animations.changeShipName(wip->name);
 		animation::ModelAnimationParseHelper::parseAnimsetInfo(wip->animations, 'w', wip->name);
 	}
 
 	if (optional_string("$Driven Animations:")) {
+		wip->animations.changeShipName(wip->name);
 		animation::ModelAnimationParseHelper::parseAnimsetInfoDrivers(wip->animations, 'w', wip->name, animation::parse_object_property_driver_source);
 	}
 	
@@ -4394,11 +4584,21 @@ void parse_weaponstbl(const char *filename)
 		read_file_text(filename, CF_TYPE_TABLES);
 		reset_parse();
 
+		if (optional_string("#Weapon Templates"))
+		{
+			while (required_string_either("#End", "$Template:")) {
+				if (parse_weapon(WP_UNUSED, Parsing_modular_table, filename, true) < 0) {
+					continue;
+				}
+			}
+			required_string("#End");
+		}
+
 		if (optional_string("#Primary Weapons"))
 		{
 			while (required_string_either("#End", "$Name:")) {
 				// AL 28-3-98: If parse_weapon() fails, try next .tbl weapon
-				if (parse_weapon(WP_LASER, Parsing_modular_table, filename) < 0) {
+				if (parse_weapon(WP_LASER, Parsing_modular_table, filename, false) < 0) {
 					continue;
 				}
 			}
@@ -4409,7 +4609,7 @@ void parse_weaponstbl(const char *filename)
 		{
 			while (required_string_either("#End", "$Name:")) {
 				// AL 28-3-98: If parse_weapon() fails, try next .tbl weapon
-				if (parse_weapon(WP_MISSILE, Parsing_modular_table, filename) < 0) {
+				if (parse_weapon(WP_MISSILE, Parsing_modular_table, filename, false) < 0) {
 					continue;
 				}
 			}
@@ -4420,7 +4620,7 @@ void parse_weaponstbl(const char *filename)
 		{
 			while (required_string_either("#End", "$Name:")) {
 				// AL 28-3-98: If parse_weapon() fails, try next .tbl weapon
-				if (parse_weapon(WP_BEAM, Parsing_modular_table, filename) < 0) {
+				if (parse_weapon(WP_BEAM, Parsing_modular_table, filename, false) < 0) {
 					continue;
 				}
 			}
@@ -4431,7 +4631,7 @@ void parse_weaponstbl(const char *filename)
 		{
 			while (required_string_either("#End", "$Name:"))
 			{
-				int idx = parse_weapon(WP_MISSILE, Parsing_modular_table, filename);
+				int idx = parse_weapon(WP_MISSILE, Parsing_modular_table, filename, false);
 
 				if (idx < 0) {
 					continue;
@@ -5106,16 +5306,22 @@ void weapon_do_post_parse()
 
 	// translate all spawn type weapons to referrnce the appropriate spawned weapon entry
 	translate_spawn_types();
+
+	for (const auto& wt : Weapon_templates) {
+		weapon_remove_delayed_parse_data(weapon_parse_key(wt.name, true));
+	}
+	Weapon_templates.clear();
 }
 
 // Called after ship_init() to resolve proximity ship type/class names into indices.
 void weapon_post_ship_init()
 {
-	const int num_weapons = static_cast<int>(Weapon_info.size());
-
 	for (const auto& entry : Pending_proximity_type_names) {
-		const int wi_index = entry.first;
-		Assertion(wi_index >= 0 && wi_index < num_weapons, "Pending proximity type entry has out-of-range weapon_info index %d (num_weapons=%d).", wi_index, num_weapons);
+		const int wi_index = weapon_info_lookup(entry.first.c_str());
+		if (wi_index < 0) {
+			Warning(LOCATION, "Weapon '%s' has pending +Proximity Type entries but no weapon_info entry.\n", entry.first.c_str());
+			continue;
+		}
 		weapon_info& wip = Weapon_info[wi_index];
 		for (const SCP_string& type_name : entry.second) {
 			int idx = ship_type_name_lookup(type_name.c_str());
@@ -5127,8 +5333,11 @@ void weapon_post_ship_init()
 	}
 
 	for (const auto& entry : Pending_proximity_class_names) {
-		const int wi_index = entry.first;
-		Assertion(wi_index >= 0 && wi_index < num_weapons, "Pending proximity class entry has out-of-range weapon_info index %d (num_weapons=%d).", wi_index, num_weapons);
+		const int wi_index = weapon_info_lookup(entry.first.c_str());
+		if (wi_index < 0) {
+			Warning(LOCATION, "Weapon '%s' has pending +Proximity Class entries but no weapon_info entry.\n", entry.first.c_str());
+			continue;
+		}
 		weapon_info& wip = Weapon_info[wi_index];
 		for (const SCP_string& class_name : entry.second) {
 			int idx = ship_info_lookup(class_name.c_str());
@@ -5154,6 +5363,7 @@ void weapon_init()
 		// parse weapons.tbl
 		Removed_weapons.clear();
 		Weapon_info.clear();
+		Weapon_templates.clear();
 		parse_weaponstbl("weapons.tbl");
 
 		parse_modular_table(NOX("*-wep.tbm"), parse_weaponstbl);
@@ -5191,6 +5401,10 @@ void weapon_close()
 	}
 
