Ballistics Forum

23 Jul 25. Having made its mark in the micromechanics industry with its silicon-core micromotor, awarded a Best of Innovation Award at CES in Las Vegas, the French deeptech SilMach has taken a new step forward with its shock microsensors. The French Defence Procurement Agency (Commissariat des Armées) has chosen SilMach’s technology to monitor personal protective equipment such as ballistic plates inserted in bulletproof vests.   The French Armed Forces may now monitor its protective equipment in real-time, allowing unrivalled tracking performance and reliability  As part of this program, christened GMOS, SilMach has been awarded a contract worth a minimum of €3 m, for the delivery of hundreds of thousands of microsensors over the next seven years. The first deliveries will start September 2025. The French Defence Procurement Agency (Commissariat des Armées) has chosen Silmach for its GMOS programme, which aims to equip ballistic plates with a self-monitoring system. This initial award represents a 7-year commitment. SilMach shall begin production this autumn, at its base in Besançon (eastern France), with the first deliveries expected in September 2025. Pierre-François Louvigné, CEO of SilMach, commented: “We are very proud to see our technologies being put at the service of our armed forces. The shock detectors installed on ballistic protection plates are designed, first and foremost, to protect our soldiers. In a glance, users can assess if a plate’s integrity has been compromised, be it through use or an awkward fall. Thus, by making it easier to identify potentially damaged plates, we are reinforcing personnel safety and improving operational maintenance carried out by the Service du Commissariat des Armées.” Soldiers deployed in combat zones are issued essential bulletproof protection, consisting of hard ceramic and multi-layer composite plates. However, the intrinsic fragility of ceramic raises the risk of cracking in the event of an accidental fall, compromising the level of protection. With SilMach’s ChronoMEMS® technology, each ballistic plate now contains an ultra-miniaturised, autonomous, energy-free sensor capable of detecting and logging the impact sustained. Through an integrated visual indicator, armed forces can instantly check the integrity of bulletproof protection, ensuring optimum safety for soldiers and reduced maintenance costs.

A unique shock sensor with numerous uses

The ChronoMEMS® solution forms the core of a smart and sustainable monitoring approach, enabling precise processing of shock and vibration data.

Among its numerous advantages:

• No need for a power source: Operates without an external power source.
• Reliable and accurate: Drift-resistant technology guarantees accurate measurement.
• Robust: Operational underwater, in space, and not affected by extreme conditions (temperature, pressure, electromagnetic fields).
• Compact and lightweight: The size and weight of a credit card chip.
• Easy tracking: Visual indicator displays information directly.
• Cost-effective: Costs just a few euros per sensor.

A Strategic Impact on Security and Defence

For the Armed Forces, the integration of SilMach’s technology into bulletproof protection addresses a crucial need: Real-time monitoring of protective equipment ensures traceability and reliability, boosting soldiers’ confidence in their equipment.

Pierre-François Louvigné adds: “We realised that shock detection is a common problem affecting a wide range of fields, from aeronautics to consumer goods (helmets, smartphones, computers, etc.) and the logistics of high value-added products. Thanks to the expertise we have developed, with the support of the Direction Générale pour l’Armement (DGA) and the Commissariat des Armées (SCA), we are actively exploring other use cases. Discreet, accurate and reliable, these shock detectors constantly monitor the object on which they are installed, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This reassures owners, manufacturers and users alike!”.

A true pioneer in technological innovation, SilMach is ushering in a new era in the monitoring of strategic equipment. The scaling of the technology’s production is already attracting interest in various sectors, including defence, security and critical infrastructures.

 

23 Jul 25. CSG Acquires Majority Stake in Arms Manufacturer ZVI Vsetin, a Traditional Czech Producer of Medium-Caliber Ammunition. MSM Group, the Slovak subsidiary of the industrial group CSG, has signed a purchase agreement with the MPI Group to acquire ZVI a.s., a Czech manufacturer primarily focused on medium-caliber ammunition in 20mm and 30mm calibers. The transaction price was not disclosed, as per mutual agreement between the parties.

“ZVI Vsetín is an important and traditional player in the Czech defense industry, and its know-how in ammunition, weapon, and cannon production holds strategic value for the CSG group. While this acquisition is relatively small in size, it is both symbolically and practically very significant – we are decisively expanding our capacity for ammunition and weapons systems production directly on Czech soil,” said Jan Marinov, Head of the CSG Defence Division.

In addition to its 20mm ammunition, used for example by the Czech Air Force, ZVI is the only Czech producer of 30mm ammunition certified for MK44 Bushmaster II cannons. These cannons are used by many armed forces worldwide, including the Czech Armed Forces, particularly in the Pandur 8×8 armored vehicles. This type of ammunition will also be used in the newly procured CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles for the Czech Army. ZVI is also a qualified supplier for several foreign militaries. The company’s production capacity for medium-caliber ammunition is in the high hundreds of thousands of units per year. With this acquisition, CSG expands its portfolio to include medium-caliber ammunition, which it plans to supply to the Czech Army and Air Force, as well as export abroad.

Jaroslav Král, CEO of ZVI, commented on the transaction: “CSG’s entry is a logical step in the further development of ZVI. With this partnership, the company gains not only a strong investor but above all a partner with significant export capabilities and extensive experience in growing defense-sector businesses. Furthermore, CSG will enhance ZVI’s supply chain by providing selected components – particularly energetic materials – that ZVI previously sourced from third parties. We are confident that this partnership marks the beginning of a new era of substantial growth for ZVI.”

