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

Striker 40/MK47

MK19 grenade machine gun