 	Spawn_names.clear();
+	Pending_proximity_type_names.clear();
+	Pending_proximity_class_names.clear();
+
+	Weapons_inited = false;
 }
 
 /**
@@ -10158,6 +10372,336 @@ void weapon_info::reset()
 	this->on_create_program = actions::ProgramSet();
 }
 
+void weapon_info::clone(const weapon_info& other)
+{
+	strcpy_s(name, other.name);
+	display_name = other.display_name;
+	strcpy_s(title, other.title);
+	CLONE_UNIQUE_PTR(desc);
+	strcpy_s(altSubsysName, other.altSubsysName);
+
+	strcpy_s(pofbitmap_name, other.pofbitmap_name);
+	model_num = other.model_num;
+	strcpy_s(external_model_name, other.external_model_name);
+	external_model_num = other.external_model_num;
+
+	CLONE_UNIQUE_PTR(tech_desc);
+	strcpy_s(tech_anim_filename, other.tech_anim_filename);
+	strcpy_s(tech_title, other.tech_title);
+	strcpy_s(tech_model, other.tech_model);
+
+	hud_target_lod = other.hud_target_lod;
+	num_detail_levels = other.num_detail_levels;
+	memcpy(detail_distance, other.detail_distance, sizeof(detail_distance));
+	subtype = other.subtype;
+	render_type = other.render_type;
+
+	closeup_pos = other.closeup_pos;
+	closeup_zoom = other.closeup_zoom;
+	icon_closeup_pos = other.icon_closeup_pos;
+	icon_closeup_zoom = other.icon_closeup_zoom;
+
+	strcpy_s(hud_filename, other.hud_filename);
+	hud_image_index = other.hud_image_index;
+
+	laser_bitmap = other.laser_bitmap;
+	laser_headon_bitmap = other.laser_headon_bitmap;
+	laser_glow_bitmap = other.laser_glow_bitmap;
+	laser_glow_headon_bitmap = other.laser_glow_headon_bitmap;
+	laser_headon_switch_rate = other.laser_headon_switch_rate;
+	laser_headon_switch_ang = other.laser_headon_switch_ang;
+
+	laser_length = other.laser_length;
+	laser_length_by_frametime = other.laser_length_by_frametime;
+	bitmap_color = other.bitmap_color;
+	laser_color_1 = other.laser_color_1;
+	laser_color_2 = other.laser_color_2;
+	laser_head_radius = other.laser_head_radius;
+	laser_tail_radius = other.laser_tail_radius;
+	laser_glow_length_scale = other.laser_glow_length_scale;
+	laser_glow_head_scale = other.laser_glow_head_scale;
+	laser_glow_tail_scale = other.laser_glow_tail_scale;
+	laser_min_pixel_size = other.laser_min_pixel_size;
+	laser_pos_offset = other.laser_pos_offset;
+
+	collision_radius_override = other.collision_radius_override;
+
+	light_color_set = other.light_color_set;
+	light_color = other.light_color;
+	light_radius = other.light_radius;
+
+	max_speed = other.max_speed;
+	acceleration_time = other.acceleration_time;
+	vel_inherit_amount = other.vel_inherit_amount;
+	free_flight_time = other.free_flight_time;
+	free_flight_speed_factor = other.free_flight_speed_factor;
+	gravity_const = other.gravity_const;
+	mass = other.mass;
+	fire_wait = other.fire_wait;
+	max_delay = other.max_delay;
+	min_delay = other.min_delay;
+
+	damage = other.damage;
+	damage_time = other.damage_time;
+	atten_damage = other.atten_damage;
+	damage_incidence_max = other.damage_incidence_max;
+	damage_incidence_min = other.damage_incidence_min;
+
+	shockwave = other.shockwave;
+	dinky_shockwave = other.dinky_shockwave;
+
+	arm_time = other.arm_time;
+	arm_dist = other.arm_dist;
+	arm_radius = other.arm_radius;
+	det_range = other.det_range;
+	det_radius = other.det_radius;
+	proximity_radius = other.proximity_radius;
+	proximity_iff = other.proximity_iff;
+	proximity_species = other.proximity_species;
+	proximity_type = other.proximity_type;
+	proximity_class = other.proximity_class;
+	proximity_relation_mask = other.proximity_relation_mask;
+	proximity_detonate_chance = other.proximity_detonate_chance;
+	proximity_stealth_multiplier = other.proximity_stealth_multiplier;
+	mine_sensors_range = other.mine_sensors_range;
+	mine_targetable_range = other.mine_targetable_range;
+	mine_chase_duration = other.mine_chase_duration;
+	mine_detonates_on_chase_timeout = other.mine_detonates_on_chase_timeout;
+	mine_chase_cooldown = other.mine_chase_cooldown;
+	flak_detonation_accuracy = other.flak_detonation_accuracy;
+	flak_targeting_accuracy = other.flak_targeting_accuracy;
+	untargeted_flak_range_penalty = other.untargeted_flak_range_penalty;