CSG plans to invest in extensive modernization and expansion of ZVI’s production, primarily in anticipation of increased demand. Another priority is integrating ZVI into CSG’s export projects and embedding it further into the global defense industry supply chains. ZVI will become part of the CSG Defence Division. CSG also plans to invest in the development of new ammunition products in additional calibers and to place this production within ZVI’s facilities. This will result in a significant expansion of manufacturing capabilities within the Czech Republic. (Source: ASD Network)

 

18 Jul 25. D&M, UDI partner for ammunition propellant production in US. The new facility will produce single base propellant used in artillery shells, including 155mm rounds. Officials during the signing of the partnership. Credit: D&M Holding Company. D&M Holding has reached an agreement with the Ukrainian Defense Industry (UDI) to establish a joint venture (JV) to produce ammunition propellant in the US. This new US-based entity will focus on manufacturing specialty chemicals required for ammunition production, serving the Ukrainian Defense Forces’ needs. This initiative aims to alleviate the shortfall of specialty chemicals, which the “ammunition industry is currently experiencing”, said Ukraine’s largest arms producer UDI. Ukrainian Defense Industry director general Oleh Huliak said: “We have to gradually move from large-scale procurement to our own production to meet our immediate needs. It is equally important that the company will operate in a safe area. Our cooperation with American arms companies will continue in other areas.” The formalisation of JV took place at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. The new facility will produce single base propellant intended for artillery ammunition such as 155mm shells, which are currently in high demand by Ukraine for its ongoing conflict with Russia.

“This joint venture continues to build upon and further strengthen the relationship between D&M and Ukrainian state-owned enterprises with projects now in both Ukraine and the US,” D&M CEO Daniel Powers said.

Since February 2022, Ukraine has been substantially dependent on international military support for its defence against Russia.

According to the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Factsheet, as of 12 March 2025, the US has provided Ukraine with $66.9bn in military assistance following Russia’s full-scale incursion on 24 February 2022 and approximately $69.7bn since Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014. In April 2025, the US Army opened a new artillery projectile loading facility. Located in Camden, Arkansas, the facility features two load, assemble, and pack lines that will produce completed high-explosive projectiles at a rate of 50,000 per month when fully operational. (Source: army-technology.com)

08 Jul 25. Rostec Unveils Venezuela’s State-of-the-Art Ammo Plant. Boosting National Security. Rostec’s Rosoboronexport has completed cartridge factory project phase I for manufacturing 7.62mm cartridges for the Kalashnikov assault rifles in Venezuela. The factory will make up to 70 m cartridges per year which will considerably exceed the national defence capability, providing Venezuela with domestically-made ammunition.

“Phase I of the Kalashnikov cartridge factory in Venezuela consists of four state-of-the-art production lines. Two of them are designed for ammunition with steel core bullets, another two lines are designed for tracer and blank cartridges. It is planned to bring into service other production buildings in the nearest future to provide the full production cycle of cartridges and Kalashnikov assault rifles in Venezuela for the national army, police and other law enforcement agencies. This is an important step in the development of technological cooperation with our key partner in Latin America,” said Oleg Evtushenko, Executive Director of Rostec State Corporation.

Each production line is able to produce tens of thousands of cartridges per shift. The test program conducted at a test station confirmed the quality and compliance of the products. (Source: Defense Arabia)

 

09 Jul 25. Ukraine’s New Ammo Turns Ordinary Rifles Into Drone Killers. Ukraine’s defense innovation cluster Brave1 has introduced the country’s first dedicated anti-drone ammunition designed for standard infantry rifles. The new rounds dramatically improve a soldier’s chances of hitting fast-moving aerial targets—such as FPV drones or commercial quadcopters—before they strike. Though the cartridges resemble regular 5.45 mm rounds, they feature a custom-designed warhead that creates a dense and rapid fragmentation effect upon firing. This enables soldiers to engage airborne threats with significantly higher accuracy using conventional automatic rifles—no modifications needed. Video footage released by the developers shows Ukrainian troops using the rounds in live testing, successfully hitting FPV drones mid-flight. According to Brave1, the ammunition has already been codified for use and is intended for mass deployment. The goal is to equip every infantry soldier with at least one magazine of these anti-drone rounds to provide immediate, last-resort protection during air alerts on the front lines. The system offers both tactical speed and safety, addressing one of the biggest battlefield threats faced by Ukrainian forces: low-cost, high-impact drone strikes. FPV drones have rapidly become one of the most dangerous and unpredictable threats on the battlefield. Small, fast, and often packed with explosives, they can slip past traditional air defenses and strike with deadly precision. Their low flight altitude and erratic maneuvering make them extremely hard to intercept using conventional means. Ukraine’s response has been to combine layered defense systems—electronic warfare, drone-jamming rifles, net traps, and now, specialized ammunition. Each tool fills a different gap in the protective “anti-drone net” being built across the front. The newly developed anti-drone rounds represent a critical link in this chain. Unlike jammers or advanced interceptors, these cartridges can be carried by every soldier and used on instinct, seconds before impact. In close-quarters environments—trenches, forest lines, urban combat—they may be the only effective option. (Source: UAS VISION/UNITED24)

 

08 Jul 25. Sweden signs $526m ammunition deals with Rheinmetall and Nammo. Sweden has signed agreements with Germany’s Rheinmetall and Norway’s Nammo worth over 5bn crowns ($526.02m) for artillery ammunition deliveries, its defence ministry said on Tuesday.

