Nammo & Thales to cooperate on NextGen Aircraft Ammunition

• Nammo and Thales Australia signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) at Eurosatory today for a planned cooperation on the next generation aircraft ammunition

(June 18, 2010) -- This is driven by Norway and Australia's involvement in the F-35 fighter program and the need for a new ammunition round capable of meeting all requirements and ensuring lethality against both soft and hard targets. This will include cooperation on the Norwegian ammunition concept, APEX, and a special training round as well as Thales' frangible ammunition round called APFI. The APEX development and
qualification effort is now fully funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Nammo.


"This cooperation will create a new platform for ammunition business between two industry leaders. Nammo's APEX concept is based on more than 20 years of heritage in the aircraft ammunition business with presence on nearly all fighter aircraft of NATO and in the western world. This will give the air forces superior performance both in the air combat role and in the close air support role" said Kjell Kringsja, the Executive Vice president of Nammo's Medium and Large Caliber Division.

Chris Jenkins, CEO of Thales Australia, said: "I have high expectations for this cooperation. Not only will this create a broader basis for further business development, but it will also pave the way for industrial participation related to the F-35 programme and entry into the aircraft ammunition area."

"Our significant expertise in ordnance, combined with our world-class propellant technology, is the basis of what will be a highly productive partnership with Nammo and a product offering that will appeal to a wide range of international customers."

Source : Thales Group (Paris: HO.PA)