Nammo has secured a contract to supply Australia’s F-35A fighter jets with the advanced APEX 25mm armor-piercing ammunition.
Valued at 22.9 million Australian dollars ($14.2 million), the agreement marks the first major sale of the cutting-edge ammunition, according to the Norwegian-Finnish defense company.
Reijo Bragberg, executive vice president of Nammo’s Small and Medium Caliber business unit, said that the deal highlights the company’s commitment to advancing defense technology and innovation.
“Our APEX ammunition is recognized as the most capable aircraft ammunition ever deployed, and its performance against a diverse range of targets sets it apart,” he stated.
Work on the contract is set to begin later this year, with deliveries expected to continue through 2027.
Once delivered, the ammunition will enhance warhead performance and accuracy, improving the operational effectiveness of the F-35A fleet.
An Effective Penetrator
Nammo’s APEX ammunition combines armor-piercing and explosive effects within a single round, making it unique among other aircraft ammunition.
It features a tungsten carbide penetrator capable of neutralizing armored, semi-armored, and light targets from both air and ground.
The round also houses an explosives-filled warhead, delivering blast, fragmentation, and incendiary effects upon detonation.
Unlike conventional ammunition that requires a direct hit to neutralize a target, the APEX remains effective even with glancing strikes.
Additionally, the ammo incorporates a dual-safety fuse that ensures a safe arming distance from the aircraft and a delayed detonation within the target.
