Assessing and predicting the effects of irradiation-induced defects, particularly helium (He) bubbles, on the dynamic response of metallic matrices remains a critical scientific issue and technical challenge in weapon physics. Under shock loading–unloading conditions, nanoscale He bubbles can undergo a variety of rapid evolution processes, which may substantially alter the macroscopic dynamic mechanical behavior of metals and even trigger material failure. This presentation highlights our group’s recent progress over the past three years in understanding the dynamic response of He-bubble-containing aluminum, including the development of a deep interatomic potential for the Al–He system; the perforation–recovery and migration–coalescence mechanisms of He bubbles under shock compression; newly identified phenomena such as bubble splitting, internal jetting, and near-surface rupture during unloading; and advances in data-driven spall strength prediction and damage modeling.