New 40mm ammunition for Australia

11 September 2013

Australian Munitions and Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics) have signed an agreement to cooperate in Australia and New Zealand for the development, manufacturing and marketing of ST Kinetics' world-leading 40mm low velocity, extended range, and air bursting ammunition.

The two companies will focus on making new 40mm capabilities available to the Australian Department of Defence and establishing supply from within Australia. They will also look to introduce an innovative supply chain approach which includes reciprocation of supply.

ST Kinetics designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of 40mm weapons and ammunition, Fire Control Units and ammunition as systems, and has an unrivalled pedigree in this essential battlefield capability. Its innovative 40mm ammunition solutions also include air bursting, camera surveillance and even self-destruct rounds. The company's 40mm ammunition is currently in service with a number of ABCA (American, British, Canadian, Australian) countries.

Kevin Wall, Australian Munitions Executive General Manager, said: The introduction of this capability to Australia gives the Department of Defence new options in 40mm ammunition, and is good for Australian industry as it involves new manufacturing at our facility in Benalla, Victoria. This range also complements the broad and deep product portfolio offered by the Thales Group and our strategic partners.

We will also be working with ST Kinetics to integrate the 40mm ammunition with Thales Australia's in-service F88SA2 assault rifle, as well as the new EF88 currently in development.

Gan Boon Jin, Chief Operating Officer and President, Defence Business at ST Kinetics, said: The opportunity to introduce a new local manufacturing capability and work with Australian Munitions in the region is a very exciting step for us. As an established 40mm solutions player, ST Kinetics brings to this partnership its experience in the design and manufacturing of 40mm ammunitions and weapons; there is a strong complementary fit here. We look forward to the activities that lie ahead.

About ST Kinetics

ST Kinetics (Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd) is the land systems and specialty vehicles arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. It is one of Asia's leading land systems and specialty vehicles companies, delivering smart engineering solutions since 1967 for the commercial, defence and homeland security markets. With more than 7,000 employees worldwide and revenue of over S$1.5b in FY2012, ST Kinetics delivers products and solutions to end users in more than 40 countries around the world; helping to maintain the peace of nations and increasing the productivity of businesses involved in earthmoving, road construction and goods distribution. www.stengg.com

About Australian Munitions

Australian Munitions is the largest manufacturer and supplier of explosive ordnance in Australia, with a successful track record delivering ammunition, propellants, explosives and related services to the Australian Defence Force. Australian Munitions produces high quality propellant and ammunition for military and civilian domestic and international customers, and is also a principal supplier of small arms ammunition to the New Zealand Defence Force.

Australian Munitions is part of Thales's global network of explosive ordnance expertise, which includes Thales Advanced Weapon Systems, Thales Missile Electronics, Junghans Microtec, TDA Armements and Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ). It has also formed strategic partnerships with renowned world-class companies: US-based General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Norway's Nammo and Winchester Australia.

Press contacts

Julian Elliott

Thales Australia

61 (0)2 8037 6031

61 (0)401 134 415

julian.elliott@thalesgroup.com.au

Hanli Tan

ST Kinetics

65 6660 7448

65 9295 1923

tanhanli@stengg.com

LINK:	http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Countries/Australia/2013/201...
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