France Secures New Ammunition Contract
France has officially secured a pivotal contract to supply 25,000 rounds of 40-millimeter telescoped ammunition for its armed forces. This significant project will continue to unfold until 2026, focusing on the serial production of the Multi-Purpose Timed Perforating Projectile variant, primarily designed for anti-armor operations.
As part of this arrangement, the initial deliveries will include 18,000 training munitions, with potential increments bringing the total to 30,000 in future batches. Notably, an initial supply of 8,000 combat rounds has already been delivered to Paris under the terms of the contract.
Enhanced Capabilities for the French Military
KNDS, the defense contractor behind the project, highlighted that this contract is crucial for the French military. It aims to further integrate and master 40-millimeter ammunition technology with existing military platforms, thereby enhancing operational efficiency in the field.
The telescoped design of the ammunition features a nested construction, which makes it shorter and more compact. This innovation allows for quicker reloading times during operations, as well as increased storage capacity during resupply missions, giving French forces a significant tactical advantage.
Integration with Armored Vehicles and Naval Platforms
Upon receipt, the new ammunition will be allocated to the French Army’s Jaguar armored vehicles. These six-wheeled fighting machines are being procured in collaboration with the Belgian Army and are essential for modern ground operations.
The Jaguar will utilize the newly supplied rounds through its main cased armament autocannon, improving its combat effectiveness on the battlefield.
Naval Deployment of Telescoped Ammunition
In addition to land operations, this 40-millimeter ammunition will also be deployed aboard the French Navy’s Jacques Chevallier-class replenishment vessels. This deployment is set to enhance their capabilities for at-sea refueling, tactical equipment transport, and troop resupply, thereby bolstering naval operations significantly.
Following its integration into the Jacques Chevallier fleet, the ammunition is expected to be rolled out across additional naval platforms, showcasing France’s commitment to modernizing its maritime defenses.
Land-Based Systems and Future Developments
Moreover, the ammunition will be utilized with the land-based version of the RAPIDFire system, which was showcased at a defense exhibition in Paris earlier this year. This indicates a strategic move towards integrating advanced munitions technology across various platforms.
This multi-faceted approach to ammunition deployment represents not only an enhancement of current military capabilities but also a commitment to maintaining operational readiness in diverse combat scenarios.
