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Australia Strengthens Military Capabilities with Nammo's APEX Ammunition for F-35A.
Australia has taken a step in enhancing its military capabilities through a contract signed between Norwegian company Nammo and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The agreement, announced on January 10, 2025, involves the introduction of advanced 25 mm x 137 APEX PGU-47/U ammunition for the F-35A Lightning II. Designed for the GAU-22/A cannon of the F-35A, this ammunition combines technological advancements with operational capabilities tailored to modern air force requirements.
The 25 mm x 137 APEX PGU-47/U is effective across various targets, including armored vehicles and fortified structures, due to its versatile design. (Picture source: US Air Force)
While the financial details of the contract remain undisclosed, Nammo confirmed that production will begin in 2025, with deliveries scheduled over the following two years. This agreement marks the first large-scale adoption of APEX ammunition, underscoring its strategic importance in contemporary armament systems. According to Reijo Bragberg, Executive Vice President of Nammo’s Small and Medium Caliber division, the ammunition is effective across various targets, including armored vehicles and fortified structures, due to its versatile design.
The 25 mm x 137 APEX PGU-47/U stands out for its innovative design, which integrates armor-piercing and explosive effects in a single projectile. It features a tungsten carbide penetrator and a delayed-action explosive warhead, maximizing internal damage through blast, fragmentation, and incendiary effects. This versatility allows it to effectively engage diverse targets, such as armored, semi-armored, and lightly fortified structures. Additionally, the ammunition includes a tracer function that improves firing accuracy and supports missions requiring visible warning shots, such as air policing.
In terms of performance, the APEX ammunition incorporates several unique features. Its optimized aerodynamics enhance range and accuracy, while its advanced dual-safety fuze (FMU-171/U) ensures safe arming and delayed detonation within targets. The ammunition remains effective even in glancing impacts, setting it apart from traditional designs. Its exclusive compatibility with the F-35A further highlights its suitability for modern combat scenarios.
The development of the APEX ammunition is the result of nearly two decades of research and development by Nammo, conducted in collaboration with Norwegian partners such as the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). This extensive testing and qualification process ensures its safe and effective integration into F-35A operations.
The RAAF recently acquired 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, benefiting from the latest technological advancements. In December 2024, the final nine aircraft delivered were the first to feature the "Technology Refresh 3" upgrade, which prepares the fleet for Block 4 enhancements. These upgrades introduce expanded capabilities and systems designed to address emerging threats, bolstering Australia’s operational readiness in an evolving geopolitical context.
This agreement with Nammo reflects Australia's broader efforts to modernize its military arsenal while collaborating with international defense industry partners. The introduction of APEX ammunition into the Australian forces demonstrates the increasing importance of innovative solutions to meet current strategic challenges. These munitions are expected to play a critical role in future RAAF operations, enhancing its ability to effectively engage a variety of targets in both air and ground scenarios.
The partnership between Nammo and the RAAF also highlights the evolving demands of modern military operations and the adoption of advanced technologies for next-generation platforms like the F-35A. With deliveries expected to continue through 2027, this project strengthens Nammo's position in the advanced armament market. It prepares the Australian forces to address the challenges of future conflicts, emphasizing the significance of international collaboration in the defense sector.