KNDS France has announced the acquisition of a significant contract to supply 25,000 rounds of 40-millimeter telescoped ammunition to the French Armed Forces. The arrangement is set to unfold over the next few years, with production and delivery expected to continue until 2026. The contract specifically includes the serial manufacturing of the Multi-Purpose Timed Perforating Projectile, a vital component designed for anti-armor operations.
As an initial stage of the project, the first annual deliveries will feature 18,000 training munitions, with the possibility to increase this number to 30,000 in subsequent batches. A head start has already been established, with an initial 8,000 combat rounds successfully delivered to Paris as part of this agreement.
KNDS officials emphasized that this contract is pivotal for enhancing the French military’s capacity to effectively integrate and master the advanced 40-millimeter ammunition technology with their existing platforms. The innovative design of the telescoped shell boasts a nested structure that is both shorter and more compact. This design facilitates quicker reloading during field operations and maximizes storage capacity for resupply missions.
Upon arrival, the ammunition will be distributed to the French Army’s Jaguar six-wheel armored fighting vehicles, which are being procured in a collaborative effort with the Belgian Army. The rounds are intended to be fired from the Jaguar’s primary armament, an autocannon that forms a crucial part of its combat capability.
In addition to land applications, the munition will also be utilized with the RAPIDFire weapon system aboard the French Navy’s Jacques Chevallier-class replenishment vessels. This integration is expected to bolster the navy’s support capabilities, particularly in terms of at-sea refueling, tactical equipment transport, and troop resupply missions. Following successful integration into the Jacques Chevallier fleet, there are plans for the ordnance to be deployed across a wider range of naval platforms.
Moreover, the ammunition will also support the land-based iteration of the RAPIDFire system, which was unveiled for the first time at a recent defense equipment convention in Paris, signaling a robust commitment to advancing military technology and readiness across both land and sea operations.