+
+	armor_factor = other.armor_factor;
+	shield_factor = other.shield_factor;
+	subsystem_factor = other.subsystem_factor;
+
+	life_min = other.life_min;
+	life_max = other.life_max;
+	lifetime = other.lifetime;
+
+	energy_consumed = other.energy_consumed;
+
+	wi_flags = other.wi_flags;
+
+	turn_time = other.turn_time;
+	turn_accel_time = other.turn_accel_time;
+	cargo_size = other.cargo_size;
+	autoaim_fov = other.autoaim_fov;
+	rearm_rate = other.rearm_rate;
+	disallow_rearm = other.disallow_rearm;
+	reloaded_per_batch = other.reloaded_per_batch;
+	weapon_range = other.weapon_range;
+	optimum_range = other.optimum_range;
+	weapon_min_range = other.weapon_min_range;
+
+	aiming_flags = other.aiming_flags;
+	minimum_convergence_distance = other.minimum_convergence_distance;
+	convergence_distance = other.convergence_distance;
+
+	pierce_objects = other.pierce_objects;
+	spawn_children_on_pierce = other.spawn_children_on_pierce;
+
+	num_spawn_weapons_defined = other.num_spawn_weapons_defined;
+	maximum_children_spawned = other.maximum_children_spawned;
+	memcpy(spawn_info, other.spawn_info, sizeof(spawn_info));
+
+	lifetime_variation_factor_when_child = other.lifetime_variation_factor_when_child;
+
+	swarm_count = other.swarm_count;
+	SwarmWait = other.SwarmWait;
+
+	target_restrict = other.target_restrict;
+	target_restrict_objecttypes = other.target_restrict_objecttypes;
+	multi_lock = other.multi_lock;
+	max_seeking = other.max_seeking;
+	max_seekers_per_target = other.max_seekers_per_target;
+
+	ship_restrict = other.ship_restrict;
+	ship_restrict_strings = other.ship_restrict_strings;
+
+	trigger_lock = other.trigger_lock;
+	launch_reset_locks = other.launch_reset_locks;
+
+	auto_target_method = other.auto_target_method;
+
+	acquire_method = other.acquire_method;
+	min_lock_time = other.min_lock_time;
+	lock_pixels_per_sec = other.lock_pixels_per_sec;
+	catchup_pixels_per_sec = other.catchup_pixels_per_sec;
+	catchup_pixel_penalty = other.catchup_pixel_penalty;
+	lock_fov = other.lock_fov;
+
+	fov = other.fov;
+
+	seeker_strength = other.seeker_strength;
+
+	pre_launch_snd = other.pre_launch_snd;
+	pre_launch_snd_min_interval = other.pre_launch_snd_min_interval;
+	launch_snd = other.launch_snd;
+	cockpit_launch_snd = other.cockpit_launch_snd;
+	impact_snd = other.impact_snd;
+	disarmed_impact_snd = other.disarmed_impact_snd;
+	shield_impact_snd = other.shield_impact_snd;
+	flyby_snd = other.flyby_snd;
+	ambient_snd = other.ambient_snd;
+	start_firing_snd = other.start_firing_snd;
+	loop_firing_snd = other.loop_firing_snd;
+	linked_loop_firing_snd = other.linked_loop_firing_snd;
+	end_firing_snd = other.end_firing_snd;
+
+	hud_tracking_snd = other.hud_tracking_snd;
+	hud_locked_snd = other.hud_locked_snd;
+	hud_in_flight_snd = other.hud_in_flight_snd;
+	in_flight_play_type = other.in_flight_play_type;
+
+	tr_info = other.tr_info;
+
+	strcpy_s(icon_filename, other.icon_filename);
+	strcpy_s(anim_filename, other.anim_filename);
+	selection_effect = other.selection_effect;
+	fs2_effect_grid_color = other.fs2_effect_grid_color;
+	fs2_effect_scanline_color = other.fs2_effect_scanline_color;
+	fs2_effect_grid_density = other.fs2_effect_grid_density;
+	fs2_effect_wireframe_color = other.fs2_effect_wireframe_color;
+
+	shield_impact_effect_radius = other.shield_impact_effect_radius;
+	shield_impact_explosion_radius = other.shield_impact_explosion_radius;
+
+	impact_weapon_expl_effect = other.impact_weapon_expl_effect;
+	dinky_impact_weapon_expl_effect = other.dinky_impact_weapon_expl_effect;
+	flash_impact_weapon_expl_effect = other.flash_impact_weapon_expl_effect;
+
+	piercing_impact_effect = other.piercing_impact_effect;
+	piercing_impact_secondary_effect = other.piercing_impact_secondary_effect;
+
+	conditional_impacts = other.conditional_impacts;
+
+	muzzle_effect = other.muzzle_effect;
+
+	state_effects = other.state_effects;
+
+	emp_intensity = other.emp_intensity;
+	emp_time = other.emp_time;
+
+	recoil_modifier = other.recoil_modifier;
+
+	shudder_modifier = other.shudder_modifier;
+
+	weapon_reduce = other.weapon_reduce;
