The European Defence Agency has started the Small Arms Ammunition Technologies project to create a common standard for small arms ammunition, improve interoperability between European armed forces and advance ammunition technology development.
The agency allocated $8.6 million and tapped FN Herstal, a Belgium-based firearms manufacturer, to lead the four-year effort. Partners from nine countries form the consortium, including firearms makers Beretta, Fiocchi Munizioni and Swiss P Defence.
By gathering several partners, the initiative aims to deliver several goals:
- analyze ammunition components,
- create performance criteria for small arms ammunition to address threats,
- develop projectile prototypes and
- advance the design of ammunition technologies.
The project collaborators held their first meeting in December to establish the SAAT framework.
The establishment of the SAAT project is the latest in EDA’s efforts to improve the defense capability of its member states through European cooperation. Earlier in December, it launched the second phase of the ETLAT project, which aims to develop underwater surveillance technology. In collaboration with the European Investment Bank, EDA is also working to improve the European Union’s civilian and military assets for enhanced international security and crisis management.