BAE Systems wins US Army explosives contract
BAE Systems will continue producing explosives at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Tennessee for the US Army under a new contract announced on 22 March. The company has received an initial $18.4 million order to produce additional quantities of IMX-101 as part of a five-year contract valued at up to $780 million.
IMX-101 is an insensitive munition that is approved by the US Army as a safe and effective replacement for TNT in artillery rounds. The company developed IMX-101 and fielded it in partnership with the army at the Holston plant, which the company operates and manages for the government.
IMX-101 is part of a new family of explosives under development called Insensitive Munitions eXplosives (IMX). These explosive formulations are significantly more stable than conventional TNT and Composition B, making the weapon systems they support safer for troops to transport and handle.
Erin Moseley, president of BAE Systems’ Support Solutions sector, said: ‘The work we do at Holston is critical to the defence of our nation and to the safety of our men and women in uniform. IMX-101 is truly innovative and is revolutionising military ordnance. Once fully fielded, it will help to save lives on and off the battlefield.’
More from Land Warfare
-
Next-generation gun set to boost US Army combat vehicle capabilities
The 50mm main weapon on the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle currently being competed for by industry will offer a step-change in firepower and targeting over the in-service M2 Bradley.
-
The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026
2025 was a busy year for the land domain and 2026 looks set to be just as big. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill analyses some of the major trends we are likely to see in the year ahead.
-
Can Iranian air defence systems compete for exports?
Iran’s defence industry is now producing a range of surface-to-air missile systems and has begun to market them internationally. Using what appears to be a mixture of original and reverse-engineered elements, how do they stack up compared to other countries’ offerings?
-
Land forces review: howitzers in the spotlight and Germany spends big to close the year
December saw several milestones on the howitzer front with billions of dollars worth of orders placed and Germany committing to more 6×6 and 4×4 vehicles. Taiwan was also approved for equipment orders worth $11 billion even as the year came to an end with China encircling the country as part of an exercise.
-
US Army seeks industry support to prepare acquisitions of Group 4+ UAVs
The US Army is keen to hear about vendor designs, strategies and potential hardware and software solutions to inform requirements for procurement efforts.