“With this order, we are strengthening Sweden’s defence capability. It is an important investment in security for Sweden and NATO,” said Minister of Defence Pal Jonson in a statement.

The deal with Rheinmetall Denel Munition, a subsidiary of the German defence contractor, amounts to more than 4 bn crowns and includes artillery shells and propellant charges for Sweden’s Archer artillery system, the ministry said. The contract with Nammo, valued at 1 bn crowns, covers the supply of 155 mm high explosive extended range (HE-ER) grenades, the ministry added. ($1 = 9.5054 Swedish crowns) (Source: Reuters)

 

08 Jul 25. Rostec Launches a Cartridge Factory for the Kalashnikov Assault Rifles in Venezuela. The factory will make up to 70 m cartridges per year, which will considerably exceed the national defence capability Rostec’s Rosoboronexport has completed cartridge factory project phase I for manufacturing 7.62mm cartridges for the Kalashnikov assault rifles in Venezuela. The factory will make up to 70 m cartridges per year which will considerably exceed the national defence capability, providing Venezuela with domestically-made ammunition.

“Phase I of the Kalashnikov cartridge factory in Venezuela consists of four state-of-the-art production lines. Two of them are designed for ammunition with steel core bullets, another two lines are designed for tracer and blank cartridges. It is planned to bring into service other production buildings in the nearest future to provide the full production cycle of cartridges and Kalashnikov assault rifles in Venezuela for the national army, police and other law enforcement agencies. This is an important step in the development of technological cooperation with our key partner in Latin America,” said Oleg Evtushenko, Executive Director of Rostec State Corporation.

Each production line is able to produce tens of thousands of cartridges per shift. The test program conducted at a test station confirmed the quality and compliance of the products.   Moreover, a waste disposal building, intermediate ammunition component depots, unique shooting gallery for tracer cartridge testing, firewater tank and other auxiliary facilities have been also brought into service at the factory.  (Source: ASD Network)

03 Jul 25. Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition – order value in the hundreds of millions of euros. A European NATO country has signed a multi-year contract with Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RF) Pty Ltd (RDM) in South Africa for the delivery of 155 mm projectiles from the Assegai family and bimodular propelling charges. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2025 and is worth several hundred million euros. Deliveries will begin in 2025 and conclude with final delivery in 2027. The order is the largest in the history of Rheinmetall Denel Munition. The Rheinmetall Assegai 155mm projectiles and bi-modular propelling charges will be integrated into the customer’s artillery weapon systems, delivering range capability of more than 40,000m with optimal performance in the target area.

“The Rheinmetall Assegai user group is growing rapidly across the globe, and we are delighted that another customer has now also selected Rheinmetall Assegai to be delivered fast and in volume.” says Dr. Frank Dirksen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.

Capacity

Rheinmetall continue to invest heavily into capacity enhancement of existing facilities and establishing new manufacturing facilities which provide the ability to serve the growing demand for modern 155mm projectiles and charges. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of large-calibre ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based Technology Corporation Rheinmetall has been increasing its production capacity since 2022, and aims at producing around 1.5 m 155 mm artillery shells per year by 2027.

Technology

The Assegai suite of projectiles and Charges are qualified and in-service with multiple user nations, providing interoperability and a fast-track integration into service. The Assegai projectile suite consist of ballistically matched High Explosive, Illumination, Infrared Illumination, Smoke, Pre-formed Fragmented (PFF) and Rocket-Assisted (V-LAP) projectiles.

South African Economic Benefit

“Rheinmetall Denel Munition is a proud member of the South African defence industry, employing more than 2,500 workers across South Africa. Major multi-year contracts like this provide us the ability to continue on our growth path which contribute directly to the South African economy.” says Dr. Dirksen.

About Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM)

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd is jointly owned by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (51 %) of Germany and Denel (Pty) Ltd. South Africa.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd specialises in the development, design and manufacture of large- and medium-calibre ammunition families and is a world leader in the field of artillery, mortar and infantry systems as well as plant engineering.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd invest and support more than 1,500 domestic suppliers including SMME’s which benefit more than 250,000 South Africans.

 

02 Jul 25. SIG SAUER Celebrates Major Milestone: 100m Round Annual 6.8mm Ammunition Capacity. American Manufacturing Creates Economic Growth for Arkansas. SIG SAUER, a leading U.S. defense manufacturer and proud ammunition partner to the U.S. military, achieved the milestone of 100m 6.8mm round annual capacity at its state-of-the-art facilities in Jacksonville, Arkansas.  SIG SAUER is invested in continual increases to overall capacity, paving the way to double output over the next few years. This achievement solidifies SIG SAUER’s pivotal role in supporting the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Program, delivering transformational 6.8mm ammunition to equip America’s warfighters with unmatched velocity and lethality. This milestone reflects SIG SAUER’s significant capital investments in advanced machining, innovative technology, and cutting-edge equipment at its Jacksonville, AR facilities. Leveraging automation and novel manufacturing techniques, SIG SAUER is home to some of the most modern ammunition production capabilities in the world. Since breaking ground in Arkansas 2017, SIG SAUER invested over $225M in facilities and equipment, bringing over 675 jobs into the state with an overall economic impact of $300M annually.  “This incredible accomplishment proves what we already know: Arkansas is an arsenal for democracy,” said Governor Sanders. “Congratulations, SIG SAUER – I’m proud that you chose Arkansas to plant your roots and continue to deliver on your commitment to our workforce, community, and Arkansans’ right to keep and bear arms.”

