The UK and Germany have signed an agreement to begin the next phase of joint advanced armor-piercing ammunition development for the countries’ main battle tanks.
The partnership follows the completion of the 120-millimeter Enhanced Kinetic Energy (EKE) round’s regulatory and legal evaluations.
For the latest phase, the capability will undergo a qualification process to ensure interoperability with the UK’s planned Challenger 3 and the German Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
Once completed, the EKE ammunition will be fired from the L55A1 turret mounted on both fleets.
“The UK will continue to drive stronger collaboration between partner nations to address current and future procurement needs,” UK Defence Equipment & Support CEO Andy Start explained.
“This approach maximises our collective strength to drive standardisation across NATO and provides the opportunity for nations to improve availability and realise efficiencies.”
Open for Future Collaborations
According to the UK, the partnership permits other nations to collaborate on the initiative as export recipients and co-developers.
Discussion surrounding the potential acquisition of other 120-millimeter tank ammunition is also open throughout the partnership.
“With the Statement of Intent being signed, the United Kingdom and Germany will consider the request to allow for additional partners to join the programme as soon as possible,” German National Armament Director Vice Admr. Carsten Stawitzki stated.
“A request from another partner to join is also on the table.”