+	afterburner_reduce = other.afterburner_reduce;
+
+	vamp_regen = other.vamp_regen;
+
+	tag_time = other.tag_time;
+	tag_level = other.tag_level;
+
+	field_of_fire = other.field_of_fire;
+	fof_spread_rate = other.fof_spread_rate;
+	fof_reset_rate = other.fof_reset_rate;
+	max_fof_spread = other.max_fof_spread;
+	firing_pattern = other.firing_pattern;
+	shots = other.shots;
+	cycle_multishot = other.cycle_multishot;
+
+	cs_num_fired = other.cs_num_fired;
+	cs_radius = other.cs_radius;
+	cs_twist = other.cs_twist;
+	cs_crotate = other.cs_crotate;
+	cs_delay = other.cs_delay;
+	cs_random_angle = other.cs_random_angle;
+	cs_angle = other.cs_angle;
+
+	elec_time = other.elec_time;
+	elec_eng_mult = other.elec_eng_mult;
+	elec_weap_mult = other.elec_weap_mult;
+	elec_beam_mult = other.elec_beam_mult;
+	elec_sensors_mult = other.elec_sensors_mult;
+	elec_randomness = other.elec_randomness;
+	elec_use_new_style = other.elec_use_new_style;
+
+	SSM_index = other.SSM_index;
+
+	lssm_warpout_delay = other.lssm_warpout_delay;
+	lssm_warpin_delay = other.lssm_warpin_delay;
+	lssm_stage5_vel = other.lssm_stage5_vel;
+	lssm_warpin_radius = other.lssm_warpin_radius;
+	lssm_lock_range = other.lssm_lock_range;
+	lssm_warpeffect = other.lssm_warpeffect;
+
+	b_info = other.b_info;
+
+	particle_spewers = other.particle_spewers;
+
+	cm_aspect_effectiveness = other.cm_aspect_effectiveness;
+	cm_heat_effectiveness = other.cm_heat_effectiveness;
+	cm_effective_rad = other.cm_effective_rad;
+	cm_detonation_rad = other.cm_detonation_rad;
+	cm_launch_vec = other.cm_launch_vec;
+	cm_launch_speed = other.cm_launch_speed;
+	cm_launch_variance = other.cm_launch_variance;
+	cm_kill_single = other.cm_kill_single;
+	cmeasure_timer_interval = other.cmeasure_timer_interval;
+	cmeasure_firewait = other.cmeasure_firewait;
+	cmeasure_use_firewait = other.cmeasure_use_firewait;
+	cmeasure_failure_delay_multiplier_ai = other.cmeasure_failure_delay_multiplier_ai;
+	cmeasure_success_delay_multiplier_ai = other.cmeasure_success_delay_multiplier_ai;
+
+	weapon_submodel_rotate_accell = other.weapon_submodel_rotate_accell;
+	weapon_submodel_rotate_vel = other.weapon_submodel_rotate_vel;
+
+	damage_type_idx = other.damage_type_idx;
+	damage_type_idx_sav = other.damage_type_idx_sav;
+
+	armor_type_idx = other.armor_type_idx;
+
+	alpha_max = other.alpha_max;
+	alpha_min = other.alpha_min;
+	alpha_cycle = other.alpha_cycle;
+
+	weapon_hitpoints = other.weapon_hitpoints;
+
+	burst_shots = other.burst_shots;
+	burst_delay = other.burst_delay;
+	burst_flags = other.burst_flags;
+
+	thruster_flame = other.thruster_flame;
+	thruster_glow = other.thruster_glow;
+	thruster_glow_factor = other.thruster_glow_factor;
+
+	target_lead_scaler = other.target_lead_scaler;
+	num_targeting_priorities = other.num_targeting_priorities;
+	memcpy(targeting_priorities, other.targeting_priorities, sizeof(targeting_priorities));
+
+	failure_rate = other.failure_rate;
+	CLONE_UNIQUE_PTR(failure_sub_name);
+	failure_sub = other.failure_sub;
+
+	num_substitution_patterns = other.num_substitution_patterns;
+	memcpy(weapon_substitution_pattern, other.weapon_substitution_pattern, sizeof(weapon_substitution_pattern));
+	memcpy(weapon_substitution_pattern_names,
+		other.weapon_substitution_pattern_names,
+		sizeof(weapon_substitution_pattern_names));
+
+	score = other.score;
+
+	custom_data = other.custom_data;
+
+	custom_strings = other.custom_strings;
+
+	impact_decal = other.impact_decal;
+
+	on_create_program = other.on_create_program;
+
+	animations = other.animations;
+
+	weapon_launch_curves = other.weapon_launch_curves;
+	weapon_curves = other.weapon_curves;
+	weapon_hit_curves = other.weapon_hit_curves;
+	beam_curves = other.beam_curves;
+	beam_hit_curves = other.beam_hit_curves;
+}
+
 const char* weapon_info::get_display_name() const
 {
 	if (has_display_name())
diff --git a/test/src/weapon/weapons.cpp b/test/src/weapon/weapons.cpp
index f0722c1a973..98bb783abc2 100644
--- a/test/src/weapon/weapons.cpp
+++ b/test/src/weapon/weapons.cpp
@@ -4,8 +4,23 @@
 #include "util/FSTestFixture.h"
 #include "util/test_util.h"
 
