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Germany and the United Kingdom have cemented intentions to jointly develop prototype enhanced kinetic energy advanced armour-piercing tank ammunition.
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The standardised ammunition is expected to be used for the UK’s future Challenger 3 main battle tanks and German Leopard 2 tanks, according to information released by the UK Ministry of Defence on 27 April.
UK National Armaments Director Andy Start recently met with Germany’s Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki to sign a statement of intent to work together on the enhanced kinetic energy (EKE) round.
Start said both countries have collaborated on several key defence initiatives such as joint air policing missions in Estonia and land forces with the Joint Amphibious Battalion.
“The UK will continue to drive stronger collaboration between partner nations to address current and future procurement needs,” he said.
“This approach maximises our collective strength to drive standardisation across NATO and provides the opportunity for nations to improve availability and realise efficiencies.”
The EKE round is expected to promote sustainable industrial capacity for both nations, support future export potential and maintain potential collaboration for other 120mm tank ammunition types fired from the L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun.
“We’re very pleased to work with Germany on this program, helping equip our respective Armed Forces with a crucial battle-winning capability,” said UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
“The ammunition will not only benefit battlefield collaboration with many of our NATO allies but has important export potential for UK and German defence industry partners.”
Under the terms of the new agreement, additional nations can join the cooperation or become export recipients.
“With the statement of intent being signed, the United Kingdom and Germany will consider the request to allow for additional partners to join the program as soon as possible,” said German National Armament Director Vice Admiral Stawitzki.