SIG SAUER’s infrastructure ensures a sustainable, high-volume production of 6.8mm ammunition while maintaining output for legacy calibers such as 5.56mm and 7.62mm as well as a complete pistol ammunition line.  “Achieving 100 m rounds of 6.8mm ammunition capacity is a proud moment for SIG SAUER and our all-American workforce in Arkansas,” said Sean McGee, Vice President, Ammunition Operations. “Our 6.8mm ammunition, paired with the M7 and M250 rifles, delivers unmatched performance to meet the demands of today’s battlefield. We are honored to lead the way in modernizing small-arms technology and building the arsenal of the future.”

Located in Jacksonville, Arkansas, the SIG SAUER ammunition plant encompasses six extensive facilities on a 100+ acre campus, serving as a hub for innovation and production, highlighting SIG SAUER’s commitment to R&D and technological advancement. Our latest state-of-the-art addition to the SIG SAUER Arkansas ammunition campus, a 210,000 square ft. facility, is designed to significantly boost production capabilities and facilitate high volume precision manufacturing of new 6.8mm ammunition. This advanced structure is strategically equipped with high-capacity production lines, which enable the facility to achieve an output of 100 m rounds of 6.8mm ammunition per year, with continual increases to overall capacity, paving the way to double output over the next few years. (Source: ASD Network)

 

27 Jun 25. Astor Defence and BAE Systems agree TNT deal for munitions programmes. The global demand for explosive material has surged as the US and European countries seek to replenish stockpiles donated to Ukraine.

Leading Guide to Ammunition and Fuses for the Land Defence Industry

The document includes detailed information on the manufacturers and suppliers and their products, along with contact details, to inform your purchasing decision. According to a 26 June release from Astor Defence, the long-term supply agreement will see the company deliver TNT, compliant with MIL-DTL-248D specification, to BAE Systems to support “large-scale munitions programmes”. Astor Defence provides TNT, RDX, HMX, C4, and Nitrocellulose to various defence agencies and commercial users across the globe.

Henry Turnbull, CEO of Astor Defence, said the deal “reflected” the company’s commitment in supplying “defence grade energetics at scale” to defence organisations.

The recent announcement with BAE Systems follows a 2024 agreement to supply Norwegian-Finnish defence provider Nammo with TNT for the production of 155mm artillery shells, a munition in high demand in recent years following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Although the quantity of TNT to be supplied to BAE Systems as part of the newly announced partnership was not revealed, the earlier Nammo deal was for “thousands of tons”.

Astor Defence had previously said it had “spare capacity” for TNT supply through 2025.

BAE Systems meanwhile is embarking on an expansion of its own munitions facilities in order to meet UK and international requirements.

Munitions programmes stretched by demand

A number of reports by think tanks and analysts, including by GlobalData, have revealed the immense strain placed on global supply chains as an intensifying rearmament race, driven by geopolitical tensions and escalating defence budget, necessitates defence investment. Key among this has been Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent support provided to Kyiv by Western allies, which have provided ms of artillery rounds, among other defence equipment including heavy armour and air defence systems. The provision of munitions in such quantities has left national stocks depleted, with fears Russia could seek to exploit any weakness among European powers. The UK confirmed in 2024 that it had donated 400,000 artillery shells to Ukraine and had earlier inked deals with companies such as BAE Systems to increase munitions production. Similarly, companies like Rheinmetall and KNDS in Europe are forging ahead with new production lines to meet the escalating demand. In late-2024 the UK Ministry of Defence detailed a multi-year procurement framework to secure high explosive material to support Ukrainian demand for warheads, artillery, and other weapons, amid a global bottleneck in munitions production, under Task Force Kindred. (Source: army-technology.com)

26 Jun 25. NGC Expands Medium Caliber Ammunition Co-Production with Lithuania. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their intention to expand co-production of medium-caliber ammunition.

• The MOU marks another milestone in advancing technology and manufacturing expertise with Lithuanian industry, which is key to replenishing stockpiles and enhancing munitions supply chains.
• The project covered by the MOU will include collaboration with Nammo Defense Systems and will further support local Lithuanian defense manufacturing while accelerating delivery and capability to both Lithuania and NATO allies.
• Northrop Grumman is a leading producer and innovator in ammunition, offering a complete family of medium caliber tactical and training ammunition. These rounds provide the highest levels of accuracy and versatility to defeat numerous threat types.

Dovile Šakaliene, defence minister, Lithuania: “This MOU is essential for the development of the national division by 2030 and for strengthening the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. It will enhance national strategic autonomy in defense and deepen partnerships with NATO allies the United States and Norway. The planned production of ammunition is of critical importance to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, our allies and Ukraine.”

Rimantas Šadžius, finance minister, Lithuania: “The investment and expertise of our allies in the USA and Norway in the implementation of this ammunition production project with Giraites Ginkluotes Gamykla (Giraite Armaments Plant) will significantly contribute to strengthening of the national defense industry and security not only in Lithuania, but also in the entire region, including Ukraine. The development of the defense industry and investment in production must come without delay.”