+#include "utils/string_utils.h"
+#include "localization/localize.h"
 #include "weapon/weapon.h"
 
+extern SCP_vector<SCP_string> Delayed_SSM_names;
+extern SCP_vector<SCP_string> Delayed_SSM_indices;
+
+static void expect_init_warning(const char* fragment)
+{
+	try {
+		weapon_init();
+		FAIL() << "weapon_init() did not warn";
+	} catch (const os::dialogs::WarningException& e) {
+		EXPECT_NE(SCP_string(e.what()).find(fragment), SCP_string::npos) << "warning was: " << e.what();
+	}
+}
+
 class WeaponsParseTest : public test::FSTestFixture {
  public:
 	WeaponsParseTest() : test::FSTestFixture(INIT_CFILE) {
@@ -18,6 +33,7 @@ class WeaponsParseTest : public test::FSTestFixture {
 	}
 	void TearDown() override {
 		weapon_close();
+		Weapon_info.clear();
 
 		test::FSTestFixture::TearDown();
 	}
@@ -34,3 +50,322 @@ TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, description_too_many_lines) {
 
 	ASSERT_THROW(weapon_init(), os::dialogs::WarningException);
 }
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_applies_to_new_weapon) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	EXPECT_LT(weapon_info_lookup("Base Laser"), 0);
+
+	int derived = weapon_info_lookup("Derived Laser");
+	ASSERT_GE(derived, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[derived].damage, 9.0f);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[derived].max_speed, 500.0f);
+	EXPECT_STREQ(Weapon_info[derived].title, "Base");
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[derived].subtype, WP_LASER);
+
+	int plain = weapon_info_lookup("Plain Laser");
+	ASSERT_GE(plain, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[plain].damage, 7.0f);
+	EXPECT_STREQ(Weapon_info[plain].name, "Plain Laser");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_of_template) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int leaf = weapon_info_lookup("Leaf");
+	ASSERT_GE(leaf, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[leaf].max_speed, 321.0f);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[leaf].damage, 3.0f);
+	EXPECT_LT(weapon_info_lookup("Root"), 0);
+	EXPECT_LT(weapon_info_lookup("Branch"), 0);
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, weapon_as_template) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int alpha = weapon_info_lookup("Alpha");
+	int beta = weapon_info_lookup("Beta");
+	ASSERT_GE(alpha, 0);
+	ASSERT_GE(beta, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[beta].max_speed, 640.0f);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[beta].damage, 2.0f);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[alpha].damage, 4.0f);
+	EXPECT_STREQ(Weapon_info[beta].name, "Beta");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, secondary_from_untyped_template_detonates_on_expiration) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int derived = weapon_info_lookup("Derived Missile");
+	ASSERT_GE(derived, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[derived].subtype, WP_MISSILE);
+	EXPECT_TRUE(Weapon_info[derived].wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::Detonate_on_expiration]);
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_display_name_rebuilt) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int derived = weapon_info_lookup("Derived#Laser");
+	ASSERT_GE(derived, 0);
+	EXPECT_TRUE(Weapon_info[derived].has_display_name());
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[derived].display_name, "Derived");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, missing_template_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("Unable to find weapon template 'No Such Template'");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_self_reference_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("requested itself as a template");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_with_nocreate_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("+nocreate flag used on weapon template 'Base Laser'");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_on_existing_weapon_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	for (int attempt = 0; attempt < 2; ++attempt) {
+		expect_init_warning("A template was specified for weapon 'Alpha', which already exists");
+		weapon_close();
+	}
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_free_flight_time_kept) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int d = weapon_info_lookup("Seeker Derived");
+	ASSERT_GE(d, 0);
+	EXPECT_TRUE(Weapon_info[d].is_homing());
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].free_flight_time, 0.3f);
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, untyped_template_free_flight_warns) {
+#ifndef NDEBUG
+	expect_init_warning("sets no $Free Flight Time:; keeping 0.00 from the template");
+#else
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int p = weapon_info_lookup("Seeker Primary");
+	int s = weapon_info_lookup("Seeker Secondary");
+	ASSERT_GE(p, 0);
+	ASSERT_GE(s, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[p].free_flight_time, 0.0f);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[s].free_flight_time, 0.0f);
+#endif
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_laser_color_kept) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int d = weapon_info_lookup("Tinted Derived");
+	ASSERT_GE(d, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].laser_color_2.red, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].laser_color_2.blue, 255);
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_ssm_copied) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	auto listed = [](const char* n) {
+		return std::find(Delayed_SSM_names.begin(), Delayed_SSM_names.end(), n) != Delayed_SSM_names.end();
+	};
+	EXPECT_TRUE(listed("Artillery Derived"));
+	EXPECT_FALSE(listed("Artillery Base"));
+	EXPECT_FALSE(listed("$Template:Artillery Base"));
+	Delayed_SSM_names.clear();
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_proximity_lists_follow_name) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	weapon_init();
+
+	try {
+		weapon_post_ship_init();
+		FAIL() << "no warning: the proximity list was lost";
+	} catch (const os::dialogs::AssertException& e) {
+		FAIL() << "garbage index: " << e.what();
+	} catch (const os::dialogs::WarningException& e) {
+		EXPECT_NE(SCP_string(e.what()).find("Weapon 'Flak Derived': +Proximity Type entry 'fighter' not found"), SCP_string::npos) << e.what();
+	}
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_same_name_as_weapon_keeps_ssm) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	EXPECT_NE(std::find(Delayed_SSM_names.begin(), Delayed_SSM_names.end(), "Trebuchet"), Delayed_SSM_names.end());
+#ifndef NDEBUG
+	try {
+		validate_SSM_entries();
+		FAIL() << "validate_SSM_entries saw no entry for Trebuchet";
+	} catch (const os::dialogs::WarningException& e) {
+		EXPECT_NE(SCP_string(e.what()).find("SSM entry 'Trebuchet Strike' in specification for Trebuchet"), SCP_string::npos) << e.what();
+	}
+#endif
+	Delayed_SSM_names.clear();
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_with_remove_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("+remove flag used on weapon template 'Doomed'");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_display_name_inherited) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int d = weapon_info_lookup("Derived#Laser");
