GD and ATK to supply Aussie Tank Ammo

A team composed of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has been awarded a contract worth approximately $50 million by the Commonwealth to produce 120 mm tank ammunition for the Australian Army.

The contract, for an undisclosed quantity of tactical and training ammunition, represents Australia's first procurement of ammunition to equip 59 M1A1 Abrams AIM tanks currently on order from the US Government.

"We have a long history of working with Australia and are delighted that the Commonwealth has decided to equip its new fleet of tanks with the best- performing family of 120 mm tank ammunition in the world," said Mr Mike Wilson, president of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. "We are equally pleased to be teamed with ATK to fulfil the Australian requirements and to be working closely with ADI Limited for future Australian tank ammunition needs."

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems will be the program prime contractor and will produce the latest 120 mm KEW-A2 tungsten APFSDS-T cartridge, as well as quantities of training ammunition, for the Australian Armed Forces.

According to Mr Tom Wilson, vice president of ATK Precision Systems Group, "ATK and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems have long been the world's premier manufacturers of tank ammunition for the U.S. and its allies. The coming together of the two companies to create a streamlined team to fulfil the Australian Army's requirements will allow for economies on the program while generating a true integrated product team for the Australian 120 mm ammunition family."