Loreta Maskalioviene, vice minister of defence, Lithuania: “By strengthening our national defense industry, we are investing in both technological capabilities and Lithuania’s resilience to crises. This will allow us to better equip our armed forces and help Lithuania become an important link in international supply chains. It is a long-term investment in national and regional security that will yield results today and in the future.”

Steve O’Bryan, corporate vice president and global business development officer, Northrop Grumman: “This is another example of Northrop Grumman’s commitment to international defense partnerships that advance NATO capabilities. This collaboration both expedites delivery of a critical defense need and delivers sustained industrial benefits to the United States and Lithuania.”

Morten Brandtzæg, CEO, Nammo: “Nammo is delighted to be part of this initiative. Together with Lithuania and Northrop Grumman, we will work to strengthen and expand the industrial base and supply allied defense.”

For decades, Northrop Grumman’s innovations in ammunition have led to cutting-edge defenses. The company is a technology leader in the design, test and production of a complete family of medium caliber ammunition, delivering accurate and lethal in anti-armor, anti-material, ground suppression, air defense and shipboard-defense applications. This ammunition can be fired from land-, air- and sea-based platforms worldwide. (Source: ASD Network)

 

26 Jun 25. Chemring’s 2025 interim results announcement, published on 3 June, provided an update on the joint feasibility study between the Norwegian Government and Chemring Nobel, Chemring’s Norwegian subsidiary. This study, which commenced in October 2024, was initiated to assess the feasibility of an additional new production facility to significantly increase the production of military explosives, which are crucial to multiple NATO missile and munitions systems. The first phase of this co-funded feasibility study investigated the geographic location, infrastructure requirements and environmental considerations of building a new production facility. Chemring is pleased to announce that the Norwegian Government has confirmed that the study will now progress to its second phase. This concept selection phase will determine the size of the facility, along with the commercial arrangements, and is expected to be finalised next year.

Michael Ord, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented: “We are delighted that the Norwegian Government has confirmed that this important study will continue to the next phase. This decision is a further indicator of the critical need to rapidly increase capacity across the European defence industrial base. This decision is further evidence of Chemring delivering its strategy of delivering growth through a combination of organic investment and bolt-on acquisitions in high-priority defence and national security markets.”

 

24 Jun 25. SWEBAL invests €3m for new ammunition facility. The new facility will be capable of producing more than 4,000t of TNT annually. TNT is an explosive compound used in military munitions including artillery shells. The facility is expected to operate at full scale by late 2027, producing more than 4,000 tonnes (t) of TNT annually. It will employ 50 people to maintain continuous production. The project is supported by Sweden’s former army chief Major General Karl Engelbrektson, e-commerce pioneer Pär Svärdson, and Thomas von Koch, a founding member and past CEO of private equity firm EQT. The strategic investment will be utilised on securing necessary permits and approvals before construction begins at the end of this year. In March, SWEBAL has submitted the required documentation to the Swedish Court of Environment for approval. The funding will also contribute to refining the design and engineering of the facility while preparing the groundwork for initial construction activities slated for this year.

SWEBAL co-founder and CEO Joakim Sjöblom said: “This investment provides invaluable experience and knowledge. It further validates the need to act quickly and invest capital to strengthen European production capacity.  The investment will help us speed up further towards the final approvals, allowing us to have the shovel in the ground as soon as possible. All enabling our mission to strengthen Europe’s defence resilience and ensure long-term security by addressing critical gaps in ammunition production.”

SWEBAL’s new manufacturing facility is set to increase Europe’s local supply of essential components for explosive munitions by 75%. Currently, Russia is capable of producing artillery shells at an annual rate equivalent to 50,000t of TNT, while the remaining European nations have only 6,000t of locally produced TNT available each year.

Karl Engelbrektson siad: “Producing TNT in multiple locations, and in geographic proximity to ammunition manufacturers, would reduce vulnerability and increase the ability to scale production when needed. Therefore, more producers are needed to ensure a secure supply in times of peace, crisis and war. To achieve this, collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to share risk in an agile way and to respond swiftly when required.” (Source: army-technology.com)

 

24 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that ARES introduces counter-UAS ammunitions for ADF consideration. ARES has announced a new line of anti-drone ammunition called “Rooster” as part of its pitch to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Having successfully completed field testing this week, ARES’ Rooster is designed to enhance frontline defence against drone threats, and as such, it is already drawing interest from the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Rooster ammunition is engineered to transform standard in-service 7.62mm and .50 calibre machine guns into effective anti-drone weapons. ARES also indicated the potential development of a 5.56mm variant, broadening its applicability across a wider range of small arms platforms. It represents a “world first ballistics breakthrough”, according to ARES CEO Jason Murray. The Rooster “can turn any in-service small arms rifle into a Counter UAS weapon”, he continued. It delivers a shotgun-like effect on drone targets while maintaining the precision of a single projectile, offering a unique blend of accuracy and area impact.