+	ASSERT_GE(d, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].display_name, "Shown");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_hashed_name_not_inherited) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int d = weapon_info_lookup("Subach#Mk2");
+	ASSERT_GE(d, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].display_name, "Subach");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_german_display_name_not_inherited) {
+	Lcl_gr = 1;
+	weapon_init();
+	Lcl_gr = 0;
+
+	int d = weapon_info_lookup("Derived Laser");
+	ASSERT_GE(d, 0);
+	EXPECT_TRUE(Weapon_info[d].has_display_name());
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].display_name, "Derived Laser");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, weapon_as_template_self_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("Weapon 'Foo' requested itself as a template");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_with_weapon_as_template_warns) {
+#ifndef NDEBUG
+	expect_init_warning("'+Use Weapon as Template:' is not supported on weapon template 'Base Laser'");
+#else
+	weapon_init();
+
+	EXPECT_GE(weapon_info_lookup("Survivor"), 0);
+#endif
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, untyped_template_keeps_ballistic) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int d = weapon_info_lookup("Gun Derived");
+	ASSERT_GE(d, 0);
+	EXPECT_TRUE(Weapon_info[d].wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::Ballistic]);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].rearm_rate, 1.0f / 50.0f);
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, untyped_template_ballistic_rearm_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("Ballistic primary Gun Derived was built from a template with no $Subtype: and sets no $Rearm Rate; keeping 1.00");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_substitution_follows_name) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int d = weapon_info_lookup("Sub Derived");
+	int other = weapon_info_lookup("Sub Other");
+	ASSERT_GE(d, 0);
+	ASSERT_GE(other, 0);
+	ASSERT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].num_substitution_patterns, 2u);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].weapon_substitution_pattern[0], d);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[d].weapon_substitution_pattern[1], other);
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, template_ssm_numeric_override) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	auto listed = [](const SCP_vector<SCP_string>& v, const char* n) { return std::find(v.begin(), v.end(), n) != v.end(); };
+	EXPECT_FALSE(listed(Delayed_SSM_names, "Artillery Numeric"));
+	EXPECT_TRUE(listed(Delayed_SSM_indices, "Artillery Numeric"));
+	Delayed_SSM_names.clear();
+	Delayed_SSM_indices.clear();
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, both_template_directives_warn) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("ignoring '+Use Weapon as Template:'");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, duplicate_template_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("Weapon template Twin already exists");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, nocreate_with_template_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("Both '+nocreate' and a template were specified for weapon 'Ghost'");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, missing_weapon_as_template_warns) {
+	DEBUG_TEST();
+
+	expect_init_warning("Unable to find weapon 'Nope' requested as a template by weapon 'Orphan'");
+}
+
+TEST_F(WeaponsParseTest, untyped_template_reloaded_per_batch_by_section) {
+	weapon_init();
+
+	int p = weapon_info_lookup("Any Primary");
+	int s = weapon_info_lookup("Any Secondary");
+	ASSERT_GE(p, 0);
+	ASSERT_GE(s, 0);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[p].reloaded_per_batch, 100);
+	EXPECT_EQ(Weapon_info[s].reloaded_per_batch, 4);
+}
+
+TEST(WeaponInfoCloneTest, copies_members) {
+	weapon_info src;
+	strcpy_s(src.name, "Template Laser");
+	src.display_name = "Shown Name";
+	src.desc = util::unique_copy("a description", true);
+	src.failure_sub_name = util::unique_copy("Sub Weapon", true);
+	src.detail_distance[2] = 1234;
+	strcpy_s(src.weapon_substitution_pattern_names[1], "Other Laser");
+	src.spawn_info[1].spawn_count = 7;
+	src.damage = 42.5f;
+	src.wi_flags.set(Weapon::Info_Flags::Homing_heat);
+	src.proximity_iff = {1, 3};
+	src.b_info.beam_iff_miss_factor[2] = {{0.1f, 0.2f, 0.3f, 0.4f, 0.5f}};
+	src.b_info.t5info.burst_rot_pattern = {0.25f};
+	src.custom_data["key"] = "value";
+
+	weapon_info dest;
+	dest.clone(src);
+
+	EXPECT_STREQ(dest.name, "Template Laser");
+	EXPECT_EQ(dest.display_name, "Shown Name");
+	ASSERT_NE(dest.desc, nullptr);
+	EXPECT_STREQ(dest.desc.get(), "a description");
+	ASSERT_NE(dest.failure_sub_name, nullptr);
+	EXPECT_STREQ(dest.failure_sub_name.get(), "Sub Weapon");
+	EXPECT_EQ(dest.detail_distance[2], 1234);
+	EXPECT_STREQ(dest.weapon_substitution_pattern_names[1], "Other Laser");
+	EXPECT_EQ(dest.spawn_info[1].spawn_count, 7);
+	EXPECT_EQ(dest.damage, 42.5f);
+	EXPECT_TRUE(dest.wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::Homing_heat]);
+	EXPECT_EQ(dest.proximity_iff, src.proximity_iff);
+	EXPECT_EQ(dest.b_info.beam_iff_miss_factor, src.b_info.beam_iff_miss_factor);
+	EXPECT_EQ(dest.b_info.t5info.burst_rot_pattern, src.b_info.t5info.burst_rot_pattern);
+	EXPECT_EQ(dest.custom_data, src.custom_data);
+}
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/both_template_directives_warn/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/both_template_directives_warn/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..7e17af153e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/both_template_directives_warn/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Base Laser
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Alpha
+
+$Name:	Beta
++Use Template:	Base Laser
++Use Weapon as Template:	Alpha
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/duplicate_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/duplicate_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..29667d2c278
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/duplicate_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Twin
+
+$Template:	Twin
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/missing_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/missing_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..2b914a5b991
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/missing_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:										Orphan Laser
++Use Template:								No Such Template
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/missing_weapon_as_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/missing_weapon_as_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..d72d0c976db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/missing_weapon_as_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Orphan
