Molten deposits based on calcium-magnesium alumino-silicates (CMAS), originating from siliceous debris ingested with the intake air, represent a fundamental threat to progress in gas turbine technology by limiting the operating surface temperature of coated components. The thermomechanical and thermochemical aspects of the CMAS interactions with thermalbarrier coatings, as well as the current status of mitigating strategies, are discussed in this article. Key challenges and research needs for developing adequate solutions are highlighted.