Head of Ballistics, Tom Tolley, also commented, referring to the Rooster as “an Australian innovation that could really save lives on the battlefield”

One of the key features of the Rooster ammunition is that it requires no additional weapons or modifications, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with existing ADF small arms. This makes it an affordable and scalable solution, ideal for widespread deployment across various units. By enhancing the defensive capabilities of soldiers without adding extra burden, it significantly improves protection for personnel on the ground. Furthermore, the ammunition has been specifically engineered to minimise fallout risk, making it particularly effective and safe for use in urban or densely populated environments. This innovation aligns closely with Australia’s broader defence strategy, which prioritises the rapid deployment of sovereign, layered counter-drone capabilities to address the evolving threat landscape. Central to this strategy are initiatives such as Mission Syracuse, launched under the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), which seeks to accelerate the development and integration of homegrown technologies capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) across diverse operational environments. Similarly, the LAND 156 programme is focused on delivering a comprehensive, scalable counter-sUAS solution for the Australian Army, incorporating a mix of sensors, effectors, and command-and-control systems. By offering a kinetic solution that is both cost-effective and compatible with existing small arms, ARES’s Rooster ammunition complements these initiatives, enhancing the ADF’s ability to respond to drone threats with agility, precision, and minimal logistical burden. https://cuashub.com/en/content/ares-introduces-counter-uas-ammunitions-for-adf-consideration/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

 

24 Jun 25. Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat. Tiberius Aerospace is a modern defence technology company built to empower the UK, US and their global allies with next generation weapon systems and AI powered solutions.  Tiberius recently launched, Sceptre (TRBM 155HG), its revolutionary new liquid fuelled, 155mm Ramjet extended-range precision-guided artillery munition and also outlined its company ethos and mission to help disrupt defence procurement at the Future Artillery conference in London. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology serves as a vital forum within the UK Parliament, uniting Members of Parliament, industry leaders and stakeholders to explore and address vital developments in defence technology.   Its main objectives are to promote understanding and engagement with the UK’s defence technology sector, facilitate collaboration between Parliament and defence industry to support innovation and research, assess the impact of technological advancements on national security and address policy challenges to ensure the sector enhances the UK’s defence capabilities.  Therefore, Tiberius and its founders (Chad Steelberg and Andy Bayes) make perfect partners to the Defence Technology APPG Secretariat (who organise and support the APPG) due to their wealth of experience and significant success across multiple technology sectors now being applied to defence. Having emerged from stealth mode at Future Artillery, Tiberius Aerospace was founded in 2022, in response to a new era of conflict where speed, adaptability, cost-effective capability and supply chain assurance are essential to national security.  With its founders’ DNA rooted in Silicon Valley, Tiberius’ team of engineers, strategists and entrepreneurs are applying best practices, innovative design and engineering expertise from multiple commercial sectors to rapidly deliver high-impact, compliant, modular and open architecture weapon systems.

Andy Baynes, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Tiberius Aerospace said: “Our mission is to deliver next-generation weapon systems of outstanding capability with precision, scale and efficiency empowering the UK, the US and their allies with unmatched agility, precision and rock-solid resilience.  Therefore, we are extremely pleased to partner with the Defence Technology APPG to help them understand the art of the possible, gain insight to the incredible benefits to national security through harnessing modern technology and hopefully help shape a future defence procurement model that rapidly and efficiently combats emerging threats and better supports our collective protection.”

James Clark Strategic Advisor to APPG said, “The Defence Technology APPG Secretariat are very pleased to have Tiberius Aerospace as a new partner.  We are constantly seeking new and innovative companies to partner with us so that the UK Parliament has the best possible insight into the key developments that are taking place in Defence industry that impact on our national security.  The ethos and mission that the founders of Tiberius espouse is very compelling and we look forward to their contribution.”

 

23 Jun 25. 25,000 40mm Ammunition Rounds Ordered from KNDS France.

• The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded KNDS France a contract for the supply of 40mm telescoped ammunition;
• Starting in 2026, these rounds will equip JAGUAR reconnaissance armored vehicles and RAPIDFire turrets in all their variants.

Already in service within the French Army, the 40mm telescoped ammunition reaches a new milestone with this major procurement. The French Procurement Agency order of 25,000 rounds will allow users to further integrate and master this breakthrough technology. The first annual deliveries will include 18,000 training rounds, increasing to up to 30,000 in the following years. An initial batch of 8,000 combat rounds completes this order. The contract establishes dual sourcing for key components to boost joint production capacity between KNDS France and BAE Systems in the United Kingdom. This dual sourcing is made possible by the qualification of new French suppliers (notably in Haute-Savoie, Hautes-Pyrénées, Cher, and Manche), enabling a significant increase in production capability. The 40mm telescoped technology is now operational and deployed on both land and naval systems, such as:

• The JAGUAR reconnaissance and combat armored vehicle, ordered by the French and Belgian armies;
• The RAPIDFire turret in service on the Jacques Chevallier replenishment vessel (BRF), and soon to be integrated onto other ships of the French Navy;
• The land-based version of RAPIDFire, showcased for the first time this year at the Paris Air Show. (Source: ASD Network)

18 Jun 25. Ammo talk. As the debate rages between choosing the .556 round vs the better penetrating .665 round, source suggest that current .665 system being trialled re having reliability problems together with a heavy barrel wear issue of only 12000 rounds. The current thinking is now based around availability vs performance; the more rounds you can pout down the battlefield the better protected your troops. In another development, the MoD is believed to be looking at a .338 machine gun to replace some of the .50 cal duties.