++Use Weapon as Template:	Nope
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/nocreate_with_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/nocreate_with_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..912fbd3e016
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/nocreate_with_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Base Laser
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Ghost
++nocreate
++Use Template:	Base Laser
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/secondary_from_untyped_template_detonates_on_expiration/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/secondary_from_untyped_template_detonates_on_expiration/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..74a69138a49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/secondary_from_untyped_template_detonates_on_expiration/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:									Base Missile
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									500.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									7.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+#End
+
+#Secondary Weapons
+
+$Name:										Derived Missile
++Use Template:								Base Missile
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_applies_to_new_weapon/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_applies_to_new_weapon/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..2baa7f52fae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_applies_to_new_weapon/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:									Base Laser
++Title:										XSTR("Base", -1)
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									500.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									7.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:										Derived Laser
++Use Template:								Base Laser
+$Damage:									9.0
+
+$Name:										Plain Laser
++Use Template:								Base Laser
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_display_name_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_display_name_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..e349c77686a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_display_name_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Named Base
+$Display Name:	Shown
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Derived#Laser
++Use Template:	Named Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_display_name_rebuilt/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_display_name_rebuilt/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..18372c93c87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_display_name_rebuilt/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:									Base Laser
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									500.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									7.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:										Derived#Laser
++Use Template:								Base Laser
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_free_flight_time_kept/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_free_flight_time_kept/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..c4077d73ec8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_free_flight_time_kept/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Seeker Base
+$Velocity:	300.0
+$Homing:	YES
+	+Type:	HEAT
+	+Turn Time:	1.0
+	+View Cone:	180.0
+$Free Flight Time:	0.3
+
+#End
+
+#Secondary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Seeker Derived
++Use Template:	Seeker Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_german_display_name_not_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_german_display_name_not_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..cf016823241
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_german_display_name_not_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Base Laser
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Derived Laser
++Use Template:	Base Laser
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_hashed_name_not_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_hashed_name_not_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b25843c87ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_hashed_name_not_inherited/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Laser#Base
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Subach#Mk2
++Use Template:	Laser#Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_laser_color_kept/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_laser_color_kept/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b4ce1007808
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_laser_color_kept/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Tinted Base
+@Laser Color:	255 0 0
+@Laser Color2:	0 0 255
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Tinted Derived
++Use Template:	Tinted Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_of_template/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_of_template/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b4d481df4f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_of_template/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:									Root
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									321.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									7.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+$Template:									Branch
++Use Template:								Root
+$Damage:									3.0
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:										Leaf
++Use Template:								Branch
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_on_existing_weapon_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_on_existing_weapon_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..db123a851c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_on_existing_weapon_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:									Base Laser
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									500.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									7.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:										Alpha
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									500.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									7.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+$Name:										Alpha
++Use Template:								Base Laser
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_proximity_lists_follow_name/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_proximity_lists_follow_name/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..a59fbfbdda9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_proximity_lists_follow_name/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Flak Base
+$Proximity Radius:	50
+	+Proximity Type:	( "fighter" )
+
+#End
+
+#Secondary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Flak Derived
++Use Template:	Flak Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_same_name_as_weapon_keeps_ssm/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_same_name_as_weapon_keeps_ssm/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..5562c34e970
