General Dynamics, ST Kinetics target US military market
General Dynamics and Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) subsidiary Advanced Material Engineering (AME) have teamed to manufacture 40mm air burst ammunition for the US military market, with the companies announcing a strategic agreement on 19 November.
The 40mm airburst ammunition can be fired from existing US Army grenade launchers such as the Mk19 and MK47. It uses a programmable, time-based fuse technology that computes and programmes the detonation time into the fuze. Once fired, the fuze counts down to zero detonating at the intended target point.
Designed to be effective against concealed and defilade targets, the ammunition gives users the capability to programme ammunition to detonate at a specific distance, to increase the effectiveness, flexibility and lethality of their weapon systems.
Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium caliber ammunition and weapons, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, said: ‘With this partnership, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems continues to build on its capabilities as a system integrator. By integrating programmable ammunition with innovative products, such as our Next Generation Fire Control System, we can provide the warfighter with versatility and overmatch capability that is fully interoperable with our weapon systems currently in service.
‘This expansion of our manufacturing operations ensures we continue to provide our US Army customer with greater value and integrated solutions.’
Sew Chee Jhuen, president, ST Kinetics, added: ‘We are proud to have the opportunity to provide 40mm high velocity Air Burst Ammunition for the US military markets in partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. We look forward to bringing our experience in the design and manufacturing of 40mm ammunition and weapons to enrich the partnership.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
First capability of Israel’s Iron Beam laser to be delivered by the end of December
Iron Beam is a family of high-energy laser weapon systems currently in development by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and is designed to provide a low-cost kinetic effect against aerial threats at short distances.
-
Hanwha awarded $482 million in major step for South Korea’s missile defence programme
The deal to produce and supply launchers and missiles to South Korea follows a contract placed with Hanwha Systems last month for the manufacture of multi-function radars.
-
Strengthening Baltic defence capabilities
How Latvia is bolstering its territorial defences, industrial capacity and international cooperation with Dynamit Nobel Defence’s SKORPION2 Remote Mining System.
-
Land forces review: British Army vehicle programme stalls and company results land
In the first monthly review of land forces stories, the Shephard team looks back to evaluate the major news events that have impacted the sector. The UK’s Land Mobility Programme was notable but another setback occurred when a market industry day was scrapped.
-
Sweden boosts air defence capabilities with Diehl Defence, Saab and MBDA orders
The orders continue the country’s growing investment in its air defence systems across land and sea, coming months after previous investments by the government into IRIS-T SLM equipment.