 

19 Jun 25. Nammo, Nordic nations reach agreement for ammunition. The agreement covers delivery, manufacture, and maintenance, with initial focus on 155mm artillery and small arms calibres. Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway have entered into a strategic partnership agreement (SPA) with Norwegian defence company Nammo, to strengthen ammunition supply and defence readiness. The move is a response to the changing security landscape within Europe, and emphasises the importance of secure ammunition supply chains. The SPA covers the provision, manufacture, and maintenance of ammunition. The initial phase of the partnership will concentrate on the production of 155mm artillery rounds and various small arms ammunition calibres. Through this SPA, the Nordic nations aim to establish critical ammunition reserves for their military forces, guaranteeing supply security during volatile periods and promote the growth of the defence industry within each nation involved. In addition, the collaboration will strengthen existing ties under the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) framework. The NORDEFCO, comprising Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, aims to bolster the defence capabilities of its member nations. It seeks to identify and leverage synergies among the participants and to enable effective joint solutions. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence said the accord paves the way for collaborative advancements in several key areas. These include the collective acquisition of ammunition, a potential tripling of production capacity during peacetime, the establishment of cross-border shared stockpiles, and streamlined coordination for ongoing assistance to Ukraine. The signing parties said: “We are very pleased that this agreement establishes a framework with Nammo as a strong and committed partner in ammunition production. Nammo’s extensive experience and expertise will ensure the delivery of quality products to our forces.” The partnership is also expected to bolster Nordic defence cooperation in various areas such as research and development, launching new product lines, and shared use of ammunition resources. Norway Defence Minister Tore Sandvik said: “Security in Norway and the Nordic region are closely connected. The Nordics are now taking more responsibility for our own security through large-scale strengthening of our defences. At the same time, we must become more efficient through deeper integration of forces and materiel. I’m pleased to see that we are making progress every day.” In May 2025, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) granted a contract valued at approximately $185.8m to Nammo for the provision of small-calibre ammunition. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

19 Jun 25. Dutch Navy to arm future submarines with European JSM-SL missiles. The missile is anticipated to be “ready in time to integrate” in 2032. Netherlands State Secretary for Defense Gijs Tuinman has informed the nation’s House of Representatives that the Royal Netherlands Navy will equip its future submarines with a European-manufactured cruise missile.  The navy will use a submarine-launched variant of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM-SL), which is currently under development in a collaborative effort led by Spain, involving several European nations. Tuinman said that the JSM-SL will be designed to fulfil all operational requirements and is expected to present an opportunity for Dutch research institutions and industries to contribute. The integration of this weapon system is anticipated to take place in 2032.

Tuinman also stated that it has been decided not to upgrade the existing Walrus-class submarines with this capability due to their limited remaining service life and the time required for procurement and system integration. The Netherlands will receive Tomahawk missiles for use on the navy’s air defence and command frigates by 2028, he said.        These missiles are being acquired from Raytheon and are compatible with the launching systems aboard the frigates. The Tomahawk boasts a range exceeding 1,000km. The missile is expected to enhance the Royal Netherlands Navy’s operational capabilities, enabling precision strikes against strategic targets such as command centres and enemy installations. A significant milestone was achieved in March 2025 when the air defence and command frigate Zr.Ms. De Ruyter successfully launched a Tomahawk missile off the coast of Norfolk. This test, conducted in collaboration with the US Navy and the Ministry of Defence, marked the first instance of a Dutch naval ship firing this type of missile and aimed to gather crucial data for future operations. In February 2025, the Royal Netherlands Navy christened its new Combat Support Ship (CSS), the future HNLMS Den Helder. The ship was officially named by Princess of Orange Catharina-Amalia at Damen Naval’s shipyard in Vlissingen. In a related development, Royal IHC and Naval Group recently entered into a contract for the provision of essential components for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s upcoming Orka-class submarines. As the primary contractor for the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Naval Group is tasked with constructing four Orka-class submarines. These vessels are slated to become operational in the next decade and will undertake various missions such as deterrence, intelligence collection, and special operations, serving both national and international security objectives. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

18 Jun 25. MATARIS: The First French Range of Loitering Munitions.

• KNDS France, in partnership with DELAIR and EOS TECHNOLOGIE, is offering a complete range of Loitering Munitions systems (LMS) comprising four solutions designed to meet various short and medium range operational requirements;
• Developed in record time, one LMS from the range is already in service in Ukraine, while another is about to enter service within the French Armed Forces;
• Based on platforms to be delivered to all three branches of the French military starting June 2025, the medium-range LMS will undergo upgrades by the end of 2025.

In France and Ukraine: An Operational Munition Already in Service

The MATARIS range includes four types of remotely operated munitions (short and medium range), each equipped with a warhead specifically developed by KNDS:

• MT-10: rotary-wing with a 10 km range
• MX-10 DAMOCLES: quadcopter-wing with a 10 km range
• MV-25 OSKAR: fixed-wing with a 25 km range
• MV-100 VELOCE 330: fixed-wing with a 100 km range

The entire range was developed in record time to urgently fill a capability gap in the French military arsenal, in close cooperation with drone specialists DELAIR and EOS TECHNOLOGIE.  MX-10 DAMOCLES is entering in service in the French Army. Developed, qualified (in terms of safety), and produced in 12 months in response to the LMS Short-range program of the French MoD, the MX-10 DAMOCLES will enter in service in July 2025. Its quadcopter wing is manufactured by DELAIR, a leading French and European military drone company. The fragmentation-incendiary warhead is produced by KNDS Ammo France. The MX-10 can neutralize infantry groups, unarmored vehicles, and even light armored vehicles. With this development, KNDS and DELAIR are poised to begin mass production of short-range LMS, becoming France’s primary supplier of short-range remotely operated munitions. MV-25 OSKAR: Operational in Ukraine. Only two years passed between the start of development and operational deployment in Ukraine. Selected under the COLIBRI project launched by the French Defense Innovation Agency (AID) in 2022, the MV-25 OSKAR was test-flown with a live warhead in June 2024. Excellent feedback from the Ukrainian armed forces and the French Army’s adoption of the MX-10 DAMOCLES establish KNDS and DELAIR as major players in this new MTO segment.

