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Specialist munitions manufacturer Ares Armaments Australia has announced a collaboration with defence contractor ZU Bladeworx Australia.
Ares has announced that a limited line of blades from ZU Bladeworx will be produced alongside Ares’ “Rooster” counter-unmanned aerial system ammunition.
ZU Bladeworx Australia was previously announced as the contractor and manufacturer to supply H2HFW Combat Knife for the Australian Army and Commonwealth of Australia.
Rooster ammunition is reportedly designed to turn any in-service 7.62mm or .50 machine gun small arms firearm into a counter UAS weapon by producing shotgun effects on drone targets using single projectile accuracy.
Ares Armaments Australia chief executive officer Jason Murray said the collaboration with ZU Bladeworx is foundational.
“We’re fortunate to work alongside partners whose standards, discipline and intent mirror our own. One such partner is Matt Lucarnus and the team at ZU Bladeworx Australia,” he said.
“Their work reflects an uncompromising approach to design and precision manufacturing, where every line, radius and interface serves a purpose.
“The balance between form and function (in the blades) is deliberate, showing an aggressive yet refined geometry, weight-reduced skeletonised handles, flawless machining tolerances, and finishes that speak to durability under real-world conditions.
“ZU Bladeworx Australia are widely respected for producing truly distinctive blades, including the Nomad Mk4 fighting knife for the ADF, and that same level of craftsmanship is evident throughout this collaboration.
“Each knife is forged with intent, precision-machined and finished to exacting standards, no excess, no compromise.
“To commemorate the launch of the … Rooster C-UAS ammunition line, Matt and his team produced a limited Ares blade, machined from a single billet.
“Set against the tools of its trade, the result is striking and purpose built, uncompromising and unmistakably ZU Bladeworx Australia.
“Already a collector’s piece, it stands as a quiet testament to what’s possible when trusted partners bring shared values, technical mastery and respect for craft to the table.”