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_same_name_as_weapon_keeps_ssm/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Trebuchet
+
+#End
+
+#Secondary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Trebuchet
+$SSM:	Trebuchet Strike
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_self_reference_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_self_reference_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..c3a02bb89a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_self_reference_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:									Ouroboros
++Use Template:								Ouroboros
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									500.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									7.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_ssm_copied/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_ssm_copied/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..ce5ac9ee399
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_ssm_copied/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Artillery Base
+$SSM:	Some Strike
+
+#End
+
+#Secondary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Artillery Derived
++Use Template:	Artillery Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_ssm_numeric_override/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_ssm_numeric_override/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..02158724cc6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_ssm_numeric_override/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Artillery Base
+$SSM:	Some Strike
+
+#End
+
+#Secondary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Artillery Numeric
++Use Template:	Artillery Base
+$SSM:	0
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_substitution_follows_name/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_substitution_follows_name/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..ee14a4892ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_substitution_follows_name/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Sub Base
+$substitute:	Sub Other
+	+period:	2
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Sub Other
+
+$Name:	Sub Derived
++Use Template:	Sub Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_nocreate_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_nocreate_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b57a1ee9d0e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_nocreate_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:									Base Laser
++nocreate
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									500.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									7.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_remove_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_remove_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..3e0498ffd02
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_remove_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Doomed
++remove
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Doomed
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_weapon_as_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_weapon_as_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..0b0ba5e96f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/template_with_weapon_as_template_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Base Laser
++Use Weapon as Template:	Subach HL-7
+$Damage:	3.0
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Survivor
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_ballistic_rearm_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_ballistic_rearm_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..f3c23489dba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_ballistic_rearm_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Gun Base
+$Flags:	( "ballistic" "player allowed" )
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Gun Derived
++Use Template:	Gun Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_free_flight_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_free_flight_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..6205b930393
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_free_flight_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Seeker Base
+$Velocity:	300.0
+$Homing:	YES
+	+Type:	HEAT
+	+Turn Time:	1.0
+	+View Cone:	180.0
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Seeker Primary
++Use Template:	Seeker Base
+
+#End
+
+#Secondary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Seeker Secondary
++Use Template:	Seeker Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_keeps_ballistic/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_keeps_ballistic/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..2fbcddd015f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_keeps_ballistic/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Gun Base
+$Rearm Rate:	50.0
+$Flags:	( "ballistic" "player allowed" )
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Gun Derived
++Use Template:	Gun Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_reloaded_per_batch_by_section/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_reloaded_per_batch_by_section/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..4905fcbf14b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/untyped_template_reloaded_per_batch_by_section/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+#Weapon Templates
+
+$Template:	Any Base
+$Velocity:	100.0
+
+#End
+
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Any Primary
++Use Template:	Any Base
+
+#End
+
+#Secondary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Any Secondary
++Use Template:	Any Base
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/weapon_as_template/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/weapon_as_template/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..264b830f928
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/weapon_as_template/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:										Alpha
+$Model File:								<none>
+$Mass:										0.1
+$Velocity:									640.0
+$Fire Wait:									0.5
+$Damage:									4.0
+$Blast Force:								1.0
+$Inner Radius:								1.0
+$Outer Radius:								1.5
+$Shockwave Speed:							0
+$Armor Factor:								1.0
+$Shield Factor:								1.0
+$Subsystem Factor:							1.0
+$Lifetime:									2.0
+$Energy Consumed:							0.1
+$Cargo Size:								1.0
+$Homing:									NO
+$LaunchSnd:									-1
+$ImpactSnd:									-1
+$FlyBySnd:									-1
+$Flags:										( "player allowed" )
+
+$Name:										Beta
++Use Weapon as Template:					Alpha
+$Damage:									2.0
+
+#End
diff --git a/test/test_data/weapon/weapon_as_template_self_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm b/test/test_data/weapon/weapon_as_template_self_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..0e7c736c35d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_data/weapon/weapon_as_template_self_warns/data/tables/test-wep.tbm
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+#Primary Weapons
+
+$Name:	Foo
++Use Weapon as Template:	Foo
+
+#End