Medium-Range MTOs: KNDS and EOS TECHNOLOGIE Join Forces

To target medium and long-range threats, KNDS partnered with EOS TECHNOLOGIE, a recognized drone manufacturer. The VELOCE 330 platform from EOS offers a 100 km range, speeds over 400 km/h (thanks to a turbine), and an aerodynamic efficiency of 30. KNDS Ammo France developed a 2.5 kg anti-armor warhead, based on the BONUS shell technology. This MTO is capable of neutralizing high-value armored targets. An operational detonation test is scheduled before the end of 2025.

A Versatile and Secure French Solution

Easy to use, highly secure (thanks to KNDS’s electronic arming safety device), and capable of engaging a wide variety of targets, MATARIS represents the latest advancement in remotely operated munitions from KNDS. Drawing on its deep expertise in munitions, KNDS has delivered this innovative range in record time, becoming, alongside DELAIR and EOS TECHNOLOGIE, the first French group to offer such a comprehensive solution. (Source: ASD Network)

 

17 Jun 25. Thales and Boreal team up to produce long-range loitering munitions. Thales has reached an agreement with Boreal, a subsidiary of the the multidisciplinary aerospace and defence Group MISTRAL, specialising in UAV technologies and known in particular for its high-performance long-range Boreal Aerial Vehicle.

• The cooperation will further strengthen France’s defence industrial and technological base through the development of a comprehensive range of sovereign French long-range loitering munitions offering a unique combination of performance, availability and dependability.
• Based on mature platform and payload technologies, this innovative solution will be available from 2026.

This long-range loitering munition (MTO-LP1) will meet the operational requirements of France and other NATO forces. With range capabilities of several hundred kilometres, which technically could be extended even further, the system is designed for easy deployment by two operators in less than 30 minutes. Up to 10 munitions could be launched simultaneously for coordinated operations. This versatile solution can be easily adapted for any use case. The payload offers a high level of safety and security and is platform-agnostic, which reduces transport, storage and other logistical requirements, particularly in the theatre of operations. The munition is optimised for target engagements at long range. The incremental development roadmap for the MTO-LP includes an initial operational capability in 2026 with annual production of 1,000 warheads, followed by advanced developments in 2027 to incorporate counter-vulnerability functions, enhanced mission profiles and a varied range of effectors for long-range military strikes. Initial flight tests are scheduled for the summer of 2025. The cooperation between Thales and Boreal will strengthen France’s defence industrial and technological base by supporting the ramp-up of industrial operations by Boreal, a medium-sized enterprise, and will offer additional partnership opportunities in Belgium.

“Thales is excited about this collaboration with Boreal, a pioneer in drone technology whose UAVs are widely recognised for their long endurance capabilities. By combining the agility of Boreal with our industrial capacity, we plan to develop a high-performance solution that meets real operational needs and will be available from 2026,” said Eric Normant, Vice President, Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Thales.

1 MTO-LP: Munition Télé-Opérée – Longue Portée

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 bn per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 bn.

About Boreal

Boreal SAS, a leading specialist in long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), designs and operates robust, field-proven Unmanned Aerial Systems carrying payloads tailored to specific operational requirements. These systems are in service in many different sectors, in particular for surveillance, reconnaissance and military support missions.

Boreal’s expertise is part of a broader ecosystem including sister companies M3 Systems France and M3 Systems Belgium, which are recognised for their know-how in positioning solutions for critical environments. This unique ecosystem underpins the potential for technological innovation of the family-owned MISTRAL Group, a multi-disciplinary player in the aerospace and defence sector.

BATTLESPACE announces the introduction of the BATTLESPACE Ballistics Forum which will provide technical input from a Panel of experts culminating in the first annual Conference at Bisley in 2026.

This new Ballistics Section will be introduced on the BATTLESPACE Weekly Update and Exhibition News and White Papers added to the website.

The Editor cut his teeth in ballistics technology being in the front line as head of Public Relations for Astra Holdings during the company’s huge growth in the early eighties and then sudden fall from grace during the Iraq Supergun affair, where the Belgian subsidiary PRB, purchased in 1989 was found to be the source of the supergun propellant developed by Dr Gerald Bull. The company was brought from the Receivers by BAE Systems.

The recent SDSR required the building of 6 new munitions facilities to onshore and increase production of munitions of all calibres. The head of the Army CGS General Sir Roly Walker has forecast a tripling of lethality in 10 years. This can be achieved by advances in ballistics, powder and TNT to achieve more bangs for bucks!

The demise of Fort Halsted following the privatisation of DERA to form Qinetiq placed a big gap in R&D for ballistics and explosives. The BATTLESPACE Ballistics Forum will bring together experts in the black art of ballistics with a Conference on small arms ammunition next year at Bisley

There is a new BATTLESPACE Ballistics Forum section on the website where White papers and technology papers can be submitted.

www.battle-technology.com