ATK awarded UK MOD ammunition contract
ATK has been awarded a $37 million contract to provide lightweight (LW) 30mm ammunition - including the M788 TP (target practice) training round and the M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) tactical round - to the United Kingdom's (UK) Ministry of Defence (MoD). The contract reinforces ATK's position as a preferred provider of medium-caliber ammunition to allied forces worldwide. Both rounds will support the UK's fleet of AH-64 Apache Helicopters.
These two rounds make up ATK's family of LW30mm ammunition and were originally developed and fielded for the M230 automatic cannon and the AH-64 Attack helicopter. The M789 HEDP round provides the accuracy and armor penetration capabilities necessary to effectively defeat today's threats, and the cost-effective, ballistically-matched M788 training rounds enable improved warfighter performance in active theaters around the globe. ATK has produced more than 14 million LW30mm cartridges rounds since 1977.
"Lightweight 30mm ammunition provides superior multi-role, multi-target defeat capabilities," said Dan Olson, Vice President and General Manager, ATK Integrated Weapons Systems. "Our M789 rounds are currently in use supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are proud to provide US and allied forces worldwide with the medium-caliber munitions necessary to prevail in mission-critical scenarios."
ATK's Mesa, Arizona-based Integrated Weapon Systems Division was awarded the contract. Production of the LW30mm rounds will take place at the company's facilities in Rocket Center, W. Va. and Radford, Va., with delivery to the UK Ministry of Defence scheduled to begin in early 2012.
Source: ATK
More from Land Warfare
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
